Challenge Games not challenged in raising funds

Challenge Games, Andrew Busey’s latest startup and the company behind the popular online fantasy game Duels and the new fantasy baseball and card collecting game Baseball Boss, announced it has secured $10 million in Series B funding. The round is being led by Globespan Capital Partners with participation from Series A investor Sequoia Capital as well as existing investors.  This closely follows the $4.5 million the company raised a few months ago.

“Challenge Games is addressing a real need in the market,” said Eugene Yoo, Vice President at Globespan Capital Partners. “Short form, free-to-play, web-based games have the potential to pull new consumers into the category. And the engaging gameplay of their titles appeals to the active casual and hardcore gamer as well.”

The money is planed to help accelerate growth through new games, partnerships and potentially acquisitions.

Given the recent layoffs at some of Austin’s leading game companies, including Midway Studios, Challenge Games likely finds itself an ideal destination.

On Networks announces new Series with SNL Star Amy Poehler

On Networks, a creator and distributor of high quality short form video programming, announced today an original series aimed at young girls called Smart Girls at the Party. The show is created by and stars actor/writer Amy Poehler, and friends Meredith Walker, former senior producer for Nickelodeon’s Nick News, head of talent for Saturday Night Live, and Amy Miles, recording artist and performer, host of PBS children’s show LOMAX: Hound of Music.  Smart Girls celebrates young girls who are changing the world by being themselves.

The show aims to help girls find confidence in their own aspirations and talents. In each episode, Amy Poehler interviews a girl with a unique talent, community interest or point of view. The conversation ranges from the serious to the hilarious. Girls offer witty truths and show that you don’t have to be famous to be interesting or to make a difference in the world.

Given Austin’s love of both technology and movie stars, this combination makes a lot of sense.  We’re looking forward to seeing the results!