Tekkorp adds former Playtech, SG Digital executive Steve Schrier following News Corp Australia deal

Gaming investment firm Tekkorp Capital is adding seasoned executive Steve Schrier to its team, the venture capital fund set up by gaming entrepreneur Matt Daver announced on Wednesday. The team expansion comes only weeks after the firm announced the establishment of its advisory arm.

Tekkorp Capital’s newly-created advisory team announced, shortly after its launch, a partnership with Australian media giant News Corp Australia and online sports betting pioneer Matt Tripp -former founder and Chairman of Sportsbet and CEO of BetEasy- for a new sports betting venture.

Now the advisory arm is seeking to further strengthen its team with the addition of Schrier, who has experience in multinational global commercial roles for over 25 years in the technology and gaming sectors, including in the UK and Bay Area of San Francisco.

The executive was part of the team that built and sold Ash Gaming to Playtech in 2011, and then served for five years at Playtech as Head of Commercial. Most recently, Schrier served as Chief Commercial Officer of SG Digital, while running his own consultancy and advisory business for the last two years.

"If Tekkorp Capital is to fully realize its potential as a key strategic player in the development of the global gaming sector then it's essential we ensure we have the best possible mix of talents and experience. Steve Schrier's commercial know-how at the forefront of this industry gives us even more strength in depth,” commented Tekkorp founder and CEO Matt Davey.

Steve Schrier is the latest executive to join the investment firm set up by Davey, president Robin Chhabra and CFO Eric Matejevich. Earlier this month, Tekkorp revealed a newly expanded line-up that welcomed former CEO of William Hill's online gaming business Crispin Nieboer.

The firm also added US media and gaming specialist Andy Clerkson; senior investment associate Martin Kostovi; Roger Lu, who leads Tekkorp's Cryptocurrency and Blockchain initiatives; and former PokerStars executive Tarvi Randve.

The firm’s new advisory arm, unveiled in early April, is set to provide strategic advice to the global iGaming, digital sports betting and Web 3.0 ecosystems, according to the company. Tekkorp will now offer advisory in a range of services including M&A, strategic and operational advice.

Last week, Tekkorp announced media conglomerate News Corp Australia will be launching bookmaking operations in partnership with a consortium linked to Matthew Tripp, who could serve as chief executive of the business, with Tekkorp acting as advisor and investor. Tekkorp executives Davey and Chhabra are set to join the venture's new board, the company confirmed.

“Tekkorp advised on the transaction and will be investing significantly in this exciting new venture,” the firm said. “The venture will also benefit from (Tekkorp founder) Davey and Tekkorp Capital President, Robin Chhabra's significant experience in the Australian online wagering market and track record of success in delivering value from media-wagering partnerships.”