The gaming console industry in Europe is a dynamic sector that blends entertainment with technology. Companies ranging from major publishers to indie developers create games designed for gaming consoles, focusing on engaging experiences and innovative gameplay mechanics. As the market evolves, there’s an increasing emphasis on online services, cross-platform play, and subscription models. Mobile gaming continues to influence development trends, pushing console titles toward more immersive and socially connected forms of engagement. With advancements in hardware and cloud gaming, the future points to a thriving, interconnected ecosystem that caters to both traditional gamers and newer audiences alike.


This list profiles a mix of investors who are shaping the gaming console sector in Europe. The group features both corporate and venture capital firms, each with distinct approaches and investment strategies. Headquartered in cities like Helsinki, Dublin, and London, these investors range from small entities with hands-on support to larger firms with extensive buying power. In 2024, they collectively engaged in a noteworthy number of deals, showcasing their commitment to developing the gaming landscape.


Top 13 Gaming Console Investors in Europe


1. Keywords Studios


Keywords Studios plc is a prominent video game service provider based in Dublin, Ireland, specializing in various aspects of game development, including art, audio, localization, and quality assurance. Founded in 1998, the company has grown significantly, employing over 10,000 people and expanding its services to cater to clients in the video game industry. In recent years, Keywords Studios has made several strategic acquisitions to enhance its capabilities and offerings. Notably, they acquired Heavy Iron Studios, known for its work on console titles, for up to $13.3 million in September 2020. In April 2021, they acquired Climax Studios for up to $60 million, a studio with a history of developing games for consoles. Other acquisitions include Smoking Gun Interactive, High Voltage Software, and Tantalus Media, all of which contribute to the development of games for various platforms, including consoles. These transactions highlight Keywords Studios' commitment to strengthening its position in the gaming industry and its relevance to the gaming console market.


2. Ubisoft

  • Website: ubisoft.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Issy-Les-Moulineaux, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 1986
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • LinkedIn: ubisoft

Ubisoft Entertainment SA, founded in 1986 and based in Issy-Les-Moulineaux, Île-De-France, France, is a leading video game publisher and developer. The company is renowned for its popular franchises, including Assassin's Creed and Far Cry, which are available on various gaming consoles. Ubisoft has made several strategic acquisitions to bolster its capabilities in the gaming sector. Notable transactions include the acquisition of the Far Cry franchise from Crytek, allowing Ubisoft to independently develop new entries in this successful series. They also acquired RedLynx, known for Trials HD, to enhance their online gaming offerings, and Nadeo, the developer of TrackMania, to leverage their expertise in online gaming. These acquisitions reflect Ubisoft's commitment to expanding its presence in the gaming console market and providing engaging entertainment experiences to consumers.


3. Sisu Game Ventures

  • Website: sisu.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland
  • Founded year: 2014
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: sisu-game-ventures

Sisu Game Ventures is a venture capital fund based in Helsinki, Finland, founded in 2014. The firm specializes in early-stage investments within the gaming industry, providing funding, strategic support, and industry connections to game developers and startups. Their mission is to foster collaboration and innovation in the gaming sector. Notable transactions include their participation in the funding rounds for Return Entertainment, which focuses on cloud-native gaming technology, and Lightheart Entertainment, which is known for its successful title 'Mr Autofire'. Additionally, they have invested in Utopos Games, a studio working on PC games, and Exit Plan Games, indicating a diverse portfolio within the gaming landscape. These investments highlight Sisu Game Ventures' commitment to supporting the growth of gaming companies, which may include future opportunities in the gaming console space.


4. Kima Ventures

  • Website: kimaventures.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 50
  • LinkedIn: kima-ventures

Kima Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 2010. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage startups across various sectors, backing two startups per week with financial support and mentorship. Among their notable transactions, Kima Ventures has invested in Mino Games, which raised $1,500,000 in a Seed Round in December 2014, and Darewise Entertainment, which raised $567,325 in a Pre-Seed Round in October 2018. These investments highlight Kima Ventures' engagement in the gaming industry, particularly in companies that contribute to game development and innovation, aligning with the interests of gaming console investors.


5. Bpifrance French Tech Accélération


Bpifrance French Tech Accélération is a venture capital firm based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 2015. As a public entity and financial institution, Bpifrance supports entrepreneurs and businesses in France and internationally through various services, including direct funding and private equity investments. The firm aims to foster entrepreneurship and innovation, helping businesses navigate growth and international expansion. Notably, Bpifrance has invested in several companies relevant to the gaming industry, including Gamestream, which raised $4,897,282 in a venture round in March 2024, and Homa Games, which raised $99,815,606 in a Series B round in October 2022. These investments highlight Bpifrance's active role in supporting the gaming sector, particularly in areas that intersect with gaming consoles and technology.


6. Hiro Capital

  • Website: hiro.capital
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2019
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: hirocapital

Hiro Capital is a London-based venture capital firm founded in 2019, focusing on innovative companies within the gaming, esports, and technology sectors. They provide funding, strategic insights, and networking opportunities to help startups grow and succeed. Notably, Hiro Capital has led significant investments in various gaming companies, including Telltale Games, which raised $8 million to develop console titles, and Firestoke, which aims to launch its first titles on both PC and console platforms. Their involvement with Polyarc, known for the VR game Moss, and Twin Suns Corp, further demonstrates their commitment to advancing gaming technologies and experiences. Hiro Capital is dedicated to building the future of games, digital sports, and metaverse technologies, making them a key player in the gaming industry.


7. Initial Capital

  • Website: initialcapital.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: initial-capital

Initial Capital is a venture capital firm based in London, England, founded in 2010. The firm specializes in seed and early-stage technology companies, with a notable focus on the Bitcoin ecosystem. In addition to their primary focus, Initial Capital has participated in significant funding rounds for gaming companies, including Supercell, a Finnish game developer known for popular titles like Clash of Clans, where they participated in both seed and Series A funding rounds. They also invested in Super Evil Mega Corp, the creator of the mobile game Vainglory, contributing to multiple funding rounds aimed at developing esports games. These transactions highlight Initial Capital's involvement in the gaming industry, showcasing their interest in innovative gaming technologies and platforms.


8. Index Ventures

  • Website: indexventures.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1996
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 67
  • LinkedIn: index-ventures

Index Ventures is a venture capital firm founded in 1996, based in London, England. The firm invests in innovative startups across various sectors, including technology and healthcare, and is known for providing capital and strategic support to entrepreneurs. Notably, Index Ventures has participated in significant funding rounds for gaming companies such as Supercell, which raised $130 million, and Super Evil Mega Corp, known for its mobile game Vainglory, which raised $19 million and $26 million in separate funding rounds. Additionally, they invested in King.com, the creator of the popular game Candy Crush, which raised $43 million in its Series A round. These transactions highlight Index Ventures' active role in the gaming sector, particularly in mobile and esports gaming, suggesting a potential interest in the broader gaming industry, including gaming consoles.


9. Mtg

  • Website: mtg.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 1987
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: mtg

Modern Times Group (MTG) is a gaming and entertainment company based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1987. The company operates a diverse portfolio of gaming studios, focusing on developing and publishing a wide range of mobile and browser games. MTG has made several strategic acquisitions to enhance its position in the gaming market, including the acquisition of ESL - Turtle Entertainment, a leading eSports firm, for approximately $86 million in 2015. In 2024, MTG signed a deal to acquire Plarium, known for its mobile RPG RAID: Shadow Legends, for $620 million, which is expected to bolster their growth strategy. Additionally, they acquired Ninja Kiwi, a mobile games developer, for around $203 million in 2021, and DreamHack, an eSports event organizer, for $28 million in 2015. Most recently, in 2023, MTG acquired Snowprint Studios, the developer of Warhammer 40,000: Tacticus, for an estimated $50 million. These transactions reflect MTG's commitment to diversifying its gaming segment and enhancing its presence in the gaming ecosystem, which includes elements relevant to gaming consoles.


10. Velo Partners

  • Website: velopartners.co.uk
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2013
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: velo-partners

Velo Partners is a venture capital firm based in London, England, founded in 2013. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage companies within the gaming and gambling sectors, providing both financial backing and strategic guidance to help these businesses grow. Velo Partners has participated in several notable transactions, including a $3 million seed funding round for Jarvi Games, which is developing the open-world MMO Vice Online. They also invested in Double Loop Games, which closed an $8 million funding round for a mobile puzzle hybrid game, and Gamezop, which raised $4.3 million to grow its mobile esports format. These transactions highlight Velo Partners' commitment to supporting innovative gaming companies, making them a relevant player in the gaming industry.


11. THQ Nordic


THQ Nordic, founded in 2011 and based in Vienna, Austria, is a corporate investor and a prominent video game publisher and developer. The company has built a diverse portfolio of video games across various platforms, catering to gamers and enthusiasts with engaging gaming experiences. THQ Nordic has made significant strides in the gaming industry through strategic acquisitions, including Plaion, HandyGames, Black Forest Games, and Milestone. These acquisitions not only enhance their development capabilities but also expand their reach in the gaming console market. For instance, Milestone is known for its racing games, which are popular on gaming consoles. With a focus on quality and innovation, THQ Nordic continues to strengthen its presence in the gaming industry, making it a key player in the gaming console sector.


12. Almi

  • Website: almi.se
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 1994
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 7
  • LinkedIn: almi-ab

Almi AB is a financial services company based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1994. It specializes in providing loans, risk capital, and business development support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Sweden. Almi aims to enhance the growth and competitiveness of these businesses by offering tailored financial solutions and guidance. Among its notable transactions, Almi invested in Mionix, a gaming peripherals company, which highlights its engagement in the gaming sector. Additionally, Almi has participated in funding rounds for other companies like Zordix and IGDB.com, further indicating its involvement in the gaming industry. These investments reflect Almi's commitment to supporting innovative companies within the gaming ecosystem, making it a relevant player in the gaming console investment landscape.


13. Embracer Group

  • Website: embracer.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Karlstad, Varmland, Sweden
  • Founded year: 1999
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • LinkedIn: embracergroup

Embracer Group is a corporate investor based in Karlstad, Varmland, Sweden, founded in 1999. The company specializes in game development and entertainment publishing, focusing on creating and distributing a diverse range of video games across multiple platforms. Embracer Group has made significant acquisitions in the gaming industry, including Gearbox Software for $1.3 billion, Saber Interactive for $525 million, and the acquisition of Eidos and Crystal Dynamics in 2022. These transactions highlight their strategy to expand their portfolio and enhance their capabilities in the gaming console market, serving gamers and entertainment consumers with engaging content and experiences.



Gaming Console Insights: Key Investors in Europe


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Keywords StudiosDublin, Dublin, Ireland10001+19982
UbisoftIssy-Les-Moulineaux, Île-De-France, France10001+19860
Sisu Game VenturesHelsinki, Uusimaa, Finland1-1020142
Kima VenturesParis, Île-De-France, France1-10201050
Bpifrance French Tech AccélérationParis, Île-De-France, France1-102015198
Hiro CapitalLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)1-1020195
Initial CapitalLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)1-1020102
Index VenturesLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-200199667
MtgStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden11-5019871
Velo PartnersLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)1-1020132
THQ NordicVienna, Vienna, Austria501-100020110
AlmiStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden201-50019947
Embracer GroupKarlstad, Varmland, Sweden51-20019990


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