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GuruShots, based in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, operates a mobile gaming platform that integrates photography with competitive challenges, allowing users to submit photos for peer voting in themed contests. The platform fosters a global community for photography enthusiasts, enabling them to enhance skills, receive feedback, and compete for prizes such as cameras or cash, with over $800,000 awarded to date. GuruShots raised $5.5 million in funding from investors including AltaIR Capital, Ervington Investments, and Flashpoint Venture Capital. The company was acquired by Zedge for $34.8 million on April 13, 2022, and continues to operate as a key part of Zedge's Creator Economy apps portfolio, serving hundreds of thousands of members. GuruShots was founded in 2014 by Dror Markovich and Eran Hazout.
GuruShots has raised $7.0M across 2 funding rounds.
GuruShots has raised $7.0M in total across 2 funding rounds.
GuruShots has raised $7.0M in total across 2 funding rounds.
GuruShots's investors include AltaIR Capital, Ervington Investments, Flashpoint, Altair Capital Management, DN Capital, Episode 1 Ventures, Flashpoint VC, IVP, Menlo Ventures, Scalebridge Capital, Shmuel Cabilly.
GuruShots has raised $7.0M across 2 funding rounds. Most recently, it raised $5.0M Series A in March 2019.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 1, 2019 | $5M Series A | AltaIR Capital, Ervington Investments, Flashpoint | Altair Capital Management, DN Capital, Episode 1 Ventures, Flashpoint VC, IVP, Menlo Ventures, Scalebridge Capital, Shmuel Cabilly | Announced |
| Sep 1, 2015 | $2M Seed | — | Altair Capital Management, Scalebridge Capital, Shmuel Cabilly | Announced |
GuruShots is a mobile-first platform that gamifies photography through themed challenges, peer voting, and global competitions, serving photography enthusiasts of all skill levels.[1][2][4] It solves the problem of static photo-sharing by turning photography into an interactive game that motivates improvement, provides feedback, and offers exposure via real-world exhibitions, fostering a supportive community rather than just a feed.[1][2] With strong growth as the "world's leading photography game," it engages millions worldwide, leveraging AWS infrastructure for scalability.[3][4]
GuruShots was founded by Dror Shimoni and Eran Hazout, who envisioned a fun, peer-driven space to challenge and inspire photographers after recognizing the limitations of traditional sharing platforms.[1] The idea emerged from their desire to create a competitive yet friendly environment where users advance through snapshots, shaped by ongoing community feedback to evolve the platform.[1] Early traction built on this foundation, transforming it into a global hub with themed contests testing creativity and skills, leading to features like international exhibitions.[1][4]
GuruShots rides the wave of creator economy and gamification trends, where mobile apps democratize creative pursuits amid rising smartphone photography (over 90% of photos now mobile-captured).[1][4] Timing aligns with post-pandemic demand for virtual communities and self-improvement tools, amplified by social media's shift toward interactive content over passive scrolling.[1][2] Market forces like accessible AI editing and global connectivity favor it, positioning GuruShots to influence the ecosystem by bridging amateur creators to professional recognition and partnerships (e.g., with imaging firms like Skylum).[1][5]
GuruShots is poised to expand with AR/VR integrations for immersive challenges and deeper AI-driven feedback, capitalizing on generative AI's rise in creative tools.[3] Trends like Web3 creator monetization and metaverse exhibitions could amplify its global reach, evolving it from game to full-fledged photography career launcher. As the fusion of photography and gaming that elevates journeys for all, it remains a game-changer in motivating creators worldwide.[1][4]
