Epic Games vs Fanatics: employee equity compared
Secondary market prices, valuation trajectory, equity structure, and liquidity outlook for employees choosing between Epic Games and Fanatics.
Epic Games
Creator of Fortnite (350M+ registered players) and Unreal Engine (the dominant real-time 3D platform used in films, architecture, and automotive visualisation).
IPO possible 2026–2028 as scale builds. No confirmed timeline; tender offers may provide interim liquidity.
Consumer brand with network effects; ISO/NSO options; IPO when unit economics proven
Fanatics
Vertically integrated sports platform encompassing licensed merchandise, trading cards (Topps acquisition), and sports betting (Fanatics Sportsbook).
IPO possible 2026–2028 as scale builds. No confirmed timeline; tender offers may provide interim liquidity.
Consumer brand with network effects; RSU (no exercise cost); IPO when unit economics proven
Key differences for employees
Equity structure
Epic Games grants ISO/NSO with strike prices ranging from $60–$85 depending on your grant year. Fanatics grants RSU — no exercise cost.
Secondary market premium
The secondary market is pricing Epic Games at a +3% premium over its last primary round ($31.5B → $32.4B). Fanatics trades at +3% over its last round ($31B → $31.9B). A higher secondary premium signals stronger investor demand and potentially better near-term liquidity for employees looking to sell.
Revenue and growth
Epic Games runs at $5.5B ARR, growing +8% YoY. Fanatics runs at $7.3B ARR, growing +15% YoY. Revenue growth rate matters for equity because it drives the peer-multiple valuation — the method most correlated with exit multiples.
Liquidity timeline
Epic Games: IPO possible 2026–2028 as scale builds. No confirmed timeline; tender offers may provide interim liquidity.
Fanatics: IPO possible 2026–2028 as scale builds. No confirmed timeline; tender offers may provide interim liquidity.
Calculate your specific grant
Enter your actual shares, equity type, and strike price. PrivatePulse calculates your personal equity value at both companies using 4 independent methods.