The amusement arcade industry in the US is a vibrant blend of classic games and modern technology. From traditional pinball machines to cutting-edge VR experiences, various companies operate within this space, catering to the growing demand for immersive entertainment. The industry has evolved with digital gaming, incorporating elements like ticket redemption systems and skill-based games, which appeal to families and gamers alike. As consumer preferences shift, arcades are becoming popular venues for social experiences and competitive gaming. This trend is expected to continue, with investments focusing on the integration of technology to enhance visitor engagement.


In 2024, a notable group of 14 investors shaped the amusement arcade industry in the US. This list features venture capital firms and private equity players, many based in key markets like New York and San Francisco. Ranging in size from small to massive, each firm has made significant investments, driving innovation in the gaming sector. Founded between 1972 and 2023, these investors collectively participated in a total of 794 deals, highlighting an upward trajectory of interest and support for this exciting industry.


Top 14 Amusement Arcade Investors in the US


1. 500 Global

  • Website: 500.co
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 98
  • LinkedIn: 500-startups

500 Global is a venture capital firm and startup accelerator based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2010. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage technology companies, providing funding, mentorship, and resources to help founders scale their businesses. With a global focus, 500 Global has made significant investments in various sectors, including entertainment and gaming. Notable transactions include their investment in Playbite, which is likely related to gaming, and QiDZ, a startup that merges children's education with entertainment. These investments reflect 500 Global's commitment to supporting innovative startups that create engaging experiences, which aligns with the amusement arcade industry.


2. Y Combinator

  • Website: ycombinator.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2005
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 802
  • LinkedIn: y-combinator

Y Combinator is a prominent startup accelerator and venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2005. It specializes in providing funding and mentorship to early-stage technology companies, having successfully launched over 4,000 startups. Among its notable transactions, Y Combinator invested in Jam.gg, which raised $550,000 in a Pre-Seed round in 2020, indicating a focus on gaming-related ventures. Additionally, Y Combinator has been involved in funding Volley, a voice-controlled game developer, which raised significant amounts in various funding rounds, including $1.15 million in a Seed round in 2018 and a more recent $55 million in a Series C round in 2024. These investments highlight Y Combinator's engagement with companies that could contribute to the amusement arcade landscape, particularly through innovative gaming technologies.


3. BITKRAFT Ventures

  • Website: bitkraft.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Denver, Colorado, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2017
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 26
  • LinkedIn: bitkraftvc

BITKRAFT Ventures is a venture capital firm founded in 2017, based in Denver, Colorado, specializing in investments in gaming and emerging technologies. They provide funding and support to startups in these sectors, helping them navigate growth challenges. Their focus on Synthetic Reality™ positions them at the forefront of innovation in the gaming industry. Notably, BITKRAFT Ventures has invested in Bit Fry Game Studios, which raised funding to support its arcade-action sports gaming franchise, Ultimate Rivals. This investment highlights their engagement in the amusement arcade space. Additionally, they have participated in funding rounds for other gaming companies, indicating a strong commitment to the gaming sector as a whole.


4. Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund)

  • Website: av.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2023
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 258
  • LinkedIn: deep-tech-fund-av-focused-fund

Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund) is a venture capital firm founded in 2023, based in Manchester, New Hampshire. The fund provides accredited investors and institutions with access to professionally-managed, diversified venture portfolios, leveraging a network of over 10,000 investors to connect them with high-quality investment opportunities in the startup ecosystem. The fund has been involved in several notable transactions in the gaming sector, including investments in Bit Fry Game Studios, a company focused on developing arcade-style games, and Atmos Labs, a play-and-earn metaverse developer. These investments highlight the fund's engagement in the gaming industry, which is closely related to amusement arcades, showcasing their interest in innovative gaming experiences.


5. Intel Capital

  • Website: intelcapital.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Santa Clara, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1991
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 23
  • LinkedIn: intelcapital

Intel Capital is a venture capital firm based in Santa Clara, California, founded in 1991. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage technology companies, with a focus on areas such as AI, cloud computing, and semiconductor technologies. In addition to providing funding, Intel Capital offers strategic support and access to Intel's extensive resources to help startups scale and innovate. Notably, Intel Capital has invested in Two Bit Circus, a Los Angeles-based experiential entertainment company, participating in both a $6.5 million Series A funding round in 2015 and a $15 million Series B round in 2017. These investments highlight Intel Capital's interest in the entertainment sector, particularly in companies that blend technology with immersive experiences, making them relevant to the amusement arcade industry. Furthermore, their investment in FlowPlay, a company that creates online games and virtual worlds, also aligns with the broader entertainment and gaming landscape.


6. Galaxy Interactive


Galaxy Interactive is a venture capital firm based in New York, founded in 2018, that specializes in investments in the interactive space, focusing on gaming, media, and technology. They provide capital and expertise to innovative startups, helping them grow and succeed in a competitive market. Their approach emphasizes the integration of digital and physical lives through technology and social commerce. Notable transactions include their participation in funding rounds for ForeVR Games, which aims to create engaging family-friendly VR games, and AviaGames, a mobile skill-based gaming company. These investments highlight their commitment to the gaming sector, which is closely related to the amusement arcade industry.


7. FJ Labs

  • Website: fjlabs.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2015
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 169
  • LinkedIn: fj-labs

FJ Labs is a venture capital firm based in New York, specializing in investing in marketplace and network effect businesses. Founded in 2015, the firm has made over 1,000 investments, many of which have achieved unicorn status. FJ Labs supports entrepreneurs by providing capital and strategic guidance across various industries, including e-commerce and logistics. Notably, they have invested in gaming-related companies such as Playgama, which raised $3 million in a seed round in December 2024, and Branch, which is developing a unique NFT-based play-to-earn game. These transactions highlight FJ Labs' interest in the gaming sector, making them a significant player in the amusement arcade industry.


8. Sosv

  • Website: sosv.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1995
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 170
  • LinkedIn: sosv

SOSV is a venture capital firm founded in 1995, specializing in funding and supporting deep tech startups through its development programs. With a global reach, SOSV connects innovative companies with investors, providing venture capital investment and resources to help startups grow in various sectors, including health and climate technology. Notably, SOSV has made significant investments in the gaming industry, including Harmonix Music Systems, which raised funds in multiple rounds from 1996 to 2015, known for its popular music games that often feature arcade elements. Additionally, their investment in MavenHut, a social gaming startup, and participation in Lootcakes, a digital data network for gaming, further demonstrate their active role in the gaming sector, making them a relevant player in the amusement arcade context.


9. 1Up Ventures

  • Website: 1upfund.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Kirkland, Washington, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2019
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 7
  • LinkedIn: 1upfund

1Up Ventures is a venture capital firm founded in 2019, based in Kirkland, Washington, that focuses on supporting independent game developers. They provide investment and community support to help studios grow and succeed in the gaming industry. Notably, 1Up Ventures participated in a funding round for Bit Fry Game Studios, which raised $3.5 million to support the growth of its arcade-action sports gaming franchise, Ultimate Rivals. This investment highlights their engagement in the amusement arcade sector. Additionally, they have been involved in various other gaming-related transactions, such as funding for mobile game developers like BebopBee and FuzzyBot, which, while not directly related to arcades, showcase their commitment to the gaming industry as a whole.


10. Blackstone

  • Website: blackstone.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1985
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 57
  • LinkedIn: blackstonegroup

Blackstone Inc. is a leading investment management firm based in New York, specializing in alternative investments across various sectors, including private equity, real estate, and credit solutions. Founded in 1985, Blackstone has built a reputation for acquiring and managing a diverse portfolio of businesses. Notably, Blackstone has made significant investments in the entertainment and leisure industry, including the acquisition of Great Wolf Resorts, a company known for its family-friendly resorts that feature indoor water parks and entertainment options. This acquisition, valued at $2.9 billion, reflects Blackstone's commitment to enhancing guest experiences in leisure settings. Additionally, Blackstone's acquisition of Crown Resorts for over $6 billion further emphasizes its strategic focus on the entertainment sector, which includes gaming and hospitality. These transactions highlight Blackstone's capability and interest in investing in businesses that provide entertainment and leisure experiences, which could extend to the amusement arcade industry.


11. AU21 Capital

  • Website: au21.capital
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2017
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: au21capital

AU21 Capital is a Venture Capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2017. The firm specializes in investments in blockchain technology and supports innovative startups by providing capital and strategic guidance. Their portfolio includes partnerships with leading blockchain projects, driving growth in the industry. Notably, AU21 Capital participated in a $4.3 million funding round for Turnt Gaming, which is developing Taunt Battleworld, an arcade fighting and skill-based crypto game. This investment highlights their engagement in the amusement arcade sector, alongside other blockchain-focused projects such as Thetan Arena and Kawaii Islands, which, while not directly arcade-related, indicate their broader interest in gaming and interactive entertainment.


12. Okx

  • Website: okx.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2017
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 96
  • LinkedIn: okxofficial

OKX is a cryptocurrency exchange and digital asset platform founded in 2017, based in the United States. It offers a range of services including buying, selling, and trading cryptocurrencies, catering to both individual traders and institutional investors. OKX provides advanced trading tools, trading bots, and managed trading sub-accounts to enhance the trading experience. In addition to its core business, OKX has made significant investments in the gaming sector, particularly in blockchain-based gaming projects. Notable transactions include a $1.45 million investment in Legends of Mitra, a project focused on P2E gaming and NFTs, and a $21 million investment in Sidus Heroes, which is also a gaming venture. Furthermore, they participated in funding for Mana Interactive, a fintech company serving gamers, and Topebox, a Vietnamese game studio. These investments highlight OKX's commitment to the gaming industry, making them a relevant player in the amusement arcade space.


13. General Catalyst


General Catalyst is a venture capital firm founded in 2000, based in San Francisco, California. The firm specializes in early-stage and growth investments, providing capital and strategic guidance to startups across various industries, including technology and healthcare. Notably, General Catalyst has participated in funding rounds for companies like Big Fish Games, which raised $83.3 million to expand its distribution platform for third-party developers, indicating a focus on gaming and entertainment. Additionally, their involvement in Super Evil Mega Corp, known for developing the game Vainglory, further highlights their interest in the gaming sector. These transactions demonstrate General Catalyst's engagement with the gaming industry, making them a potential player in the amusement arcade space.


14. Kleiner Perkins

  • Website: kleinerperkins.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Menlo Park, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1972
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 38
  • LinkedIn: kleiner-perkins

Kleiner Perkins is a venture capital firm founded in 1972, based in Menlo Park, California. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage and growth companies, providing both capital and strategic support to entrepreneurs. With a portfolio that includes over 900 ventures, Kleiner Perkins has established itself as a key player in the venture capital landscape. Notably, they have made significant investments in the gaming sector, including Zynga, which raised $490 million in Series C funding in 2011 and $25 million in Series B funding in 2008. Additionally, they invested in Kingnet, which raised $15 million in Post-IPO equity in 2011 and $2 million in Series A funding in 2009. These transactions highlight Kleiner Perkins' engagement with companies that operate in areas related to gaming and entertainment, making them a relevant investor in the amusement arcade industry.



Amusement Arcade Insights: Key Investors in the US


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
500 GlobalSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)201-500201098
Y CombinatorSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)51-2002005802
BITKRAFT VenturesDenver, Colorado, United States (USA)11-50201726
Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund)Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA)51-2002023258
Intel CapitalSanta Clara, California, United States (USA)11-50199123
Galaxy InteractiveNew York, New York, United States (USA)11-50201811
FJ LabsNew York, New York, United States (USA)11-502015169
SosvUnited States (USA)51-2001995170
1Up VenturesKirkland, Washington, United States (USA)1-1020197
BlackstoneNew York, New York, United States (USA)1001-5000198557
AU21 CapitalSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)11-5020172
OkxUnited States (USA)1001-5000201796
General CatalystSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)51-2002000144
Kleiner PerkinsMenlo Park, California, United States (USA)11-50197238


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