Delane Parnell

Delane Parnell is a prominent figure in the esports industry, known primarily for founding and leading PlayVS, a platform that facilitates amateur esports competitions in high schools across the United States. Based in Los Angeles, California, he has played a crucial role in shaping the landscape of esports at the educational level.

Professional Background

• Founder and CEO of PlayVS: Parnell founded PlayVS in 2018, aiming to create opportunities for high school students through competitive gaming. Under his leadership, the company secured partnerships with various school sports organizations and raised over $106 million in funding, significantly impacting the esports sector for youth.234

• Transition to Senior Advisor: In May 2023, Parnell stepped down as CEO after six years but continues to serve as a Senior Advisor and remains on the Board of Directors. This transition allows him to focus on new ventures while still influencing PlayVS's strategic direction.235

• Previous Roles: Before establishing PlayVS, Parnell held positions as a Senior Associate at IncWell Venture Capital and was an early employee at Rocket Fiber. He is also a partner at Detroit Venture Partners.1

Achievements and Recognition

Parnell's contributions to the industry have been recognized widely:

• He was named in Forbes 30 Under 30 list in 2019, highlighting his impact as a young entrepreneur in technology and gaming.4
• His leadership at PlayVS has been noted for creating pathways for underserved communities within the gaming space, emphasizing diversity and inclusion in tech.34

Vision and Impact

In his statements regarding his departure from the CEO role, Parnell expressed pride in what he accomplished at PlayVS and his hopes for its future growth. He aims to inspire other Black tech founders to break barriers within the gaming industry.23

Delane Parnell's journey reflects a commitment to fostering educational opportunities through esports while advocating for diversity in technology.