Corporate backers Kakao Games and E&M are among the limited partners for newly launched esports-focused private equity fund ATU Partners.

South Korea-based private equity fund ATU Partners has launched with $17m from backers including Kakao Games and E&M, digital entertainment offshoots of internet company Kakao and conglomerate CJ Group.

The Growth Fund’s other limited partners include venture capital firm Woori Technology Investment and investment firm SB Partners.

ATU Partners is concentrating on esports investments and acquired League of Legends esports team Kingzone Dragon X in October this year, rebranding it to DRX. CEO Jamie Park used to be head of…

Robert Lavine

Robert Lavine is special features editor for Global Venturing.