Eindhoven-based CityLegends bags €1M in Seed funding from LUMO Labs, others

Eindhoven-based CityLegends, a community platform for urban athletes and artists announced on Thursday that it has closed €1M in a seed round of funding by a syndicate of investors.

The investor’s list includes LeanSquare, LUMO Labs, imec.istart, Dutch Sport Tech Fund, and industry expert and angel investor Matthieu de Clercq. 

Fund utilisation

The Dutch platform will utilise the funds to broaden its marketing efforts and user base across Western Europe and kick off its go-to-market strategy on the U.S. West Coast in partnership with urban sports brands. 

Additionally, the capital infusion will facilitate the refinement of its in-app premium model, launching more features to elevate the overall experience of its users.  

“We are forging the platform for the local and global community of unbound urban athletes and artists,” says Jimmy Hermans, co-founder and CEO of CityLegends. “CityLegends is all about video-driven content, exploring new spots, and connecting with others. We are building the world’s largest global ecosystem based on the needs of our community.”

CityLegends: Where urban artists and athletes meet

Founded by Jimmy Hermans, CityLegends is a platform where urban artists and athletes can discover new spots, compete, and connect with like-minded individuals.

The platform empowers athletes by discovering and sharing their “clips,” “spots,” “jams” and contests. 

Athletes can create content to participate in diverse contests that are connected to a global ranking system, fostering a competitive ecosystem of urban esports. 

With that, the platform offers opportunities to win digital achievements, merchandise, cash prizes, and even access to World Cup qualifiers in the physical world. 

To strengthen urban sports worldwide, CityLegends helps cities become more sustainable and involves brands within these communities. 

The Dutch company collaborates closely with brands, municipalities, and governments to gain more understanding of the ecosystem, secure funding and unlock opportunities through its urban institute, LINES by CityLegends.

The investors

LeanSquare is a specialised investment fund focused on cultural & creative industries, enterprise software, and life sciences sectors.

Bertrand Joiret, LeanSquare Investment Manager, says, “CityLegends perfectly embodies these values by pushing the boundaries of technology to make urban sports more accessible, exciting, and connected than ever. We believe in the growth potential of CityLegends, its talented team, and its cutting-edge technology. Through our capital, expertise, and network, we are committed to guiding the CityLegends team on its growth journey, reinforcing our commitment to creating a more vibrant and connected urban future.”

LUMO Labs focuses on impact-driven software and smart hardware startups in Artificial Intelligence/Data, Blockchain, Internet of Things, Robotics and Drones, and Virtual Reality/Augmented Reality.

The current LUMO Fund II is an impact-driven multi-stage capital fund (pre-seed up to and including series A). 

It includes a two-year venture builder programme to support its portfolio companies in gaining financial success as well as social traction and impact.

“CityLegends’ progress and achievements are fuelled by Jimmy’s and the rest of the team’s relentless and uncompromising dedication to their mission and community,” says Andy Lürling, Founding Partner at LUMO Labs. “We are very excited to continue to support them and are very much looking forward to the road ahead.”