Have you ever dreamed of turning your passion for fantasy sports into a thrilling career? Enter Underdog Fantasy. Underdog Fantasy has emerged as a standout employer, blending innovation with employee-centric policies. Valued at $500 million by 2025, the company isn’t just redefining fantasy sports—it’s building a workplace culture that ranks in the Top 5% of U.S. companies for compensation, leadership, and work-life balance.
Imagine walking into an office where the energy is electric, creativity flows freely, and every day brings new challenges and opportunities. At Underdog Fantasy, this isn't just a dream—it's reality. From developers crafting cutting-edge gaming experiences to marketers shaping the future of sports entertainment, every role at Underdog Fantasy is pivotal in revolutionizing how fans engage with their favorite sports.
In this deep dive, we'll explore the unique culture that sets Underdog Fantasy apart, uncover exciting career paths, and give you an insider's look at what it's really like to be part of this dynamic team. Whether you're a seasoned professional or a fresh graduate with a passion for sports and technology, get ready to discover why Underdog Fantasy might just be your next big play.
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Founded: 2020
Co-Founders: Brandon Stakenborg and Jeremy Levine
Website: https://underdogfantasy.com/
Careers page: https://underdogfantasy.com/Careers
Revenue: Underdog Fantasy's estimated annual revenue is currently $73.4M per year
Funding: Total funding $95.9M; $50.9M in Series C (Jan 2025)
Valuation: 485M
Employee Size: 520
Employees consistently praise leadership’s “open-door philosophy” and transparency. With a CEO approval rating in the Top 5% (Comparably), executives are described as approachable and candid about both successes and challenges. One engineer noted:
“Leadership doesn’t hide behind closed doors. We get real updates, even when the news isn’t perfect.”
This culture of trust trickles down, fostering collaboration across teams like Product, Engineering, and Marketing.
At the heart of Underdog Fantasy's unique culture lies its mission to revolutionize the fantasy sports industry. The company's core values include:
These values drive every aspect of the company, from product development to customer support.
Underdog Fantasy sets itself apart through its innovative approach to fantasy sports. Key aspects include:
By reimagining traditional fantasy sports concepts, Underdog Fantasy creates fresh and engaging experiences for players of all skill levels.
Collaboration is at the core of Underdog Fantasy's work culture. The company fosters a team-oriented environment by:
This approach ensures that every employee feels valued and contributes meaningfully to the company's success.
Underdog Fantasy places a high premium on creativity and problem-solving skills. The company cultivates these attributes by:
This focus on creativity enables Underdog Fantasy to stay ahead of the curve in the competitive fantasy sports industry. With this foundation in place, let's explore the exciting career opportunities available at Underdog Fantasy.
At Underdog Fantasy, exciting career opportunities span across various departments, reflecting the dynamic nature of the sports tech industry. Key departments include:
Each department plays a crucial role in driving Underdog Fantasy's success in the competitive fantasy sports market.
To thrive at Underdog Fantasy, candidates should possess:
A passion for sports and familiarity with fantasy sports platforms is highly valued.
Underdog Fantasy offers significant growth opportunities for ambitious professionals. The company's rapid expansion creates avenues for:
Employees are encouraged to take on new challenges and contribute to shaping the company's future.
Underdog Fantasy recognizes the importance of attracting and retaining top talent. The company offers:
These benefits, combined with the exciting work environment, make Underdog Fantasy an attractive destination for those seeking a rewarding career in the sports tech industry.
At Underdog Fantasy, employees enjoy a modern approach to work-life balance. The company embraces remote work options, allowing team members to choose their ideal work environment. This flexibility extends to working hours, with core collaboration times and the freedom to manage individual schedules. Some key benefits include:
Teamwork is at the heart of Underdog Fantasy's success. The company utilizes agile methodologies to ensure smooth project execution:
These practices foster open communication and quick problem-solving, enabling teams to adapt swiftly to changing priorities in the fast-paced fantasy sports industry.
Employees at Underdog Fantasy work with state-of-the-art technology to deliver innovative fantasy sports experiences. The tech stack includes:
This environment not only enhances productivity but also keeps employees at the forefront of technological advancements in the sports tech industry.
Underdog Fantasy invests heavily in employee growth. The company provides various avenues for skill enhancement:
These initiatives ensure that employees stay ahead of industry trends and continuously improve their skillsets. As we explore the challenges and rewards of working in a fast-paced startup environment, it's clear that Underdog Fantasy's commitment to employee growth plays a crucial role in navigating the dynamic landscape of fantasy sports.
Working at Underdog Fantasy means staying on your toes as the fantasy sports landscape evolves rapidly. Employees must:
This adaptability fosters a dynamic work environment where innovation thrives.
In a fast-paced startup like Underdog Fantasy, wearing multiple hats is the norm. Team members often:
While demanding, this multifaceted approach accelerates professional growth and provides a well-rounded skill set.
One of the most rewarding aspects of working at Underdog Fantasy is the opportunity to shape cutting-edge products. Employees are encouraged to:
This collaborative environment empowers team members to leave their mark on the fantasy sports industry.
At Underdog Fantasy, every achievement is recognized and celebrated. The company fosters a culture of appreciation by:
These celebrations boost morale and reinforce the sense of belonging within the Underdog Fantasy family.
Underdog offers packages that rival top tech firms, particularly for technical roles:
While these numbers impress, disparities exist. Customer Support roles (seasonal, part-time) earn $18k–$41k, sparking internal debates about equity.
Underdog Fantasy has revolutionized the fantasy sports landscape by introducing innovative gameplay formats and unique betting options. Unlike traditional season-long leagues, Underdog offers:
These formats cater to both casual players and hardcore enthusiasts, making fantasy sports more accessible and engaging for a broader audience.
At the forefront of sports tech innovation, Underdog Fantasy leverages cutting-edge technology to deliver a seamless user experience. Key technological advancements include:
These technological innovations have set new standards for user engagement and satisfaction in the fantasy sports industry.
Underdog Fantasy is actively shaping the future of sports entertainment by blending fantasy sports with elements of social media and gaming. This approach has:
By fostering a sense of community among its users, Underdog Fantasy has created a loyal and engaged player base. The company achieves this through:
This community-driven approach has not only enhanced user retention but also positioned Underdog Fantasy as a leader in the fantasy sports industry.
Underdog’s rapid growth is fueled by niche products like Best Ball tournaments and Battle Royale contests. Employees describe a “startup energy” where ideas move fast and individuals shape product roadmaps. A Product Manager shared:
“You’re not just executing tasks here—you’re building the future of sports gaming.”
This ownership mentality extends to cross-department collaboration, with Engineering and Product teams frequently lauding the inclusive, idea-driven environment.
While Engineers and Product teams thrive, Customer Support and Marketing report lower satisfaction:
Some high-impact employees in technical roles feel undervalued, citing pay gaps compared to peers at similar companies. One anonymous review noted:
“We’re building industry-leading tools but aren’t compensated like it.”
As a gambling-adjacent platform, Underdog navigates complex ethical landscapes. However, employees emphasize a focus on “safe, responsible gaming”—a priority reflected in product design and user education initiatives.
Underdog Fantasy shines for innovators who thrive in fast-paced environments and value transparency. If you’re a tech professional seeking competitive pay, flexibility, and a stake in shaping products, this could be your ideal fit.
However, those prioritizing structured career progression or work in Customer Support may find the environment challenging. The company’s success in addressing these gaps will determine whether it evolves from a “rising star” to a long-term industry titan.
Ready to place your bet? Underdog Fantasy is hiring across Engineering, Product, and Design roles. For those aligned with its high-energy, ownership-driven culture, the payoff could be career-defining.
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