Company Research Report: Freaks 4U Gaming GmbH

Company Overview

Name, Mission of the Company

Name: Freaks 4U Gaming GmbH

Mission: To be the world's leading 360° marketing and communications agency for gaming and esports, offering comprehensive services through a combination of marketing professionals, esports specialists, and industry veterans.

Founding Details

Founding Year:

2002: Foundation of Freaks 4U GmbH

2011: Spin-off of Gaming and Esports Business, Foundation of Freaks 4U Gaming GmbH

Founder: No information is available

Key People

Michael Haenisch: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Hank Cheng: General Manager (Asia)

Marija Haenisch: Vice President Marketing & Communications

Christian Schmidt: Head of IT & Logistics

Benjamin Willem: Head of Tournament

Cindy Chou: Director of Corporate Communications

Anna Ziegler: Head of Design

Headquarters

Location: Berlin, Germany

Number of Employees

2020: 190+ employees

Revenue

No information is available

Known For

Freaks 4U Gaming is known for its extensive knowledge in the gaming and esports industry, offering a wide range of services, and operating some of the largest esports communities and events worldwide. They have been recognized multiple times for their rapid growth and significant contributions to the esports sector.

Products

Offerings

1. Marketing Communications Services

Full-service 360° marketing for gaming and esports.

Services: Strategy development, partnerships, creative services, influencer and online advertising, social media and community management, events, public relations, hardware placements & logistics, tournaments, websites.

2. Production Services

In-house TV studio, on-site live event coverage, on-screen talent, tournament organization, influencer engagement, and extensive news coverage.

3. Community Development

Development of websites and communities with interactive features such as leagues and tournaments.

Key Features

TV Production: Custom studio setups, professional equipment, live broadcasts.

Editorial & Esports Journalism: Event coverage, unique insights, investigative work.

Event Management: From planning to execution and logistics.

Online Broadcasts: Real-time engagement and community management.

Recent Developments

New Products and Partnerships

1. DreamHack Hannover Partnership:

Date: April 5, 2022

Description: A multi-year strategic partnership with Deutsche Messe to bring DreamHack, a major gaming lifestyle event, to Hannover, Germany.

Activities: LAN areas, cosplay competitions, influencer appearances, exhibition zones, music performances, and esports tournaments.

2. Gamevasion 2022:

Event Date: December 15-18, 2022 at DreamHack Hannover

Features: Digital and live stage events, influencer participation, community engagement.

3. VRL DACH and VRL France License:

Date: December 13, 2021

Purpose: Operate VALORANT regional leagues in the DACH region and France, including tournament organization, broadcast production, and community management.

4. Strauss Prime League Sponsorship:

Date: December 6, 2021

Partner: Engelbert Strauss (European work and utility apparel brand)

Details: First naming rights sponsorship for the Prime League, enhancement of production quality, and development of lifestyle wear.

5. ESL Meisterschaft by 99Damage:

Date: November 5, 2021

Merge: 99Liga and ESL Meisterschaft to form the largest CS:GO league in the DACH region.

Objective: Elevate competitive scene, extensive media coverage.

6. VCT Game Changers EMEA:

Date: November 1, 2021

Organizer: Diversity in Esports (DivE)

Role: Tournament broadcast production to promote gender diversity in VALORANT esports.

7. New Department of Platforms and Distribution:

Date: October 28, 2021

Head of Department: Sebastian Hauser

Objective: Development and management of media distribution strategy, commercialization of media rights.

8. ESL and DreamHack Collaboration:

Date: October 7, 2021

Purpose: Freaks 4U Gaming to operate ESL and DreamHack in Germany and France.

Investment and Awards

1. Investment from Co-Investor Partners:

Date: August 11, 2021

Amount: €15 million

Use: Accelerate global expansions and solidify Pan-European footprint.

2. Recognition:

Inc. 5000 Europe: Among Europe's 5000 fastest growing companies (2018)

Financial Times FT1000: Among Europe's fastest-growing companies on multiple occasions (2018, 2019)

Germany’s Fastest Growing Companies: Multiple acknowledgments from FOCUS BUSINESS (2017-2019)

Additional Details

Communities: Freaks 4U Gaming operates significant community portals such as 99Damage (CS:GO), Summoner’s Inn (League of Legends), and 1PV (French CS: GO).