The puzzle game development industry in the US is a rapidly evolving sector focused on creating engaging and interactive gaming experiences. Companies range from indie studios to major developers, with offerings that include mobile apps, web-based games, and immersive VR experiences. Popular titles often incorporate unique mechanics that challenge players while providing entertainment. As technology advances, the industry is increasingly leveraging AR and AI to enhance gameplay and engagement. In 2024, puzzle games captured a significant share of the market, showcasing players' affinity for these thought-provoking challenges and driving innovation in gaming narratives.


The investors in our list hail from various locations across the US, primarily California and New York. These venture capital firms range in size, with several having established themselves since the early 2000s. In 2024, they engaged in a remarkable number of deals, signaling a healthy interest in the gaming sector. Companies like Samsung Next and Y Combinator are just a couple of notable names, reflecting a strong commitment to fostering innovation in puzzle game development.


Top 17 Puzzle 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, establishing itself as a key player in the technology startup ecosystem. Among its notable investments in the gaming sector are Machine Zone, Niantic, and A Thinking Ape, which have contributed to the evolution of mobile and interactive gaming. Additionally, Y Combinator's involvement with Gamelynx, a company focused on mobile esports development, further highlights its engagement in the gaming industry, making it a relevant investor for puzzle game development.


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, specializing in investments in gaming and emerging technologies. Founded in 2017, the firm has made significant strides in the gaming industry, focusing on innovative concepts such as Synthetic Reality™. They have been actively involved in various funding rounds, including notable investments in companies like BebopBee, which raised $2 million for its mobile game 'What a Wonderful World', and Superbloom, a studio focused on mobile lifestyle games. These investments highlight BITKRAFT's commitment to supporting diverse gaming experiences, including those that may appeal to puzzle game enthusiasts. Their portfolio also includes participation in funding rounds for studios like Redemption Games and Manticore Games, further showcasing their active role in the gaming sector.


3. 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 focuses on early-stage technology companies, providing funding, mentorship, and resources to help founders scale their businesses. With 98 investments in 2024 alone, 500 Global has demonstrated a strong commitment to supporting innovative startups. Among their notable transactions, they invested in Puzzlium, which raised $100,000 in a seed round specifically for game development. They also backed Pixowl, a mobile developer known for creating games, which highlights their engagement in the gaming sector. Furthermore, their involvement with TouchTen, a mobile game studio, further emphasizes their interest in the gaming industry, making them a significant player in the puzzle game development landscape.


4. 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 provides capital, strategic guidance, and access to a global network to help visionary entrepreneurs establish their businesses and navigate early-stage challenges. Notably, Makers Fund has been actively involved in funding Dream Games, a studio that has raised a total of $255 million in Series C, $155 million in Series B, and $50 million in Series A funding rounds, all of which are directly related to the development of their popular puzzle game, Royal Match. Additionally, they have invested in Popcore, further demonstrating their commitment to the gaming industry.


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

The Deep Tech Fund, part of Alumni Ventures, is a venture capital firm based in Manchester, New Hampshire, founded in 2023. It provides accredited investors and institutions access to professionally-managed, diversified venture portfolios. With a network of over 10,000 investors, the firm focuses on connecting them with high-quality investment opportunities in the startup ecosystem. Notably, the fund has participated in several transactions relevant to the gaming industry, including investments in Big Wolf Games, which raised funds in a seed round, and Barnyard Games, which raised $3.4 million to develop games using Unreal Engine for Fortnite. These investments highlight the fund's engagement in the gaming sector, making it a potential player in the puzzle game development space.


6. Galaxy Interactive


Galaxy Interactive is a venture capital firm based in New York, specializing in investments in the interactive space, particularly gaming, media, and technology. Founded in 2018, the firm has made significant strides in the gaming industry, participating in various funding rounds for innovative startups. Notably, they led a Series A funding round for Nekcom, a US video game developer, which raised $8 million to accelerate game development and R&D. Additionally, they participated in funding rounds for N3TWORK, a tech and gaming company, and Polyarc, the studio behind the acclaimed game Moss, which raised funds to expand into augmented reality development. Their approach emphasizes the integration of digital and physical lives through technology, making them a valuable player in the gaming investment landscape.


7. 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. They have participated in several funding rounds for various game development studios, including Bebopbee, which raised $2 million for its mobile game 'What a Wonderful World', and Superbloom, which raised $3 million for mobile lifestyle games aimed at women. Additionally, they invested in Double Loop Games, which raised $2.5 million, and The Believer Company, which secured $55 million for creating an open-world game. While their portfolio includes a range of game types, their focus on independent developers positions them as a potential investor in the puzzle game development sector.


8. 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's mission is to foster innovation and assist startups in navigating the challenges of business development. Among their notable investments are Zynga, which raised $10 million in Series A funding in 2008 and is renowned for its social and mobile games, including popular puzzle games. They also invested in Manticore Games, which raised a total of $45 million across multiple funding rounds (Pre-Seed, Series A, and Series B) from 2017 to 2019, indicating a strong commitment to the gaming sector. Additionally, SV Angel invested in Mino Games, which raised $1 million in a Seed Round in 2011, further solidifying their involvement in the puzzle game development context. Overall, SV Angel's focus on technology and gaming startups makes them a significant player in the puzzle game development landscape.


9. 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 startups at various stages of development. Griffin has been involved in several notable transactions, including a $55 million seed round for Spyke Games, a startup focused on social and casual gaming, which aligns with the broader gaming market that includes puzzle games. Additionally, they led a $46 million Series A funding round for N3TWORK Studios, which is developing web3 titles. Their portfolio reflects a commitment to supporting innovative gaming companies, making them a potential investor for puzzle game development.


10. 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, particularly in social gaming companies like CrowdStar and Kabam. For instance, CrowdStar, a developer of social games, received multiple rounds of funding from Intel Capital, including a $12 million investment in 2013 and a $23 million investment in 2011. Similarly, Kabam, another social gaming company, raised substantial funds with Intel Capital's participation, including an $85 million Series D round in 2011. These transactions highlight Intel Capital's engagement in the gaming sector, making them a relevant player in the puzzle game development landscape.


11. 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 also made significant investments in the gaming industry. They participated in funding rounds for Survios, a studio known for VR titles, and The Sandbox, a blockchain gaming platform. Their investment in Axie Infinity, which features puzzle-like gameplay mechanics, further highlights their engagement in the gaming sector. With 49 investments in 2024 alone, Samsung Next is positioned as a key player in the technology investment landscape, supporting ambitious founders in developing innovative solutions, including those in the gaming space.


12. 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, based in the United States, that specializes in funding and supporting deep tech startups through its development programs. The firm provides venture capital investment and resources to help startups grow and succeed across various sectors, including health and climate technology. Notably, SOSV has made significant investments in the gaming industry, including Harmonix Music Systems, which is known for its music-based games, and MavenHut, a social gaming startup. These transactions highlight SOSV's engagement in the gaming sector, suggesting a potential interest in puzzle game development as part of their broader investment strategy.


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 made significant investments in the gaming sector, particularly in puzzle game development. They led a $2 million funding round for QuriousBit, a studio focused on creating innovative puzzle games for global audiences. Additionally, they participated in a funding round for Big Fish Games, which has a strong portfolio of casual games, including popular puzzle titles. Their track record in supporting gaming companies highlights their interest and involvement in the puzzle game development industry.


14. 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, founded in 2015, that specializes in investing in marketplace and network effect businesses. They provide capital and strategic guidance to entrepreneurs across various industries, including e-commerce and logistics. With over 1,000 companies in their portfolio, many of which have achieved unicorn status, FJ Labs has a significant presence in the startup ecosystem. Notably, they have invested in gaming companies such as Pixowl, which raised funds in both Seed and Series A rounds, and Gamezop, which raised $4.3 million in a Series A funding round. These investments highlight FJ Labs' engagement in the gaming sector, particularly in companies that may develop puzzle games or related content.


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 London, India, and China, Accel has made significant investments in the gaming industry. Notably, they led a $12 million Series A funding round for Supercell, the Finnish developer known for its hit games, including Clash of Clans, which has puzzle elements. They also participated in a $42 million Series A funding round for Rovio Entertainment Corporation, the creator of the iconic puzzle game Angry Birds. Other investments include Flaregames and Space Ape Games, both of which focus on mobile gaming and have developed games with puzzle mechanics. Accel's diverse portfolio and commitment to supporting innovative gaming companies position them as a key player in the puzzle game development space.


16. 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 connects accredited investors with innovative deep tech startups through events like the Deep Tech Demo Day. Boost VC has a diverse portfolio, with a focus on various high-tech industries, including gaming. Notably, they participated in the Series B funding round for Mino Games, a mobile gaming studio that is launching a web3 franchise, indicating their interest in the gaming sector. They have also invested in Pixel Ripped and Imgnation Studios, both of which are involved in game development. Their investments reflect a commitment to supporting emerging technologies and innovative gaming experiences.


17. Gaingels

  • Website: gaingels.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Burlington, Vermont, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2015
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 60
  • LinkedIn: gaingels

Gaingels is a venture capital firm founded in 2015, based in Burlington, Vermont, dedicated to investing in companies with diverse leadership. The firm provides capital and support to startups, particularly those led by underrepresented groups, to foster diversity and inclusion in the innovation economy. Gaingels has been involved in several notable transactions in the gaming industry, including a significant investment in Playgig, which raised $10.85 million to develop its first game, Mystic Kingdoms. They also participated in the seed round for Sprocket Games, which aims to create an inclusive gaming experience. Additionally, Gaingels invested in Mobile Premier League and Playable Worlds, further showcasing their engagement in the gaming sector. Their focus on diversity and support for innovative gaming projects aligns with the values of the puzzle game development community.



Puzzle Game Development Insights: Key Investors in the US


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Y CombinatorSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)51-2002005802
BITKRAFT VenturesDenver, Colorado, United States (USA)11-50201726
500 GlobalSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)201-500201098
Makers FundUnited States (USA)11-50201710
Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund)Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA)51-2002023258
Galaxy InteractiveNew York, New York, United States (USA)11-50201811
1Up VenturesKirkland, Washington, United States (USA)1-1020197
SV AngelSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)1-10200944
GriffinSanta Monica, California, United States (USA)11-5020193
Intel CapitalSanta Clara, California, United States (USA)11-50199123
Samsung NextMountain View, California, United States (USA)51-200201249
SosvUnited States (USA)51-2001995170
General CatalystSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)51-2002000144
FJ LabsNew York, New York, United States (USA)11-502015169
AccelPalo Alto, California, United States (USA)51-2001983101
Boost VCSan Mateo, California, United States (USA)1-10201218
GaingelsBurlington, Vermont, United States (USA)11-50201560


Want to find more investors focusing on the puzzle game development industry?

If you want to find more investors that are active in the puzzle game developmentindustry, you can do that with Inven. We built this list and analysis throughInven's Investor Search, and there are a lot more private equity, venturecapital, and corporate investors like these globally.

With Inven, you'll also get to know:

  • Deal History: Number of deals and their sizes.
  • Portfolio: Companies they've invested in.
  • Contact data: Key dealmakers, including their emails and phonenumbers.
  • ...and much more!