Magnus Carlsen: From Chess Champion to Tech Entrepreneur
Norwegian Chess Champion Magnus Carlsen Ventures into Tech Industry with Play Magnus AS
In a groundbreaking move, Norwegian chess champion Magnus Carlsen has ventured into the tech industry with the launch of his firm, Play Magnus AS. Carlsen, known for his exceptional skills in chess, is now seeking to establish himself among the tech giants of Silicon Valley.
Play Magnus AS, a software development company aimed at enhancing mental faculties, has already made waves with its first offering—an application that allows users to play chess at different levels corresponding to Carlsen’s own strength at various ages. The application, currently available on the Mac platform, has garnered over 200,000 active users in 203 countries since its launch in June.
With plans to expand beyond chess and launch the application for Android users, Play Magnus AS is set to receive $1 million in fresh funding from US investors. The company’s manager, Espen Agdestein, expressed confidence in the venture’s success, citing early positive reviews and a growing interest in Carlsen’s brand.
Carlsen’s foray into the tech industry comes as no surprise, given his rising profile and influence beyond the world of chess. Having dined with tech luminaries like Mark Zuckerberg and played chess with Bill Gates, Carlsen is no longer just a chess champion but a symbol of cerebral power that tech companies want to associate with.
Carlsen’s ability to transcend the boundaries of chess and attract sponsors from diverse industries, including a Norwegian law firm and a media group, underscores his appeal and marketability. With the ongoing world chess title match in Sochi drawing millions of viewers in Norway, Carlsen has successfully turned chess into a spectator sport in the country.
As broadcasters in Norway find innovative ways to make chess more engaging and interactive for viewers, Carlsen’s influence continues to grow, paving the way for a new era in the world of chess and technology. With his sights set on global expansion and the development of new applications, Carlsen is poised to make a lasting impact in both the chess and tech industries.