The video game sound design industry in the DACH region is a vibrant component of the larger gaming sector. It comprises game developers, sound studios, and specialized firms offering sound playback, music composition, and audio engineering tailored for video games. Companies produce immersive sound experiences that enhance gameplay and draw players deeper into virtual worlds. Recently, the industry has increasingly focused on adaptive soundtracks and interactive audio systems. As gaming continues its rapid growth, the demand for high-quality sound design is set to rise, making this a prime time for relevant investments and innovations in audio technology.


The investors featured in this list represent a blend of corporate and venture capital entities scattered across key locations in the DACH region, including Berlin, Munich, Zurich, and more. Founded from 1994 to 2021, these firms vary in size, serving from small startups to large corporations. In 2024, they made a combined total of over 150 investments, highlighting their active engagement with the burgeoning video game sound design sector and interest in supporting innovative audio solutions. Each investor brings a distinct approach, catering to early-stage startups and established companies alike.


Top 15 Video Game Sound Design Investors in DACH


1. THQ Nordic


THQ Nordic, founded in 2011 and based in Vienna, Austria, is a corporate investor and a prominent player in the video game industry, known for its diverse portfolio of video games across various platforms. The company has made several strategic acquisitions to bolster its development capabilities, including the acquisition of metricminds, a German animation studio specializing in motion capture, which is relevant to sound design in gaming. They also acquired Experiment 101, the developer of Biomutant, aiming to build it into a major franchise, which likely involves significant investment in sound design to enhance the game's immersive experience. Other acquisitions, such as Black Forest Games and Gunfire Games, further demonstrate THQ Nordic's commitment to expanding its development footprint, which inherently includes sound design as a critical aspect of game development. With a focus on quality and innovation, THQ Nordic continues to strengthen its position in the gaming industry, making it a relevant investor in the video game sound design sector.


2. Miniclip

  • Website: miniclip.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Neuchâtel, Neuchâtel, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 2001
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: miniclip

Miniclip is a corporate investor based in Neuchâtel, Switzerland, specializing in mobile game publishing and digital entertainment. Founded in 2001, the company has grown to reach over 400 million players monthly with popular titles like 8 Ball Pool and Subway Surfers. In 2024, Miniclip made notable acquisitions, including FuturLab, the developer of PowerWash Simulator, which will operate as a subsidiary, indicating a strategic move to expand into console and PC gaming. Additionally, they acquired SYBO Games, known for Subway Surfers, marking one of the largest deals in Danish gaming history. Miniclip also invested in Auroch Digital, supporting their development of new intellectual properties. These transactions highlight Miniclip's commitment to enhancing their gaming portfolio, which inherently involves sound design as a key element of game development.


3. Possible Ventures

  • Website: possible.ventures
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Munich, Bavaria, Germany
  • Founded year: 2021
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 9
  • LinkedIn: possible-vc

Possible Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, founded in 2021. The firm has made a total of 9 investments in 2024, focusing on innovative startups across various sectors. Notably, Possible Ventures has invested in Omeda Studios, a UK-based game developer that raised €19.1M in a Series A round and $2.2M in a seed round. Omeda Studios is known for its game 'Predecessor', which is set to enter Early Access, highlighting Possible Ventures' engagement in the video game industry. Additionally, they have participated in funding rounds for other companies like Anything World and Virtex Stadium, further demonstrating their involvement in the gaming sector.


4. Oracles Investment Group


Oracles Investment Group is a Berlin-based venture capital firm founded in 2017, specializing in investments related to decentralized finance, metaverse development, and blockchain gaming. The firm caters to high-net-worth individuals and institutional investors, providing them with research, strategic partnerships, and consulting services to navigate the crypto market effectively. In 2024, they participated in several seed rounds, including a $2 million investment in GAM3S.GG, which is likely to be involved in the gaming industry, and a $3.8 million investment in VisionGame, further indicating their active role in the gaming sector. These transactions highlight their commitment to supporting innovative gaming projects, which may include aspects of sound design.


5. 1kx

  • Website: 1kx.network
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
  • Founded year: 2018
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 19
  • LinkedIn: 1kxnetwork

1kx is a venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2018. The firm specializes in the cryptocurrency sector and focuses on ecosystem growth, providing advisory services to founders in the web3 space. They help bootstrap token networks and achieve economic sustainability, emphasizing community engagement and hands-on support in the creation and design of token models. In the context of video games, 1kx has participated in several relevant transactions, including investments in Gunzilla Games, a game development company, and Playmint, which is developing an MMO solution. These investments suggest that 1kx is actively engaging with the video game industry, particularly in projects that may involve sound design as part of their development processes.


6. Sictic

  • Website: sictic.ch
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 2014
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 77
  • LinkedIn: sictic

Sictic is a not-for-profit venture capital organization based in Zurich, Switzerland, founded in 2014. It connects smart money investors with innovative Swiss early-stage technology startups, providing investment opportunities, networking events, and educational resources to facilitate the growth of startups and the investment community. Among their notable transactions, Sictic invested in N-Dream AG (AirConsole), which raised $3,021,373 in a Series A round in 2019, indicating a commitment to the gaming industry. Additionally, they were involved in Struckd, a platform that allows users to create and share games, further showcasing their engagement with video game-related ventures. These investments highlight Sictic's relevance in the technology and gaming sectors, particularly in areas that may intersect with video game sound design.


7. TA Ventures

  • Website: taventures.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: ta-ventures

TA Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany, founded in 2010. The firm specializes in early-stage technology startups across various sectors, including HealthTech and FinTech, while also actively engaging in the gaming industry. Notable transactions include investments in Pixonic, a social network games publisher that received $5 million in Series C funding to publish new games, and Mystic Games, which secured a $1.3 million seed investment to develop its mobile title, Call of the VoYd. Additionally, TA Ventures participated in funding rounds for Flaregames and Party.Space, further demonstrating their involvement in the gaming sector. Through these investments, TA Ventures provides capital and strategic support to help startups grow and succeed in competitive markets, including the video game industry.


8. Plaion

  • Website: plaion.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Planegg, Bavaria, Germany
  • Founded year: 1994
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • LinkedIn: plaion

Plaion is an entertainment company based in Planegg, Bavaria, Germany, founded in 1994. It specializes in the development, publishing, and distribution of video games, films, and merchandise, serving a global market. Notably, Plaion has made significant acquisitions in the gaming sector, including Warhorse Studios, known for its immersive RPG 'Kingdom Come: Deliverance', Vertigo Games, recognized for VR titles, Flying Wild Hog, which develops action games, and Voxler, a studio that focuses on music and rhythm games. These acquisitions highlight Plaion's strategic focus on enhancing its portfolio in the gaming industry, which includes a strong emphasis on sound design as a vital element of game development.


9. bmp Ventures

  • Website: bmp.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
  • Founded year: 1997
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: bmpventures

bmp Ventures AG is a venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 1997. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage and growth startups across various innovative sectors, primarily focusing on tech companies. They provide not only financial resources but also strategic advisory services to help startups navigate their growth journey. Notably, bmp Ventures has been involved in several transactions within the gaming industry, including multiple seed rounds for gamebook, a company that has raised significant amounts over the years (e.g., $1,379,126 in 2014 and $543,382 in 2016). These investments indicate bmp Ventures' active participation in the gaming sector, which may include aspects related to sound design.


10. FunPlus

  • Website: funplus.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Zug, Zug, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: funplus

FunPlus is a corporate investor based in Zug, Switzerland, founded in 2010. As a prominent video game developer and publisher, FunPlus creates engaging mobile games for a global audience, with popular titles such as State of Survival and King of Avalon. The company has been actively investing in the gaming industry, with notable transactions including a $9 million seed funding for Drop Fake, aimed at developing a 4X strategy game, and participation in the Series B funding of Singularity 6, which raised $30 million. Additionally, FunPlus was involved in the funding of ArenaX Labs, which is developing an AI-based gaming platform. These investments reflect FunPlus's commitment to fostering innovative gaming experiences, which likely includes sound design as an integral part of game development.


11. Cherry Ventures

  • Website: cherry.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
  • Founded year: 2012
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 25
  • LinkedIn: cherry-ventures

Cherry Ventures is a Berlin-based venture capital firm founded in 2012, specializing in early-stage investments across Europe. The firm provides capital, mentorship, and resources to innovative startups in various sectors, including SaaS and mobility. Notably, Cherry Ventures has invested in several companies within the gaming industry, such as Playmint, which raised $4 million to develop game chapters for an MMO, and Soba, a Web3 gaming platform that secured $13.6 million in funding. These investments highlight Cherry Ventures' commitment to supporting innovative gaming solutions, making them a significant player in the video game sector.


12. APX Talent Pool

  • Website: apx.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
  • Founded year: 2018
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 7
  • LinkedIn: apx-talent-pool

APX Talent Pool is a venture capital firm based in Berlin, founded in 2018, that specializes in earliest-stage investments in startups with digital business models. Backed by prominent entities like Axel Springer and Porsche, APX provides funding and growth assistance to ambitious pre-seed startups. Among their notable transactions, they have invested in Fridai the Gamer Assistant and GameBuddy, both of which are relevant to the gaming industry. These investments highlight APX's engagement with companies that enhance the gaming experience, potentially including aspects of sound design. In total, APX has made several investments in the gaming sector, indicating a strategic interest in this area.


13. Serpentine Ventures

  • Website: serpentine.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 2019
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: swiss-startup-capital

Serpentine Ventures AG is a Zurich-based venture capital firm founded in 2019, specializing in managing investments in early-stage technology ventures. The firm provides venture capital and investment management services to high net worth individuals, professional investors, and institutional clients. They leverage their extensive experience to help clients navigate the venture capital landscape and identify promising investment opportunities. Among their notable transactions, Serpentine Ventures invested in PatchXR, a company that focuses on immersive experiences, and Struckd, a platform for creating and sharing games. These investments indicate their engagement with the gaming industry, which may include aspects of sound design, particularly in immersive and interactive environments. Additionally, they have been involved with Mictic, a music wearables startup, which further highlights their interest in the intersection of technology and sound, relevant to the gaming sound design context.


14. IBB Ventures


IBB Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 1997. The firm specializes in early-stage financing and has invested in over 270 startups, providing not only funding but also expertise and resources to help these businesses thrive in competitive markets. Notably, IBB Ventures has made significant investments in the gaming and music technology sectors. For instance, they invested in Softgames GmbH, which focuses on mobile HTML5 gaming, highlighting their engagement in the gaming industry. Additionally, their investment in Skoove, a music tech startup, showcases their interest in audio technologies, which are crucial for sound design in video games. These transactions reflect IBB Ventures' commitment to supporting innovative companies that may intersect with video game sound design.


15. L1d Ag

  • Website: l1d.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 2018
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: l1digital

L1D AG is an investment management firm based in Zurich, Switzerland, founded in 2018. The firm specializes in institutional investing, particularly in the cryptocurrency market, providing portfolio management, investment advisory, and asset management services to institutional clients. In 2024, L1D AG participated in several significant funding rounds for gaming companies, including a $2 million investment in Oxalis Games and another $2 million in Opti Games during their seed rounds. Additionally, they invested $12.4 million in Pixion Games in a venture round. These transactions highlight L1D AG's active role in the gaming industry, particularly in companies that may intersect with video game sound design.



Video Game Sound Design Insights: Key Investors in DACH


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
THQ NordicVienna, Vienna, Austria501-100020110
MiniclipNeuchâtel, Neuchâtel, Switzerland1001-500020012
Possible VenturesMunich, Bavaria, Germany1-1020219
Oracles Investment GroupBerlin, Berlin, Germany11-50201710
1kxBerlin, Berlin, Germany11-50201819
SicticZurich, Zurich, Switzerland201-500201477
TA VenturesFrankfurt, Hesse, Germany11-5020105
PlaionPlanegg, Bavaria, Germany1001-500019940
bmp VenturesBerlin, Berlin, Germany11-5019973
FunPlusZug, Zug, Switzerland1001-500020103
Cherry VenturesBerlin, Berlin, Germany11-50201225
APX Talent PoolBerlin, Berlin, Germany11-5020187
Serpentine VenturesZurich, Zurich, Switzerland11-5020192
IBB VenturesBerlin, Berlin, Germany11-50199718
L1d AgZurich, Zurich, Switzerland11-5020185


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