Underdog Fantasy, a rapidly expanding sports gaming and media company, has been recognized for the second year in a row on LinkedIn’s annual list of Top Startups in the United States. Ranked at number 15 on the 2024 list, Underdog is the only sports gaming company to make the cut, reinforcing its status as an emerging leader in the industry. Since its founding in 2020, Underdog Fantasy has made significant strides, earning a spot on LinkedIn’s prestigious list due to its impressive employment growth, engagement, and the ability to attract top talent from across industries.
LinkedIn’s Top Startups list showcases 50 U.S. companies that are not only growing rapidly but are also making waves in their respective sectors. The rankings are based on four key factors: employee growth, jobseeker interest, member engagement within the company, and the ability to attract talent from LinkedIn’s Top Companies list. To qualify for the ranking, companies must be independent, privately held, have at least 50 full-time employees, and be five years old or younger.
Underdog Fantasy’s CEO and founder, Jeremy Levine, emphasized the company’s relentless focus on innovation and growth. “Underdog was founded with innovation at its core, and we have a relentless focus on one mission: build new products that make sports more fun for fans, and we are building faster and faster every day,” Levine stated. He also highlighted the company’s ability to attract top talent from major industry players, reinforcing Underdog’s position as a leader in sports gaming. “We are extremely proud of what we have built and this recognition from LinkedIn is a testament to the work put in by everyone at Underdog,” Levine added.
Expanding Offerings and Massive Growth
2024 has been a year of significant expansion for Underdog Fantasy. The company has broadened its fantasy sports offerings, which are now available in 41 states, and launched its first sports betting app in North Carolina. The company plans to extend its sports betting services to more states in the near future. Alongside its gaming services, Underdog has continued to grow its media content network, which has risen to become the fifth-largest daily sports show in the U.S. across all platforms.
A notable addition to Underdog’s media content roster this year includes a partnership with eight-time Super Bowl Champion coach Bill Belichick. This collaboration reflects Underdog’s ongoing efforts to create innovative and engaging content for sports fans across the country. The company’s growth is not just limited to product offerings and media ventures. Underdog has seen a steady influx of talent, with veterans from top sports gaming companies joining the team to help execute the company’s ambitious goals. This influx of experienced professionals is a testament to Underdog’s appeal within the industry, as it continues to draw talent looking to work at the cutting edge of sports gaming and media.
Driving Responsible Gaming Innovation
Underdog Fantasy’s commitment to responsible gaming is another reason the company stands out in the industry. Recently, the company invested $1 million to establish GuardDog, a fund initiative aimed at fostering innovation in responsible gaming practices. This initiative further solidifies Underdog’s commitment to providing safe, enjoyable experiences for its users, reinforcing the company’s core belief in offering responsible and engaging sports gaming opportunities.
With a full-time headcount of 450 and its headquarters in Brooklyn, New York, Underdog continues to grow its influence. The company’s most common job functions include engineering, product management, and customer support, reflecting its tech-driven focus and customer-centric approach. Skills such as Android development and mobile applications are key to its operations, as the company pushes forward with innovative gaming products.
