The tabletop gaming industry in Europe thrives on creativity and social interaction, featuring a mix of traditional board games, card games, and innovative tabletop role-playing games. Comprising established companies and independent creators, this sector caters to a broad audience, from casual players to serious enthusiasts. With significant demand for digital adaptations and expansions into hybrid formats, the market is poised for growth. Recent trends show rising interest in immersive and thematic gameplay experiences that integrate technology with classic board gaming, appealing to the next generation of players and collectors.

This article highlights 16 key investors in the European tabletop gaming scene, spanning venture capital firms, corporate entities, and private equity groups. Headquartered across vibrant locations like London, Paris, and Stockholm, these investors range from small teams to large corporations. Since their founding between 1986 and 2021, they have combined expertise to foster innovation in gaming, evidenced by a busy 2024 with a varied range of funding deals, from MV Global's strategic bets to Ubisoft’s notable involvement in new gaming ventures.

Top 16 Tabletop Gaming Investors in Europe

1. 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 prominent video game publisher and developer known for its successful franchises such as Assassin's Creed and Far Cry. The company has a diverse portfolio of video games and operates through digital platforms, allowing consumers to purchase and access their games online. In the context of tabletop gaming, Ubisoft has made notable investments, including a significant role in the seed funding of Cross The Ages, a Polygon-based NFT collectible card game that raised $12 million in March 2022. This investment highlights Ubisoft's interest in innovative gaming experiences that intersect with tabletop mechanics. However, the majority of Ubisoft's acquisitions, such as Microids, Ubisoft Reflections Ltd., and Blue Mammoth Games, focus on expanding their video game portfolio rather than traditional tabletop games. This suggests that while Ubisoft has ventured into the tabletop gaming space, its primary focus remains on video games.

2. 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. Kima Ventures has made notable investments in the gaming industry, including Mino Games, which raised $1.5 million in a seed round, and Sorare, a blockchain-based football game that received significant funding in its pre-seed round. These transactions highlight Kima Ventures' engagement in the gaming sector, suggesting a potential interest in tabletop gaming as well.

3. MV Global

• Website: mvglobal.io
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Cumbria, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 2017
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 8
• LinkedIn: masterventures

MV Global is a venture capital firm based in Cumbria, England, founded in 2017. The firm specializes in building and supporting early-stage web3 businesses, providing services such as venture creation, equity and token investments, and strategic operational support. MV Global has been actively investing in the gaming sector, particularly in blockchain and play-to-earn games. Notable transactions include a $4.5 million investment in Aether Games, a blockchain-based gaming platform, and participation in funding rounds for other gaming projects like Elumia, Metastrike, Sidus Heroes, and OP Games. These investments highlight MV Global's commitment to innovative gaming solutions and their potential relevance to the tabletop gaming community as the industry continues to evolve.

4. 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 is particularly focused on building the future of games, digital sports, and metaverse technologies. Notably, they have invested in Meeple Corp, which raised $621,775 in a Pre-Seed round, indicating their involvement in the tabletop gaming sector. Additionally, they have participated in funding rounds for various gaming studios, including Noodle Cat Games, which closed a $12 million Series A round, and Atom Switch, which received a significant investment for developing their inaugural title. These transactions highlight Hiro Capital's commitment to supporting diverse gaming ventures, including those in the tabletop gaming space.

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. They specialize 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 investments in Playgama, Tripledot Studios, Junglee Games, and Jarvi Games. While these companies primarily focus on digital gaming, their involvement in the gaming sector indicates a potential openness to tabletop gaming investments as well. For instance, their participation in the seed funding for Jarvi Games, which is developing an open-world MMO, showcases their commitment to innovative gaming projects. This diverse portfolio highlights Velo Partners' strategic approach to identifying and supporting companies with strong growth trajectories in the gaming industry.

6. 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. Notably, MTG has made significant acquisitions in the gaming sector, including the acquisition of Snowprint Studios, the developer of Warhammer 40,000: Tacticus, which is directly related to the tabletop gaming franchise. This acquisition reflects MTG's strategy to enhance its portfolio with games that have strong ties to tabletop gaming. Additionally, MTG's acquisition of Plarium, known for mobile RPGs, and participation in funding rounds for various gaming studios further demonstrate its active role in the gaming industry.

7. 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 focuses on providing tailored digital assets and governance solutions for gaming guilds, developers, and players, enhancing the gaming experience through partnerships with various games. Notable transactions include a $15 million seed investment in Blocklords, a game that likely appeals to tabletop gamers due to its strategic elements, and a $26 million investment in Crypto Unicorns, which integrates blockchain technology and community-driven gameplay. Their involvement in these projects highlights their commitment to fostering innovative gaming experiences that resonate with the tabletop gaming community.

8. 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, UK, specializing in funding and providing strategic marketing services to startups in the blockchain and gaming sectors. Founded with a focus on enhancing the growth of their clients, GD10 Ventures offers a comprehensive suite of services, including market making and smart contract development. They have been involved in several notable transactions in the gaming industry, including 'Cross The Ages', a Polygon-based NFT collectible card game that raised $12 million in a seed round, showcasing their commitment to innovative gaming projects. Other investments include 'DOMI Online', 'Metastrike', and 'Monsters Clan', all of which are part of their strategy to support emerging gaming startups, particularly those that leverage blockchain technology.

9. Embracer Group

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

Embracer Group is a game development and entertainment publishing company based in Karlstad, Sweden, founded in 1999. The company specializes in creating and distributing a wide range of video games across various platforms, serving gamers and entertainment consumers with engaging content and experiences. Notably, Embracer Group made a significant move in the tabletop gaming industry by acquiring Asmodee on December 15, 2021, for approximately $3.1 billion. This acquisition highlights their commitment to expanding their influence in the tabletop gaming market. Additionally, Embracer Group has acquired several other gaming studios, including Cryptic Studios, DECA Games, Gearbox Software, and Saber Interactive, further solidifying their position in the broader gaming landscape.

10. Dutch Crypto Investors

• Website: dutchcryptoinvestors.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
• Founded year: 2017
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 13
• LinkedIn: dutchcryptoinvestors

Dutch Crypto Investors (DCI Capital) is a venture capital firm based in Amsterdam, specializing in digital assets and blockchain technology. Founded in 2017, DCI Capital provides funding, strategic networking, and community building services to crypto startups, helping them navigate the complexities of the digital asset landscape. In 2024 alone, they have made 13 investments, showcasing their active role in the investment community. Notably, DCI has invested in several gaming-related projects, including OP Games, a blockchain gaming startup, and Battle Saga, which raised over $3 million with DCI as one of the investors. Their focus on sectors like DeFi and GameFi positions them as a key player in the evolving investment landscape, making them relevant to the tabletop gaming industry as it increasingly intersects with digital gaming.

11. Creandum

• Website: creandum.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
• Founded year: 2003
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 17
• LinkedIn: creandum

Creandum is a venture capital firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 2003. They specialize in supporting early-stage entrepreneurs in building global, category-defining companies across various sectors, including fintech and health tech. In the gaming sector, Creandum has been involved in notable transactions such as their investments in Small Giant Games, a Helsinki-based gaming company that raised significant funding rounds, including a $3.1 million seed round in 2014 and a $41 million investment in 2018. Additionally, they participated in funding rounds for Resolution Games, which focuses on augmented and virtual reality gaming, contributing to a $25 million Series C round in 2021 and a $7.5 million Series B round in 2018. These transactions highlight Creandum's active role in the gaming industry, showcasing their ability to nurture companies from seed to IPO and their potential relevance to the tabletop gaming sector.

12. Fabric Ventures

• Website: fabric.vc
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Luxembourg
• Founded year: 2012
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 16
• LinkedIn: fabricventures

Fabric Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Luxembourg, founded in 2012. The firm focuses on investing in the Open Economy, supporting founders and startups across various sectors, including finance, gaming, and infrastructure. They provide venture capital, business development support, and community engagement to help early-stage companies succeed. Notably, Fabric Ventures has been involved in several significant transactions in the gaming sector, such as Sorare, which raised $10 million in a seed round, and Treasure Play, which secured $8.2 million in a seed round. Additionally, they participated in funding rounds for MatchboxDAO and BlackPool, both of which are connected to gaming and community-driven projects. These investments highlight Fabric Ventures' commitment to fostering innovation in the gaming industry, making them a relevant investor in the tabletop gaming context.

13. Polkastarter

• Website: polkastarter.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Braga, Braga, Portugal
• Founded year: 2020
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 3
• LinkedIn: polkastarter

Polkastarter is a venture capital firm based in Braga, Portugal, founded in 2020. It operates as a blockchain platform that facilitates decentralized fundraising for innovative projects through Initial Decentralized Offerings (IDOs). Polkastarter connects startups in the cryptocurrency space with investors seeking early access to high-potential tokens, enabling projects to raise capital and build communities effectively. Notably, Polkastarter has been involved in several significant transactions within the gaming sector, including Aether Games, which raised $4.5 million in May 2023, and Blocklords, which secured $15 million in May 2022. These investments highlight Polkastarter's engagement with gaming projects, particularly those that may intersect with tabletop gaming through innovative gameplay and community-building elements.

14. Novator Partners

• Website: novator.co.uk
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 2003
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 1
• LinkedIn: novator-partners

Novator Partners LLP is a private equity and investment management company based in London, England, founded in 2003. The firm specializes in growth equity and capital markets investments, primarily focusing on sectors such as telecommunications, health, and technology. However, they have also made significant investments in the gaming industry, which includes notable transactions such as their participation in Vela Games, which raised $17.3 million in a Series A funding round to develop its debut title, Project-V. Additionally, Novator was involved in funding CCP Games, a digital game creator, and has shown interest in companies like Manticore Games and Klang Games, which are engaged in game development. These transactions highlight Novator's active role in the gaming sector, suggesting a potential interest in tabletop gaming as part of their broader investment strategy.

15. Scottish Enterprise

• Website: scottish-enterprise.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 1991
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• Number of deals in 2024: 55
• LinkedIn: scottish-enterprise

Scottish Enterprise is a public entity established in 1991, focused on economic development in Scotland. It provides a range of services including funding, business development advice, and support for innovation and exports. With a significant presence in the investment landscape, Scottish Enterprise has been involved in various transactions, including notable investments in the gaming sector. For instance, they participated in a funding round for Changingday, a Glasgow start-up that raised over £670,000 to support the development of its first game. This investment highlights their commitment to fostering growth in the gaming industry. Additionally, they have invested in companies like Blazing Griffin and DeltaDNA, which are also part of the gaming ecosystem. Their role in enhancing Scotland's economic landscape includes supporting businesses in the gaming sector, making them a key player in the industry.

16. Lifeline Ventures

• Website: lifelineventures.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland
• Founded year: 2009
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 14
• LinkedIn: lifeline-ventures

Lifeline Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland, founded in 2009. The firm specializes in early-stage investments in startups, providing financial backing and advisory services to entrepreneurs across various sectors. Lifeline Ventures focuses on supporting resilient founders from the inception of their ventures. Notably, they have invested in several gaming-related companies, including Mindfield Games, which raised $375,721 in a seed round in 2014, and Mojiworks, a UK-based startup that raised £2.1M in Series A funding in 2017. These investments highlight Lifeline Ventures' commitment to the gaming industry, particularly in supporting innovative game development projects.

Tabletop Gaming Insights: Key Investors in Europe

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