Challengermode, a Swedish tech startup and online competitive gaming platform, recently closed a new round of funding round of $1.3m (£1.03m) with Zlatan Ibrahimović amongst the investors.

After launching the first Nordic university esports championship together with Hewlett Packard’s (HP) sub brand Omen by HP, a number of investors saw the company as a viable opportunity in the esports space.

Robel Efrem, CEO & Founder of Challengermode commented: “The company has quickly grown to become a leading actor in the Northern European esports scene, working with major partners. Twitch, Nordea and Save the Children are a few of them.

“We are now seeing the next phase of esports going mainstream around the world, and we couldn’t be more excited by the brands and investors who have chosen to join us in creating tools for players and brands alike to thrive in this booming field.”

With this funding secure Challengermode’s aim now is to continue its recent growth by developing stronger relationships with brands, esports organisations and game developers.

The Swedish company was founded in Stockholm in 2014. Challengermode is an online platform that allows gamers to compete like professionals and win prizes ranging from money to sponsored products.

Esports Insider says: Zlatan himself. The United striker is one of the biggest names in world football and yet another sports star that has seen an opportunity in esports, and invested accordingly. Will he convince the Manchester United hierarchy to do the same? Only time will tell…