Weekly News Digest #46

Hi all,

This week, we are releasing our Q1-Q3’22 Gaming Deals Activity Report, so there’s no featured news in this digest. However, you can still find all the relevant news of the past week in the Notable Transactions section below. Since the Report is on its way, make sure you follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, and Telegram not to miss it.

We want to thank Hiro Capital and The Games Fund for supporting this digest.

 MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS

UPDATE: US-based platform for creating and operating real-time 3D content Unity (NYSE: U) announced that it has completed its merger with Israel-based app advertising platform ironSource. As a result of the merger, ironSource has become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Unity. The deal was covered in detail in one of our previous digests.

UK-based games developer Matchingham Games has reportedly acquired two mobile IPs from Turkey-based mobile games developer Pow Games for $11.7m. As a result of the deal, Matchingham will add Food Match 3D, and Tile Match: Home Design Puzzle to its portfolio.

South Korean gaming holding Krafton (KRX: 259960) has announced the plans to acquire Sweden-based PC & Console games developer Neon Giant, known for its ARPG The Ascent. The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. The acquisition will allow Krafton to increase its development and online service capabilities.

VENTURE FINANCING

Israel-based mobile games developer Everybuddy Games has raised $15m in funding. The round was led by Makers Fund, with participation from Key1 Capital, and others. The funds will allow the studio to expand the team and continue the development of more titles in the casual genre like its Lucky Buddies.

UK-based AI-based animation startup Anything World has raised $7.5m in funding. Acrew Capital, Alumni Ventures, Warner Music Group, and others have participated in this round. The funds will go towards the development of an AI-based animation platform that simplifies the creation of 3D content.

US-based PC gaming hardware producer Glorious announced a strategic investment from US-based investment firm Francisco Partners. The exact amount and financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. However, Pat Wachendorf, ex-COO of SteelSeries, will become CEO as a result of the deal, while founder Shazim Mohammad will remain as a Chief Visionary and an equity holder. The funds will be used for research and development of more gaming peripherals products.

US-based Web3 game developer Theia Studio has raised $2.4m in funding. Hashed, Snackclub, Mint Ventures, and others have participated in this round. The funds will go towards the development of a Web3 creator platform for turn-based strategy games like Final Fantasy Tactics or Fire Emblem.

France-based NFT fantasy football gaming startup Sorare has revealed that Paris Saint-Germain Football Club player Lionel Messi has joined as an investor and brand ambassador to the project. Messi purchased an undisclosed stake in the project and will help Sorare to change the way fans connect with clubs and players.

UK-based NFT startup Eterlast has left its stealth mode after raising $4.5m (£3.9m). Supernode Global, Play Ventures, Active Partners, and others have participated in this round. The company develops NFTs in collaboration with sports and media franchise partners. The funds will be used for the establishment of more partnerships and for creating new NFT collections.

Israel-based Web3 infrastructure startup Xternity has raised $4.5m in Pre-Seed funding. The round was led by NFX, with participation from Jibe Ventures, Flori Ventures, Secret Chord Ventures, and vgames. The company aims to help Web2 game publishers adopt Web3 technologies with its no-code platform. The funds will go towards the development of the platform and hiring more staff.

US-based development platform for building real-time apps and APIs on the edge cloud Macrometa has closed a $38m funding. The round was led by Akamai Technologies, with participation from Shasta Ventures, and 60 Degree Capital. The funds will be used for the developer’s education, community development, marketing, and joint customer sales with Akamai.