Home Gaming The founders of Food Lover’s Market have invested in South African eSports

The founders of Food Lover’s Market have invested in South African eSports

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Travis

Not too long ago I read an article about diversity in eSports. Naturally when you hear the word “diversity” your mind automatically points at minority involvement in eSports. Minority, more specifically, meaning race and gender. Well, this article spoke about how there is hardly any diversity when it comes to eSports partnerships, and how gaming brands (naturally) back eSports events and teams. In South Africa this has always been the norm since eSports burst onto the scene, but there has been a new development in South Africa to perhaps help diversify the scene and that’s where Orena comes in. The following press release was given to us by the Orena media team.

The Acquisition

The founders of “Food Lovers Market”, a leading food retailer, today announced an un-disclosed investment into Orena, one of South Africa’s leading gaming organizations. For the investment, they are acquiring a substantial minority stake in the business and backing founder Luca Tucconi, together with the existing management team, to lift local gaming into the next frontier.

Online Arena Enterprises (PTY) Ltd. has been active for approximately 3 years. The company was founded in April 2013 with the vision of providing the local e-sports community with well-run, professionally organized tournaments and an online platform that catered to every aspect of the local gaming industry. This includes event hosting, LIVE broadcasting and varied forms of digital media.

Orena looks to provide gamers with a newfound motivation to compete at a professional level, a reason for putting hours of time into perfecting their passion. The company, with only two employees and minimum to completely zero funding, has managed to establish itself as the main contender to current market leaders.

With the additional support acquired from the recent acquisition, Orena is now in the process of setting up a high-end broadcasting studio, as well as acquiring the necessary equipment and staff to host frequent LAN events all with the vision of creating a truly professional sporting environment.

“I am more than excited to have Food Lovers on board. What drew us to partnering with one of South Africa’s most established businesses, was their enthusiasm and equal vision for the local gaming industry. Alongside their financial support, we have been given access to a well of experience with regards to their extensive knowledge of the South African business market, event hosting and general business management,” said Luca Tucconi, CEO & Founder.

“With past experience as an avid competitor and follower of the Electronic Sports Scene, I see a huge opportunity in the South African gaming market. Looking at the growth on international shores, we decided it was about time we dipped our toes into the gaming industry. The reason we have chosen to get involved with Orena is due to the proven success of Luca Tucconi and his team with the hosting of successful events in the recent past, as well as their vision for the near and distant future,” said Travis Coppin, Spokesperson for the Acquisition.

Christopher “Omni” Breedt served  as co-founder and Brand Manager prior to the acquisition, but unfortunately had step down due to work commitments with a flourishing Digital Media company, his work within Orena played a huge role in where the company stands today.

Orena

The pressure is on

This acquisition will hopefully put pressure on interested partners outside of the gaming industry. We can only hope more companies outside of eSports will show interest. Globally companies like Red Bull, Coca-Cola and others have already made their mark, but who says it should stop there? These sort of investments are what eSports in South Africa needs to push its development into the stratosphere. It’s going to be an exciting year for eSports in South Africa, and perhaps an even more exciting year for Tucconi and the Orena team.

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Last Updated: January 20, 2016

No Comments

  1. Captain JJ 'saurus

    January 20, 2016 at 09:05

    Well, at least we won’t die behind our pcs from hunger.
    I’m just glad people are finally catching on to this.

    Reply

  2. The Grand Admiral Chief Prime

    January 20, 2016 at 09:07

    I just hope they keep the cabbages fresh

    [tries to hide smile]

    Reply

    • Alien Emperor Trevor

      January 20, 2016 at 09:18

      Reply

  3. Brandon van Reenen

    January 20, 2016 at 09:09

    Well, Food Lovers Market on pay weekend is much like an MMORPG.

    Reply

    • Captain JJ 'saurus

      January 20, 2016 at 09:10

      lol

      Reply

    • The Grand Admiral Chief Prime

      January 20, 2016 at 09:10

      Bwahahahaha, oh you!

      Reply

    • miaau

      January 20, 2016 at 09:13

      I avoid. Too busy.

      Good one!

      Reply

    • Hammersteyn

      January 20, 2016 at 09:14

      One of the most baffling human behaviours I’ve ever seen. It’s pay day so let’s all go to the store on the same day at the same time give or take, such fail

      Reply

      • Captain JJ 'saurus

        January 20, 2016 at 09:18

        For some I can understand it, because it’s literally the first day they can afford to buy food again, and they need it.
        But those who go shopping for anything else but food on pay day, they’re just mad.

        Reply

        • The Grand Admiral Chief Prime

          January 20, 2016 at 09:19

          IF I need to do it, I hit it nice and early and get out before the herd arrives

          Reply

        • Hammersteyn

          January 20, 2016 at 09:27

          I go Sunday afternoons. Dead quiet

          Reply

          • Captain JJ 'saurus

            January 20, 2016 at 09:28

            I’ve done that a few times after realising I have nothing for dinner. It’s actually really nice

          • The Grand Admiral Chief Prime

            January 20, 2016 at 09:29

            And then the shelves are empty :/

          • Hammersteyn

            January 20, 2016 at 09:45

            O_o do you shop in Zimbabwe?

          • The Grand Admiral Chief Prime

            January 20, 2016 at 09:49

            There is this huge PnP (that I refuse to go to) that is quite empty on Sunday afternoons.

            Could just be lazy workers not stocking properly, or lazy managers not ordering properly, but that place is a mess

      • Alien Emperor Trevor

        January 20, 2016 at 09:22

        You have no idea. I have to take my mother grocery shopping every weekend. And she takes her own goddamn sweet time doing it. And then you get the pay day weekend. I’ve lost years of my life to WW and PnP.

        Reply

        • The Grand Admiral Chief Prime

          January 20, 2016 at 09:23

          I know she gave birth to you and all (or is she your earth mother?) but damn dude, surely that is cruel and unusual punishment!

          Reply

          • Captain JJ 'saurus

            January 20, 2016 at 09:25

            She took him in like those farm people took in Kell El.
            Only he has no superpowers…apart from his sarcasm, of course. ;P

          • The Grand Admiral Chief Prime

            January 20, 2016 at 09:28

            KELL EL?????????????

            Ag nee moer JJ

          • Captain JJ 'saurus

            January 20, 2016 at 09:30

            It’s the real name of Superman X dum dum

          • Alien Emperor Trevor

            January 20, 2016 at 09:31

            You know he’s from Krypton, not Goodwood right?

          • Loftus

            January 20, 2016 at 09:32

            I have watched that film, was a real shocker! O_o

          • Captain JJ 'saurus

            January 20, 2016 at 09:32

            Yes, I know that. And he was technically created (like you), but my point is that it’s not a mistake of misspelling. It’s just a mistake of confusing the two.
            Since when are you defending Admiral? You traitorous Capetonian.

          • Alien Emperor Trevor

            January 20, 2016 at 09:34

            I just thought it was really funny. Goodwood Superman. I can’t stop laughing.

          • Captain JJ 'saurus

            January 20, 2016 at 09:34

            He’d still be chasing trains though, wouldn’t he?

          • Alien Emperor Trevor

            January 20, 2016 at 09:35

            Nooit, he’s faster than a speeding Uno wiff a spoiler.

          • Captain JJ 'saurus

            January 20, 2016 at 09:36

            That’s crazy talk!

          • The Grand Admiral Chief Prime

            January 20, 2016 at 09:34

            xD

          • Gerald "0Tolerance" van Wyk

            January 20, 2016 at 14:26

            Actually it is Kal-El 🙂

          • Captain JJ 'saurus

            January 20, 2016 at 15:07

            Not Superman X. He was actually Kell El. But he has an entirely different backstory though :/

          • Alien Emperor Trevor

            January 20, 2016 at 09:26

            Nothing teaches you patience like a 70-year-old woman trying to choose her buy-2-get-1-free packs of mini-veg.

          • The Grand Admiral Chief Prime

            January 20, 2016 at 09:29

            That is not patience, that is either dedication, or insanity

      • miaau

        January 20, 2016 at 09:41

        or takeaways, like Pizza.

        Personally, I am lucky enough to buy food and takeways and stuff any time of the month. Not because I am rich, but because I long ago realised there is no difference between spending your monthly pay as you get it on a luxury to spending it on the same luxury in the middle of the month.

        Also, not broke in January, thank you very much. Had to work on that.

        Reply

        • Captain JJ 'saurus

          January 20, 2016 at 09:43

          Yea that’s makes no sense.
          If you can only afford something at the start of the month it means you can’t afford it.

          Reply

          • The Grand Admiral Chief Prime

            January 20, 2016 at 09:44

            Wise words

          • miaau

            January 20, 2016 at 09:45

            I think it has more to with instant gratification than being able to afford it. People want things now, not next week.

        • chimera_85

          January 20, 2016 at 10:04

          I find that groceries cost more thank take aways..

          Reply

          • The Grand Admiral Chief Prime

            January 20, 2016 at 10:07

            I seen that is the case sometimes. Take away specials are by far cheaper sometimes

          • miaau

            January 20, 2016 at 11:37

            for s single person or a family of 3 or 4?

    • Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)

      January 20, 2016 at 12:39

      Sniff, you brought a tear to my eye! Well played! Well played! Muahahaha!

      Reply

  4. Loftus

    January 20, 2016 at 09:11

    Mothers new line at the dinner table : “Eat your veggies or you will not do head shot in cs:go”

    Reply

  5. Alien Emperor Trevor

    January 20, 2016 at 09:13

    They must be doing well if they’re looking for an additional tax write-off.

    Reply

  6. Hammersteyn

    January 20, 2016 at 09:16

  7. Gavin Mannion

    January 20, 2016 at 09:32

    This is the weirdest article I’ve read in quite some time. Good to hear but definitely unexpected

    Reply

    • Loftus

      January 20, 2016 at 09:33

      You shouldn’t put the bar to high on weird. 🙂

      Reply

    • Geoffrey Tim

      January 20, 2016 at 09:34

      I think it’s GREAT that companies outside of the traditional “gaming centric” ones are starting to see the potential in video games – and gaming audiences.

      Reply

      • The Grand Admiral Chief Prime

        January 20, 2016 at 09:35

        Well, MOBA’s + cabbages…..makes sense

        Reply

      • Captain JJ 'saurus

        January 20, 2016 at 09:35

        And food.
        I upvote for food.

        Reply

        • Loftus

          January 20, 2016 at 09:38

          Just think if LG had a foodie section + http://www.themovies.co.za, they could take over the internet!

          Reply

          • Captain JJ 'saurus

            January 20, 2016 at 09:42

            Geoff might be able to handle that kind of power, but giving it to Darryn or Rince is just a bad idea.

          • The Grand Admiral Chief Prime

            January 20, 2016 at 09:43

            Agreed, Geoff has fine taste.

            Also, if it had a charcoal meat section, we know who to give that to…

          • Captain JJ 'saurus

            January 20, 2016 at 09:44

            If they have a stationery section where they sell hard cover books it could also work for Trevor. Tastes the same.

          • The Grand Admiral Chief Prime

            January 20, 2016 at 09:49

            I disagree, the hard cover books looks tastier (they can have a pic of a lovely steak on for instance)

          • Loftus

            January 20, 2016 at 09:46

            Someone is going to make a Peter Parker reference….

      • miaau

        January 20, 2016 at 09:35

        Yes, it does sort of give credence to eSports when that happens

        Reply

      • The Grand Admiral Chief Prime

        January 20, 2016 at 09:35

        Jokes aside, you have a great point

        Reply

  8. chimera_85

    January 20, 2016 at 10:03

    They will provide snacks

    Reply

  9. Greg van der Spuy

    January 20, 2016 at 10:35

    This is fantastic news! Partnerships or sponsors are not always in the form of peripherals or food. The capital injection provided by food lovers will do wonders for the local scene. Pay attention to what is happening around you!

    Reply

  10. BakedBagel

    January 20, 2016 at 11:23

    Hmmm Free smoothies Kreygasm

    Reply

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