Top 16 Amusement Arcade Investors in Europe
Top 16 Amusement Arcade Investors in Europe
The amusement arcade industry in Europe combines entertainment and technology to create engaging experiences for families and gamers. It includes retro arcades, redemption venues, and gaming lounges, offering everything from vintage pinball machines to high-tech multiplayer games. In the wake of evolving consumer preferences for immersive entertainment, the industry sees a growing integration of virtual and augmented reality. Emerging trends highlight an increase in investment aimed at innovative gaming solutions that elevate user experiences. This makes the arcade scene more vibrant than ever, appealing to different demographics while fostering community connections through social gaming and themed events.
The list features various investors in the amusement arcade sector, notably venture capital firms and corporate entities based in key European cities. Investors range from sizeable firms like Parques Reunidos, founded in 1967, to newer entrants such as Hiro Capital, established in 2019. Their deal counts in 2024 reflect robust activity, with many committing to multiple transactions that highlight interest in the amusement arcade space. This blend of seasoned veterans and fresh perspectives points to growth potential in this market segment, inviting attention from industry stakeholders.
Top 16 Amusement Arcade Investors in Europe
1. 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. Notable transactions include investments in Pixowl, a multi-platform mobile developer known for creating games, which received funding to develop titles featuring The Grub character. This aligns with the gaming industry, which overlaps with amusement arcades. Additionally, Kima Ventures has invested in Flashbreak, a gaming-related startup, further demonstrating their engagement in the gaming sector. Their diverse portfolio and focus on early-stage companies make them a potential ally for startups in the amusement arcade industry.
2. Parques Reunidos
- Website: parquesreunidos.com
- Type: Corporate
- Headquarters: Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Founded year: 1967
- Headcount: 10001+
- LinkedIn: parques-reunidos
Parques Reunidos is a corporate investor based in Madrid, Spain, founded in 1967. The company operates a diverse portfolio of over 60 leisure parks, including amusement parks, water parks, zoos, and aquariums across Europe, North America, and Australia. Parques Reunidos focuses on providing memorable experiences for families and individuals while engaging in sustainable practices and community support. Notably, they have made significant acquisitions in the amusement sector, including Palace Entertainment, the largest operator of water parks and family entertainment centers in the U.S., and Kennywood Entertainment, which includes several historic amusement parks. These strategic acquisitions reflect their commitment to consolidating family entertainment venues globally and enhancing their offerings in the amusement arcade context.
3. 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 invested in Immersive Gamebox, an immersive group gaming company, participating in multiple funding rounds including a Series A and a Series A2, which raised a total of over £10 million. This investment aims to support the company's expansion across the UK and US, with plans for significant growth in the number of gaming sites. Additionally, Index Ventures has invested in Dream Games, a mobile gaming studio, which, while not directly an amusement arcade, operates in the broader gaming industry. Their focus on building long-term partnerships with founders positions them as a supportive investor in the gaming and amusement sectors.
4. Crowdcube
- Website: crowdcube.com
- Type: Corporate
- Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
- Founded year: 2010
- Headcount: 51-200
- Number of deals in 2024: 3
- LinkedIn: crowdcube-limited
Crowdcube is a London-based crowdfunding platform founded in 2010 that enables businesses to raise capital through equity investments. It connects startups and SMEs with potential investors, facilitating the funding process while promoting diversity and inclusion within its workforce. Notably, Crowdcube has been involved in several transactions relevant to the amusement arcade context, including Cloud 9 Leisure, which raised $646,619 in July 2020, and gamesGRABR, a social gaming network that raised £450,000 in April 2015. These investments highlight Crowdcube's engagement with the gaming and leisure sectors, showcasing its potential as an investor in the amusement arcade industry.
5. 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 been involved in several notable transactions, including WinZO, which raised $18 million in a Series B round, and Playgama, which secured $3 million in a Seed Round in December 2024. Other investments include Moon Active and SuprNation, both of which are part of the gaming landscape. Their focus on companies demonstrating strong early traction and a clear growth trajectory positions them well to support innovations in the amusement arcade industry, making them a relevant player in this space.
6. 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, specializing in early-stage investments within the gaming industry. Founded in 2014, the firm aims to provide funding, strategic support, and industry connections to game developers and startups, helping them navigate the challenges of building successful gaming companies. Notable transactions include participation in funding rounds for companies like Resolution Games, which focuses on augmented and virtual reality games, and FuzzyBot, an indie game developer. These investments highlight Sisu's commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration in the gaming sector, which is relevant to the amusement arcade industry as it evolves with new technologies and gaming experiences.
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 investments, particularly in technology companies within the Bitcoin ecosystem. They provide capital and strategic advisory services to entrepreneurs, helping them navigate the complexities of business growth and development. Notably, Initial Capital has been involved in several transactions relevant to the gaming industry, including a $3 million seed funding for Pnkfrg Studios, which aims to create mobile experiences based on blockchain and user-generated content. They also participated in a $25 million Series C funding round for Resolution Games, a company focused on developing high-quality games, and a seed funding round for GAMEE, a social gaming platform. These investments highlight Initial Capital's engagement in the gaming sector, making them a potential player in the amusement arcade industry.
8. 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 venture capital firm based in London, England, founded in 2019. The firm specializes in investing in innovative companies within the gaming, esports, and technology sectors. They provide funding, strategic insights, and networking opportunities to help startups grow and succeed. Hiro Capital aims to build the future of games, digital sports, and metaverse technologies, making them a key player in these industries. Notable transactions include their participation in a $3.3 million seed funding round for Lightfox Games, a mobile games developer, and a significant investment in Snow Print Studios, where they led a $15 million funding round to support the expansion of multiple international video game studios. While their focus is primarily on video games, their involvement in the gaming sector suggests a potential interest in amusement arcade-related ventures.
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 portfolio of gaming studios, developing and publishing a wide range of mobile and browser games. MTG focuses on providing engaging gaming experiences to consumers worldwide, leveraging its expertise in user engagement and innovation. Notable transactions include the acquisition of DreamHack, an eSports firm, which enhances their presence in interactive entertainment. They also acquired PlaySimple Games, a significant player in the mobile gaming space, and Ninja Kiwi, a mobile games developer, further diversifying their gaming segment. These transactions reflect MTG's commitment to expanding its influence in the gaming industry, which is closely related to the amusement arcade sector.
10. Microsoft Accelerator
- Website: microsoftaccelerator.com
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
- Founded year: 2013
- Headcount: 51-200
- LinkedIn: microsoft-accelerator
Microsoft Accelerator is a venture capital firm founded in 2013, based in London, England. It specializes in providing support to startups through various funding mechanisms, including seed rounds and non-equity assistance. Notably, Microsoft Accelerator has been involved in the funding of AntStream Arcade, a platform that offers a cloud-based arcade gaming experience, which highlights its engagement with the amusement arcade industry. In addition to this, the firm has participated in several other transactions, such as Eulerspace and SmartNotify, although these are not directly related to the arcade sector. Microsoft Accelerator's focus on enhancing productivity through technology, particularly in artificial intelligence and cloud computing, positions it as a forward-thinking investor that may continue to explore opportunities in diverse industries, including amusement arcades.
11. Cvc
- Website: cvc.com
- Type: Private Equity
- Headquarters: Luxembourg
- Founded year: 2005
- Headcount: 1001-5000
- Number of deals in 2024: 16
- LinkedIn: cvc-capital-partners
CVC Capital Partners is a prominent private equity firm based in Luxembourg, founded in 2005, managing approximately €193 billion in assets for over 1000 clients, including pension funds and institutional investors. The firm specializes in private equity, credit, secondaries, and infrastructure investments. Notably, CVC has made significant investments in the entertainment sector, including the acquisition of Merlin Entertainments, a leading operator of attractions and theme parks, which aligns with the amusement arcade industry. They also acquired CJ CGV, a major cinema chain, indicating their strategic focus on entertainment. Their recent investment in Dream Games, a gaming company, further highlights their interest in the gaming and entertainment landscape, making them a relevant player in the amusement arcade sector.
12. Ldc
- Website: ldc.co.uk
- Type: Private Equity
- Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
- Founded year: 1981
- Headcount: 51-200
- Number of deals in 2024: 15
- LinkedIn: ldc
Lloyds Development Capital (LDC) is a private equity firm based in London, England, specializing in providing growth capital and strategic support to mid-market businesses across various sectors. Founded in 1981, LDC is part of Lloyds Banking Group and focuses on fostering long-term partnerships to drive business success. In recent years, LDC has made significant investments in the gaming industry, including a notable investment of £22.5 million in Marmalade Game Studio, a leading game developer and publisher in the UK, announced on September 28, 2021. This investment highlights LDC's interest in the gaming sector, which is closely related to the amusement arcade industry. Other transactions include investments in diverse sectors, showcasing LDC's broad investment strategy while maintaining a focus on growth-oriented companies.
13. Breeder DAO
- Website: breederdao.io
- Type: Corporate
- Headquarters: Rode, England, United Kingdom (UK)
- Founded year: 2021
- Headcount: 11-50
- Number of deals in 2024: 8
- LinkedIn: breeder-dao
Breeder DAO is a corporate investor based in Rode, England, specializing in blockchain gaming and NFT asset creation. Founded in 2021, the firm has made significant strides in the gaming industry, focusing on community empowerment and providing tailored digital assets and governance solutions. In 2022, Breeder DAO participated in a $6 million seed round for MECH.COM, which is developing NFT-based metaverse games, showcasing their interest in innovative gaming platforms. They also invested in MetaverseGo, a mobile gaming platform that aims to enhance user engagement through collaboration with telecommunications companies. In 2024, they were involved in a strategic funding round for Pixels, further emphasizing their commitment to supporting projects that could intersect with the amusement arcade sector. Breeder DAO's investments reflect a strong focus on the future of gaming, making them a relevant player in the amusement arcade industry.
14. The FSE Group
- Website: thefsegroup.com
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: Fleet, England, United Kingdom (UK)
- Founded year: 2002
- Headcount: 11-50
- Number of deals in 2024: 19
- LinkedIn: the-fse-group
The FSE Group is a not-for-profit venture capital organization based in Fleet, England, established in 2002. It specializes in providing funding solutions, including business loans and equity investments, to high-growth SMEs in the UK. The organization collaborates with various stakeholders to deliver regional funding aimed at promoting economic prosperity. Notably, The FSE Group has been involved in several transactions relevant to the amusement arcade industry, such as providing debt financing to Jungle Mania, a company focused on entertainment experiences, and The Play Company, which raised funds for its operations. These investments highlight The FSE Group's engagement in the amusement and entertainment sector, reinforcing its role as a potential investor in the amusement arcade industry.
15. 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 mobile game publisher based in Neuchâtel, Switzerland, specializing in digital games and 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 recent years, Miniclip has actively expanded its portfolio through strategic acquisitions, including Masomo, known for the sports-focused casual game Head Ball 2, and SYBO Games, the developer of the iconic Subway Surfers. These acquisitions reflect Miniclip's commitment to enhancing its offerings in the casual gaming sector, which often overlaps with arcade gaming experiences. Their acquisition of Ilyon Games for $100 million further emphasizes their focus on casual multiplayer games, aligning with the characteristics of amusement arcade games.
16. GD10 Ventures
- Website: gd10.capital
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
- Headcount: 1-10
- Number of deals in 2024: 3
GD10 Ventures is a venture capital firm and digital marketing agency based in London, England, specializing in funding and providing strategic marketing services to blockchain and gaming startups. They aim to enhance the growth of their clients through a comprehensive suite of services, including market making and smart contract development. Notable transactions include investments in gaming-related projects such as Cross The Ages, a collectible card game that utilizes NFTs, and Cryptomeda, which raised funds for a gaming initiative. These investments highlight GD10 Ventures' commitment to the gaming industry, which is closely related to the amusement arcade sector, particularly as gaming continues to evolve with blockchain technology.
Amusement Arcade Insights: Key Investors in Europe
| Investor | Headquarter | Size | Founded | Deals 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kima Ventures | Paris, Île-De-France, France | 1-10 | 2010 | 50 |
| Parques Reunidos | Madrid, Madrid, Spain | 10001+ | 1967 | 0 |
| Index Ventures | London, England, United Kingdom (UK) | 51-200 | 1996 | 67 |
| Crowdcube | London, England, United Kingdom (UK) | 51-200 | 2010 | 3 |
| Velo Partners | London, England, United Kingdom (UK) | 1-10 | 2013 | 2 |
| Sisu Game Ventures | Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland | 1-10 | 2014 | 2 |
| Initial Capital | London, England, United Kingdom (UK) | 1-10 | 2010 | 2 |
| Hiro Capital | London, England, United Kingdom (UK) | 1-10 | 2019 | 5 |
| Mtg | Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden | 11-50 | 1987 | 1 |
| Microsoft Accelerator | London, England, United Kingdom (UK) | 51-200 | 2013 | 0 |
| Cvc | Luxembourg | 1001-5000 | 2005 | 16 |
| Ldc | London, England, United Kingdom (UK) | 51-200 | 1981 | 15 |
| Breeder DAO | Rode, England, United Kingdom (UK) | 11-50 | 2021 | 8 |
| The FSE Group | Fleet, England, United Kingdom (UK) | 11-50 | 2002 | 19 |
| Miniclip | Neuchâtel, Neuchâtel, Switzerland | 1001-5000 | 2001 | 2 |
| GD10 Ventures | London, England, United Kingdom (UK) | 1-10 | 3 |
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