Matt Gunnin

4x Technical Founder (2 exits) with a proven track record in building and scaling startups within the AI, Crypto and Gaming space.

Austin, Texas, CST

LinkedInX
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About

Innovative technology leader with a profound expertise in Fantasy Sports, Gambling, NFTs, Blockchain, and real-time community platforms. A visionary entrepreneur with a proven track record in leading and scaling products in the sports, esports, and gaming industry. Passionate about merging creative communities with groundbreaking technologies to foster engaging, dynamic user experiences. Ready to leverage a deep understanding of AI, digital assets, and community building to drive growth and innovation.

Work Experience

Esports One
Austin TX

2016 - 2023

Founder/CEO

  • - Founded and led a technology startup from ideation to successful rounds of funding, raising over $7 million from top Venture Capital firms and Angel Investors (Eniac Ventures, Quake Capital, XSeed Capital, AVG Fund).
  • - Spearheaded the implementation of cutting-edge technology in Computer Vision and Reinforcement Learning to capture real-time data and events during sports and esports events, resulting in $140,000+ in monthly recurring revenue.
  • - Developed a first-of-its-kind stats and analytics dashboard for leading names in sports and gaming, including Riot Games, Acer, Blizzard, EA, TakeTwo, Epic Games, NFL, NBA, and ABinBev.
  • - Pioneered the creation of a leading real-time esports fantasy and platform, integrating non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and real-time technology to enhance user engagement.
  • - Increased platform growth and user retention by over 150,000 monthly active users by introducing creative community-focused features, including mutable and evolutionary NFTs.
  • - Utilized blockchain technology to scale and enhance product offerings, launching multiple successful NFT membership passes across Twitch, Discord, and virtual worlds, including Metapass (92,000+), OneBot (34,000+), and Arenas (2,000).
  • - Identified emerging trends and leveraged cutting-edge technology to create visionary products instrumental in driving business growth and profitability.
  • - Demonstrated a proven track record of delivering successful products and leading cross-functional teams to meet ambitious business objectives.
Key Skills:
  • Marketing · Esports · Software Development · User Experience · Artificial Intelligence · Startups · Fundraising · Blockchain Technology · NFT · Community Building · Strategic Planning · Growth and Scaling

Esportspedia
Los Angeles, CA

2015 - 2023

Founder/CEO

  • - Spearheaded the launch and growth of a comprehensive esports information hub that became the premier resource in the industry, visited by millions each month.
  • - Developed and executed strategic initiatives that significantly increased site traffic and community engagement through real-time updates and user-generated content, resulting in a loyal community of users and advocates.
  • - Built and led a high-performing team of 10 employees and 100 volunteer contributors spanning across games and departments, including marketing, content, events, and product development.
  • - Successfully covered all major esports titles, including League of Legends, Call of Duty, Halo, and Smite, while also providing a custom-tailored resource for streamers and collegiate esports.
  • - Leveraged data-driven insights to continuously improve user experience, inform content creation, and drive revenue growth.
  • - Established and maintained strong partnerships with industry stakeholders, including game developers, sponsors, and media outlets, to enhance the platform's credibility and reach.
  • - Championed a culture of innovation, collaboration, and accountability, fostering a dynamic and motivated team environment.
Key Skills:
  • Product Management · Esports · Software Development · Knowledge Management · Business Development · User Experience

Unikrn
Seattle, WA

2015 - 2016

Chief Product Officer

  • - Led product innovation and engineering teams in a cutting-edge esports gambling platform, driving user acquisition and retention through real-time betting technologies and user experience enhancements.
  • - Managed website development and operations for Unikrn and all subsidiaries, overseeing a global development team and transitioning to agile methodologies using the scrum framework for product releases and improvement.
  • - Designed and executed a comprehensive strategy for expanding real-money wagering products across Europe and Australia, successfully navigating complex regulatory landscapes, securing necessary licenses, and establishing key partnerships with payment processors while ensuring seamless transactions and adoption for customers.
  • - Significantly improved site stability and performance through implementing agile methodologies and comprehensive release cycles, while also creating and implementing quality assurance and control guidelines.
Key Skills:
  • Agile · Product Development · Management · Full-Stack Development · Gambling · Leadership

Azubu
Los Angeles, CA

2013 - 2015

Sr. VP Content & Marketing

  • - Directed site-wide content initiatives for a leading esports streaming company, overseeing product strategy, content curation and production, and project management.
  • - Led successful multi-million dollar streaming partnership with the Korean Esports Association (KeSPA), managing over 20 teams and 200 players, including the world's #1 player, Faker.
  • - Developed and implemented company-wide standards, systems, and best practices for creating, distributing, maintaining, retrieving, and repurposing partner, streamer, and in-house content.
  • - Collaborated closely with Talent, Sales, Product, and Creative Departments to design and package content, ensuring adherence to brand guidelines and consistency in style and tone of voice.
  • - Achieved significant growth in audience engagement and viewership through inventive marketing campaigns and strategic partnerships with industry leaders.
Key Skills:
  • Content Strategy/Planning · Project Management · Partnership Management · Full-Stack Marketing Campaign · SEO/SEM · Brand Development

Leaguepedia
San Antonio, TX

2011 - 2014

Founder/CEO

  • - Founded and led a successful startup that served as the global go-to resource for anything related to competitive League of Legends.
  • - Architected and developed the platform from the ground up, utilizing the Wikimedia framework to ensure optimal performance and user experience.
  • - Grew the team to 20 part-time and full-time contributors, which doubled site traffic at 12 million monthly pageviews and 3 million MAUs within the first year.
  • - Expanded the reach of the platform by acquiring multiple companies in the esports industry, including LoLVODs, League Fantasy, and Esportscalendar.
  • - Organized and ran multiple live and online events, including three highly successful charity tournaments (Best Riven NA, Best Lee Sin NA, Pros Play for the Philippines) that raised tens of thousands of dollars in donations and broke viewer number records on Twitch TV for a non-publisher ran event (190k CCU, 6+ million total).
  • - Managed all aspects of the startup, including product development, marketing, fundraising, and strategic partnerships.
  • - Demonstrated strong leadership skills by inspiring and motivating the team to achieve outstanding results and exceed expectations.
  • - Developed and maintained relationships with major and minor esports events, sponsors, and industry influencers to ensure the platform remained relevant and up-to-date.
Key Skills:
  • Product Management · Esports · Software Development · Knowledge Management · Business Development · User Experience

Rackspace
San Antonio, TX

2011 - 2012

Lead Systems Engineer

  • - - Utilized strong project management skills to lead cross-functional teams in designing and implementing complex systems architectures.
  • - Played a key role in ensuring the availability, scalability, and security of mission-critical systems, including servers, databases, and networks.
  • - Conducted extensive research and analysis to identify emerging technologies and trends, as well as evaluate and recommend relevant tools and solutions.
  • - Collaborated closely with other departments, including product development, sales, and customer support, to align system design with business objectives.
  • - Developed and implemented disaster recovery plans to minimize system downtime and data loss in the event of a crisis.
  • - Monitored system performance using advanced tools and techniques to identify and resolve issues before impacting end-users.
  • - Documented system design, configuration, and procedures to ensure consistency and facilitate knowledge transfer.
  • - Provided technical leadership and mentorship to other systems engineers, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Key Skills:
  • Project Management · Systems Architecture · Security · Disaster Recovery · Monitoring · Documentation · Leadership

Rackspace
San Antonio, TX

2010 - 2011

Sr. System Engineer

  • - Successfully managed and maintained Linux and Windows Core Cloud servers for small businesses and enterprise clients as an L2 System Administrator at Rackspace Web Hosting.
  • - Led a team of technicians to oversee the maintenance of XenServer and XenClassic hypervisors.
  • - Handled all Cloud Servers and acted as the Lead SME of Cloudkick for all Cloud Servers.
  • - Provided technical support to clients and resolved critical issues in a timely and professional manner.
  • - Collaborated with cross-functional teams to implement and maintain new technologies and software applications.
  • - Developed and executed disaster recovery plans to ensure business continuity and minimize downtime.
  • - Conducted regular system audits and implemented security measures to protect against potential threats.
  • - Maintained accurate documentation and provided regular reports to management on system performance and usage metrics.
Key Skills:
  • Linux · Windows · Cloud Servers · Hypervisors · Technical Support · Disaster Recovery · Security · Documentation

Lexicom Computer Systems
Montgomery, AL

2009 - 2011

Sr. System Administrator

  • - Managed and optimized Linux and Windows networks for 500+ customers, ensuring high availability and optimal performance, resulting in improved customer satisfaction and retention rates.
  • - Conducted regular maintenance tasks, including software updates, security patches, and system backups, minimizing downtime and increasing system stability.
  • - Troubleshot and resolved technical issues promptly and efficiently, resulting in reduced system downtime and improved system performance.
  • - Configured and maintained enterprise-level Active Directory installations, enabling seamless integration and secure access control, ensuring the security and privacy of customer data.
  • - Implemented various security protocols, such as multi-factor authentication, role-based access control, and password policies, ensuring secure user access and compliance with industry standards.
  • - Collaborated with cross-functional teams to design and implement network and security solutions that aligned with business objectives, resulting in improved operational efficiency and productivity.
  • - Conducted business requirement assessments, designed technical solutions, and provided guidance and support during implementation, ensuring successful project delivery within budget and timeline constraints.
  • - Provided end-user training and support to ensure effective utilization of network and security systems, resulting in improved user satisfaction and productivity.
Key Skills:
  • Linux · Windows · Network Optimization · Security · Active Directory · Troubleshooting · Technical Support · Business Requirements Analysis

Auburn Engineers
Auburn, AL

2008 - 2009

Senior IT Manager

  • - Spearheaded all IT support operations, managing a team of professionals and overseeing tasks ranging from Mac OSX Server setup and management to multiple website design and administration.
  • - Architected and implemented an advanced computer network that increased productivity by 3x, significantly decreased server downtime, and improved network performance and configuration accuracy.
  • - Collaborated with leadership and cross-functional teams to establish and execute IT strategies that aligned with company objectives and goals.
  • - Led successful implementation of new software and hardware systems, ensuring seamless integration with existing infrastructure.
  • - Oversaw vendor relationships, negotiated contracts, and ensured service level agreements were met on a regular basis.
  • - Developed and maintained IT budgets, ensuring optimal resource allocation and cost efficiency.
Key Skills:
  • IT Support Operations · Team Management · Network Architecture · Mac OSX Server · Website Administration · Vendor Management · Budgeting

Dataracks
New York, NY

2004 - 2009

COO

  • - Directed all aspects of operations, including web hosting, server management, client relationships, and team management, resulting in increased efficiency and profitability.
  • - Spearheaded the development and implementation of a virtual training system for technicians, enabling remote learning and improving team skills without the need for costly travel.
  • - Streamlined billing systems and implemented cutting-edge SEO techniques for our websites and select client sites, resulting in increased traffic, engagement, and revenue.
  • - Collaborated with the executive team to develop and execute strategic plans, ensuring alignment with company goals and objectives.
  • - Oversaw the hiring, training, and development of a high-performing team of technicians and sales representatives, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and excellence.
Key Skills:
  • Operations · Web Hosting · Server Management · Client Relationships · Team Management · SEO · Strategic Planning

GamerToBe
Remote

1998 - 2000

Founder

  • - Successfully founded and operated a profitable business, hosting over 200 websites and 40 game servers, and serving over 10 million page views per month.
  • - Demonstrated strong leadership and negotiation skills by convincing a small business ISP to run a T1 line 30 miles out to a rural location, allowing for seamless operations and growth.
  • - Led a team of professionals to build and maintain a customer base of hundreds of users with colocated servers set up across the US and EU.
  • - Secured a successful exit by selling the business for $50K, two years after its inception, generating substantial returns for investors.
  • - Utilized 'green' problem-solving and analytical skills to identify and capitalize on new market opportunities, contributing to the company's rapid growth and success.
Key Skills:
  • Business Operations · Web Hosting · Server Management · Client Relationships · Team Management · SEO · Strategic Planning

Education

Auburn University

2004 - 2009
Bachelor's Degree in Computer Engineering, Minor in Business Administration

Skills

AI
Entrepreneurship
Startups
Esports
Fantasy Sports
Gambling
Venture Capital
Blockchain
NFTs
Web3
Solidity
Ethereum
JavaScript
TypeScript
React
Next.js
Node.js
GraphQL
Business Development
Product Management
Marketing
SEO
Social Media
Content Creation
Design
UI/UX
Computer Vision
Reinforcement Learning

Projects

Matt Gunnin

My personal website and CV. Built with Next.js and Typescript

Personal
Blog
Next.js
React
Vercel

Resource Hub

Collection of my favorite resources, guides, and tools that I've collected over the years.

Side Project
Raindrop
Resource Collection

Esportscalendar

Esports event calendar that I built in 2013. It was the first of its kind and was used by 100's of thousands of users each month.

Calendar
Esports
Events Calendar

Discord Community

Discord community that was launched in 2017. Grew to 10,000+ members and was one of the first to launch membership capable NFTs.

Discord
Community
Gaming
Esports
NFTs
Crypto

OneConsole

Real-time stats and analytics dashboard for League of Legends' broadcasters and analyst. Built using Computer Vision and Reinforcement Learning. Used by Riot Games, Acer, and more than 50 professional & amateur teams.

Dashboard
Computer Vision
Stats & Analytics
Esports
League of Legends
Riot Games
AI
Reinforcement Learning

OneView

Live engagement overlay built as an early Twitch extension. Provided viewers with live stats, trivia, and predictions during streams. Built in partnership with Twitch and used by 100's of streamers.

Dashboard
Computer Vision
Twitch
Extension
Predictions
Streaming