Top 15 Game Development Investors in the US
Top 15 Game Development Investors in the US
The game development industry in the US is a vibrant hub of creativity and technology. Companies range from indie studios creating innovative experiences to large publishers producing blockbuster games. In recent years, there's been a notable shift towards mobile and online gaming, with genres like eSports and VR gaining traction. The rise of blockchain technology and NFTs also presents fresh opportunities, as developers explore new economic models. With over $200 billion in revenue, the US market remains competitive, driven by consumer demand for engaging games and immersive experiences, setting the stage for future growth and innovation across various platforms.
This listing showcases a mix of venture capital and corporate investors located across key tech hubs in the US, dominating in game development. Founded between 2000 and 2023, these firms vary in size but not in ambition, having collectively participated in 400+ deals throughout 2024 alone. Companies like Intel Capital and Y Combinator, established names with a wealth of expertise, constantly seek innovative startups while also nurturing emerging players. Investors range from nimble teams to larger firms, each demonstrating strong commitments to investment in gaming, pushing the sector forward through various funding rounds.
Top 15 Game Development Investors in the US
1. 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 provides funding and mentorship to early-stage technology companies, helping entrepreneurs launch and grow their businesses through structured programs, resources like the Startup School, and co-founder matching services. Y Combinator has successfully launched over 4,000 startups, making it a key player in the technology startup ecosystem. Notably, Y Combinator has invested in several game development companies, including Niantic, known for its innovative mobile games, and Machine Zone, which has made a significant impact in the gaming industry. Additionally, Y Combinator participated in funding rounds for Gamelynx, a company focused on mobile esports development, showcasing its commitment to the gaming sector. These transactions highlight Y Combinator's active role in supporting game development ventures alongside its broader investment strategy.
2. 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 based in Denver, Colorado, founded in 2017. The firm specializes in investments in gaming and emerging technologies, providing funding and support to startups in these sectors. BITKRAFT Ventures is particularly focused on Synthetic Reality™, positioning itself at the forefront of innovation in the gaming industry. Notable transactions include their participation in a $40 million funding round for CCP Games, which is developing a new Web3 game, and multiple funding rounds for Manticore Games, including a $100 million Series C round aimed at enhancing game creation tools. Additionally, they invested in The Believer Company, which raised $55 million to develop an open-world game using original intellectual property. These investments underscore BITKRAFT's active role in the game development landscape.
3. Makers Fund
- Website: makersfund.com
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: United States (USA)
- Founded year: 2017
- Headcount: 11-50
- Number of deals in 2024: 10
- LinkedIn: makersfund
Makers Fund is a venture capital firm founded in 2017, based in the United States, that specializes in investing in startups within the gaming and interactive entertainment sectors. The firm has been actively involved in the gaming industry, participating in notable funding rounds such as CCP Games, which raised $40 million for a new Web3 game, and Theorycraft Games, which secured $50 million in Series B funding to develop their competitive game, Loki. Additionally, Makers Fund co-led a $12.4 million seed funding round for Alta, a virtual reality metaverse studio, indicating their commitment to innovative gaming technologies. With a total of 10 investments in 2024 alone, Makers Fund continues to support visionary entrepreneurs in the gaming space, providing not just capital but also strategic guidance and access to a global network to help navigate early-stage challenges.
4. 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 not only funding but also mentorship and resources to help founders navigate growth challenges. Notably, 500 Global has made significant investments in the gaming sector, including a $4.9 million investment in Animoca Brands, a leader in blockchain gaming, and a $1.2 million seed funding for Pixowl, a multi-platform mobile game developer. They also participated in funding rounds for Axie Infinity, a prominent player in the play-to-earn gaming model, showcasing their commitment to innovative gaming startups. Their diverse portfolio and focus on technology-driven companies position them as a key player in the game development investment landscape.
5. 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 based in Manchester, New Hampshire, founded in 2023. It 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 notable transactions within the game development industry, including participation in funding rounds for Mythical Games, which raised significant capital for its NFT-driven game, Blankos Block Party. They also engaged in funding for The Believer Company, a startup founded by former Riot executives, which raised $55 million to develop an open-world game. These investments highlight the fund's commitment to supporting innovative gaming projects and its relevance in the game development sector.
6. Galaxy Interactive
- Website: interactive.galaxy.com
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 2018
- Headcount: 11-50
- Number of deals in 2024: 11
- LinkedIn: galaxy-interactive-team
Galaxy Interactive is a venture capital firm based in New York, founded in 2018, that specializes in investments within the interactive space, particularly focusing on gaming, media, and technology. The firm provides capital and expertise to innovative startups, helping them grow in a competitive market. Notable transactions include participation in N3TWORK's Series A and Series C funding rounds, which are aimed at developing web3 gaming titles. Additionally, Galaxy Interactive invested in Build A Rocket Boy during its Series D round, which raised $110 million, and in Polyarc's Series B round, which raised $9 million to expand into augmented reality development. These investments highlight Galaxy Interactive's active role in the gaming sector and their commitment to fostering innovation in game development.
7. SV Angel
- Website: svangel.com
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 2009
- Headcount: 1-10
- Number of deals in 2024: 44
- LinkedIn: sv-angel
SV Angel is a venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2009. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage and growth-stage technology companies, providing not only financial backing but also strategic advice and access to a vast network of industry experts. SV Angel has a notable track record in the game development industry, having invested in Manticore Games through multiple funding rounds, including a $30 million Series B in 2019 and earlier rounds totaling $15 million in Series A and an undisclosed amount in Pre-Seed. Additionally, they were involved in Zynga's $10 million Series A funding in 2008, showcasing their commitment to supporting innovative gaming ventures. Their mission is to foster innovation and help startups navigate the challenges of business development, making them a valuable partner for game developers.
8. 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 based in Kirkland, Washington, founded in 2019. The firm is dedicated to supporting independent game developers by providing both investment and community support to help studios grow and succeed in the gaming industry. In 2024 alone, they have made 7 investments, showcasing their active role in the sector. Notable transactions include their participation in the $55 million Series A funding for The Believer Company, which is focused on developing an open-world game. They also invested in Frost Giant Studios during their seed round, which raised $4.7 million, and Omeda Studios, which secured $2.2 million in seed funding. Additionally, they were involved in the seed funding round for Methodical Games, which raised $15 million to expand its development efforts. These transactions highlight 1Up Ventures' commitment to fostering innovation and growth within the game development community.
9. 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 these sectors, Intel Capital has made significant investments in the gaming industry, including notable transactions such as Kabam, a social gaming company that raised $85 million in Series D funding and $30 million in Series C funding, both with Intel Capital's participation. They also invested in Animoca Brands, contributing to their Series A and Post-IPO Equity rounds. Furthermore, Intel Capital backed Overwolf, which raised $75 million in Series D funding. These transactions highlight Intel Capital's engagement in the gaming sector, providing funding and strategic support to help these companies scale and innovate within the gaming ecosystem.
10. Samsung Next
- Website: samsungnext.com
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: Mountain View, California, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 2012
- Headcount: 51-200
- Number of deals in 2024: 49
- LinkedIn: samsung-next
Samsung Next is a venture capital firm founded in 2012, based in Mountain View, California. The firm invests in technology startups across various sectors, including Artificial Intelligence, Healthtech, and Consumer Services. Notably, Samsung Next has made significant investments in the game development industry, supporting companies like Survios, which is known for its VR titles such as The Walking Dead: Onslaught and Creed: Rise to Glory. They participated in Survios's Series D funding round, contributing to a total of $16.7 million raised. Additionally, Samsung Next invested in The Sandbox, a blockchain gaming platform, during a funding round that raised over $90 million, showcasing their interest in the intersection of gaming and blockchain technology. Their involvement in Axie Infinity further emphasizes their commitment to the gaming sector, making them a key player in the technology investment landscape with a notable focus on gaming innovations.
11. Griffin
- Website: griffingp.com
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: Santa Monica, California, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 2019
- Headcount: 11-50
- Number of deals in 2024: 3
- LinkedIn: griffin-gaming-partners
Griffin Gaming Partners is a venture capital firm founded in 2019, located in Santa Monica, California. The firm specializes in the gaming industry, providing investment and advisory services to gaming startups at various stages of development. Griffin has been involved in several notable transactions, including leading a $100 million Series B funding round for Second Dinner Studios, which aims to develop new titles and incubate original IP. Additionally, they led a $46 million Series A funding round for N3TWORK Studios, which focuses on web3 gaming titles. Other significant investments include a $4.7 million seed round for Frost Giant Studios and a $37.5 million Series A for Theorycraft Games. These transactions highlight Griffin's active role in supporting the growth and innovation of gaming companies.
12. Boost VC
- Website: boost.vc
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: San Mateo, California, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 2012
- Headcount: 1-10
- Number of deals in 2024: 18
- LinkedIn: boost-vc
Boost VC is a venture capital firm based in San Mateo, California, founded in 2012. The firm specializes in connecting accredited investors with innovative deep tech startups through events like the Deep Tech Demo Day. Boost VC has a diverse investment portfolio that spans various high-tech industries, including significant involvement in the game development sector. Notably, they participated in a $12.4 million seed funding round for Alta, a virtual reality metaverse studio, which aims to develop proprietary content and expand its team. They also invested in Sinn Studio Inc., which raised $2.5 million in 2024, and have previously backed Imgnation Studios and Pixel Ripped, both of which are involved in game development. These transactions highlight Boost VC's active role in fostering innovation within the gaming industry.
13. Yield Guild Games
- Website: yieldguild.io
- Type: Corporate
- Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 2020
- Headcount: 11-50
- Number of deals in 2024: 15
- LinkedIn: yieldguildgames
Yield Guild Games is a corporate investor based in New York, New York, founded in 2020. They focus on web3 games, creating a platform that unites players, developers, and guilds. Their mission includes empowering players through programs and quests that enhance community engagement and collaboration in the gaming industry. In 2024, they participated in a $10 million venture round for Avalon, a web3 gaming company, and previously invested in Illuvium, a popular open-world web3 RPG that raised $12 million in a Series A funding round. Their involvement in these transactions highlights their active role in supporting game development and innovation within the web3 space.
14. 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. The firm operates globally, connecting innovative companies with investors and providing resources to help startups grow and succeed. Notably, Sosv has invested in Harmonix Music Systems, which raised significant funding in multiple rounds from 1996 to 2015, highlighting its long-standing interest in the gaming industry. More recently, Sosv has also invested in MixRift, which raised funds in 2024, indicating its ongoing engagement with emerging companies in the gaming space. This combination of historical and recent investments underscores Sosv's relevance in the game development sector.
15. Accel
- Website: accel.com
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: Palo Alto, California, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 1983
- Headcount: 51-200
- Number of deals in 2024: 101
- LinkedIn: accel-vc
Accel is a venture capital firm founded in 1983, based in Palo Alto, California, specializing in investing in startups and early-stage companies primarily in the technology sector. With a global presence that includes offices in San Francisco, London, India, and China, Accel has made a significant impact in various industries. Notably, in the game development context, Accel has invested in several high-profile companies, including Supercell, which raised $12 million in a Series A round to accelerate growth and expand its team. They also backed Rovio Entertainment Corporation, known for 'Angry Birds', in a $42 million funding round. Other investments include Animoca Brands, Space Ape Games, and Flaregames, showcasing Accel's commitment to supporting innovative game developers and their projects.
Game Development Insights: Key Investors in the US
| Investor | Headquarter | Size | Founded | Deals 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Y Combinator | San Francisco, California, United States (USA) | 51-200 | 2005 | 802 |
| BITKRAFT Ventures | Denver, Colorado, United States (USA) | 11-50 | 2017 | 26 |
| Makers Fund | United States (USA) | 11-50 | 2017 | 10 |
| 500 Global | San Francisco, California, United States (USA) | 201-500 | 2010 | 98 |
| Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund) | Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA) | 51-200 | 2023 | 258 |
| Galaxy Interactive | New York, New York, United States (USA) | 11-50 | 2018 | 11 |
| SV Angel | San Francisco, California, United States (USA) | 1-10 | 2009 | 44 |
| 1Up Ventures | Kirkland, Washington, United States (USA) | 1-10 | 2019 | 7 |
| Intel Capital | Santa Clara, California, United States (USA) | 11-50 | 1991 | 23 |
| Samsung Next | Mountain View, California, United States (USA) | 51-200 | 2012 | 49 |
| Griffin | Santa Monica, California, United States (USA) | 11-50 | 2019 | 3 |
| Boost VC | San Mateo, California, United States (USA) | 1-10 | 2012 | 18 |
| Yield Guild Games | New York, New York, United States (USA) | 11-50 | 2020 | 15 |
| Sosv | United States (USA) | 51-200 | 1995 | 170 |
| Accel | Palo Alto, California, United States (USA) | 51-200 | 1983 | 101 |
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