In 2025, Underdog, the rapidly expanding sports gaming company founded by Jeremy Levine, made strategic leadership hires to boost its position in the sports prediction market. This week, the company announced the appointment of Rishi Garg as Chief Financial Officer and Kimberly Pointer Corbett as Chief Marketing Officer.
These appointments come at a crucial time, just weeks after Underdog launched event contracts for sports wagering in collaboration with Crypto.com’s U.S. derivatives branch, marking the company as a pioneer in integrating such products into an app. This move highlights Underdog’s commitment to innovation and growth in the competitive sports gaming industry.
Levine, also the CEO, emphasized the importance of these leadership changes in alignment with the company’s strategy of investing in talent and technology. He stated that adding experienced leaders like Garg and Pointer Corbett is vital for achieving the company’s ambitious goals of becoming a leading player in the sports entertainment sector.
Rishi Garg, who steps into the CFO role, brings a wealth of experience from his previous roles at Twitter as Vice President of Corporate Development and Strategy, and as a venture partner at Mayfield Fund. Garg also has entrepreneurial experience, having co-founded FanSnap, a live event ticket search company. At Underdog, he will replace Dustin Cooper, who will transition to Chief Business Officer.
Reflecting on his new role, Garg sees Underdog’s rapid growth as a significant opportunity, noting that the company is poised to become a crucial daily presence for American sports fans. His experience in strategic partnerships and corporate development is expected to bolster Underdog’s financial and strategic initiatives.
Kimberly Pointer Corbett, stepping into the CMO role, has an extensive background in the gaming industry, previously serving as Senior Vice President of Digital Publishing at Warner Bros Games and holding positions at Zynga and Kabam. She succeeds Liz Marro, a co-founder who will now serve as an advisor.
Pointer Corbett expressed her excitement about joining Underdog, emphasizing their mission to make sports more engaging and fun for fans. She highlighted her goal of elevating Underdog to become the ultimate sports brand, showcasing her vision for the company’s marketing strategy.
Underdog’s event contracts are currently operational in 16 U.S. states, including some where sports betting has not yet been fully legalized, showcasing the company’s proactive approach to market expansion. This strategy is part of Underdog’s broader plan to capture a substantial share of the sports gaming market, which is projected to reach new heights as more states open up to legal sports betting.
The company’s financial outlook is promising, with a projection of nearly $500 million in revenue for its fifth year of operations. This follows a successful $70 million Series C funding round led by Spark Capital, which increased its valuation to over $1.3 billion. These figures underscore Underdog’s significant growth trajectory and investor confidence in its business model.
However, industry analysts point out challenges that Underdog might face, such as increasing competition from established players in the sports betting industry. As more companies enter the market, differentiating the brand and retaining customer loyalty will be crucial for Underdog’s sustained success.
In contrast, some analysts argue that Underdog’s innovative approach and strategic partnerships position it advantageously against competitors. By continuing to integrate cutting-edge technology and expand its product offerings, Underdog could carve out a niche in the evolving landscape of sports gaming.
As the market continues to evolve, Underdog’s strategic leadership appointments and market innovations are likely to play a pivotal role in its future success. The company’s ability to adapt to changes and leverage its strengths will determine its standing among the top contenders in the sports gaming industry.
David Harrison stands tall in gambling journalism, marrying his firsthand casino experiences with a deep understanding of betting psychology. His articles transform complex gambling jargon into engaging tales of strategy and chance, making the world of betting accessible and enjoyable. David’s knack for narrative extends beyond print, making him a sought-after speaker on gambling trends and future bets. In the realm of gambling, David is both a scholar and a storyteller, captivating readers and listeners alike.
