The Last Gameboard raises $4M to ship its digital tabletop gaming platform
The tabletop gaming industry has exploded over the last few years as millions discovered or rediscovered its joys, but it too is evolving — and The Last Gameboard hopes to be the venue for that evolution. The digital tabletop platform has progressed from crowdfunding to $4M seed round, and having partnered with some of the biggest names in the industry, plans to ship by the end of the year. As the company’s CEO and co-founder Shail Mehta explained in a TC Early Stage pitch-off earlier this year, The Last Gameboard is a 16-inch square touchscreen device with a custom OS and a sophisticated method of tracking game pieces and hand movements. The idea is to provide a digital alternative to physical games where that’s practical, and do so with the maximum benefit and minimum compromise. If the pitch sounds familiar… it’s been attempted once or twice before. I distinctly remember being impressed by the possibilities of D&D on an original Microsoft Surface… back in 2009 . And I played...
![[text] The Sketchboard Pro is an iPad stand designed for artists. It’s compatible with over 30 sizes of iPad. It retails for $119. There are spots for placing an Apple Pencil upright or connected to the iPad for charging as well as openings for the camera and power cable. The iPad fits snugly so the entire surface is flat. [image: Three views of the Sketchboard Pro from overhead, one empty, one with an iPad being inserted as well as a power cord and one with an iPad in place.]](https://techcrunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/sketchboard-pro-review-02.jpg)
![[text] There are four pop-out legs on the back so the board can stand (with two legs at a time) at an angle in any direction. The board measures 19.5 x 17 inches (49.5 x 43.2 cm). [image: two back views of the Sketchboard Pro, one with legs collapsed and one with legs out.]](https://techcrunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/sketchboard-pro-review-03.jpg)
![[text] The Sketchboard Pro sits at a 20 degree angle and weighs 4.5 lbs (about 2 kg). It can also stand upright like an easel, but I found this position to be less stable. [image: side views of the Sketchboard Pro to demonstrate a 20 degree angle]](https://techcrunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/sketchboard-pro-review-04.jpg)
![[text] I tested the Sketchboard Pro with a 12.9” iPad (2019). Combined, they weighed about 5.6 lbs (2.54 kg). I found the board easy to use at a desk or table, but more cumbersome in casual settings such as a couch. [image: illustrations of holding the Sketchboard Pro by the handle and sitting and drawing]](https://techcrunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/sketchboard-pro-review-05.jpg)
![[text] The Sketchboard Pro is a handy accessory for artists who work extensively on the iPad. I’d recommend it if you’re looking for a digital drawing setup to mimic a traditional drafting table and hoping to save your posture. [image: an illustration of the Sketchboard Pro]](https://techcrunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/sketchboard-pro-review-06.jpg)
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