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The sports game development industry in Europe is thriving, with a vibrant mix of startups and established players creating engaging experiences for players. Key sectors include mobile gaming, esports, and blockchain-based games. Many companies are innovating by merging traditional sports with advanced gaming technologies, such as virtual reality and NFTs. In recent years, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ industry's growth has been propelled by global accessibility and Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ rise of competitive gaming, attracting not only casual players but also investors looking for lucrative opportunities in digital sports. As interest in gaming continues to grow, European developers are prioritizing collaboration and sustainability in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir upcoming projects.

The list features a variety of investors, from venture capital firms like Initial Capital and Index Ventures to corporate entities such as THQ Nordic and MTG. With headquarters spanning London, Paris, Kyiv, and beyond, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ investors represent a mix of sizes, from micro-ventures to substantial firms with hundreds of employees. Founded between 1987 and 2019, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se investors collectively made remarkable investments in 2024, with categories ranging from cryptocurrencies to traditional gaming startups. This mix reflects Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ growing interest in sports game development across Europe, signaling a healthy investment climate for Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ industry.

Top 12 Sports Game Development Investors in Europe

1. Kima Ventures

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France
• Founded year: 2010
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 50
• LinkedIn:

Kima Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France, founded in 2010. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage startups across various sectors, providing financial support and mentorship to help Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m navigate initial challenges and achieve success. Kima Ventures backs two startups per week, demonstrating a robust commitment to fostering innovation. Among Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir notable investments is Sorare, which raised over â‚�500k in a pre-seed round in May 2019. Sorare is known for developing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ first blockchain-based football game, aiming to partner with major professional football leagues. This investment highlights Kima Ventures' engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports game development industry, showcasing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir interest in innovative gaming solutions that intersect with sports.

2. Hiro Capital

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 2019
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 5
• LinkedIn:

Hiro Capital is a venture capital firm based in London, England, founded in 2019. The firm specializes in investing in innovative companies within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ gaming, esports, and technology sectors. With a focus on building Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ future of games, digital sports, and metaverse technologies, Hiro Capital provides funding, strategic insights, and networking opportunities to help startups grow and succeed. Notable transactions include leading a $3.3 million seed funding round for Lightfox Games, which is developing 'Super Battle League', a mobile game with sports elements. They also led a $6.4 million investment in Twin Suns Corp and FRVR, which are involved in game innovation. Their investments in companies like Telltale Games and Keen Games furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r demonstrate Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ gaming industry, making Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m a key player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ development of sports games and related technologies.

3. Bpifrance French Tech Accélération

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France
• Founded year: 2015
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 198
• LinkedIn:

Bpifrance French Tech Accélération is a venture capital investor based in Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France, founded in 2015. As a public entity and financial institution, Bpifrance supports entrepreneurs and businesses in France and internationally through a range of services, including direct funding, export credit insurance, and private equity investments. The institution aims to foster entrepreneurship and innovation, helping businesses navigate growth and international expansion. In Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ context of sports game development, Bpifrance has made significant investments in relevant companies such as Homa Games, which raised $99,815,606 in a Series B round, and Esports Virtual Arenas, which secured $7,056,452 in a venture round. These transactions highlight Bpifrance's commitment to supporting Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ gaming industry, particularly in areas that intersect with sports and esports.

4. Initial Capital

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 2010
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 2
• LinkedIn:

Initial Capital is a venture capital firm based in London, England, founded in 2010. The firm focuses on seed and early-stage technology companies, particularly within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ Bitcoin ecosystem, while also providing capital and strategic advisory services to entrepreneurs. Notably, Initial Capital has participated in significant funding rounds for gaming companies such as Supercell, which is known for its mobile games, and Super Evil Mega Corp, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ creator of Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ popular esports game Vainglory. Their involvement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se transactions highlights Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir interest in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ gaming industry, particularly in projects that may align with sports and competitive gaming.

5. ZBS Capital

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Kyiv, Kyiv, Ukraine
• Founded year: 2017
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 11
• LinkedIn:

ZBS Capital is a venture capital firm based in Kyiv, Ukraine, founded in 2017. The firm specializes in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ cryptocurrency and blockchain sectors, investing in and advising web 3.0 startups. ZBS Capital leverages its media expertise and extensive network to support innovative projects. Notably, ZBS Capital has participated in several transactions relevant to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ gaming industry, including Nitro League, a play-to-earn racing game that secured $5 million in funding, and Zone, a gamefi ecosystem on Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ Algorand blockchain that raised $2.35 million. They also invested in GoFungibles, which is launching a global game and a cross-chain gamified marketplace. These transactions highlight ZBS Capital's commitment to supporting Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ development of gaming projects, particularly those that incorporate blockchain technology.

6. Index Ventures

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 1996
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 67
• LinkedIn:

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, but has also made significant investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ gaming industry. Notably, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y co-led a $130 million funding round for Supercell, a prominent mobile game developer, and have invested in Super Evil Mega Corp, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ creator of Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ popular esports game Vainglory, which raised $19 million and $26 million in funding rounds to develop hardcore esports games. Additionally, Index Ventures co-led a $5.5 million investment in Hutch, a mobile gaming studio known for its racing titles, including those developed under licensing agreements with major brands like Mattel. These transactions highlight Index Ventures' commitment to supporting Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ growth of gaming companies, particularly those involved in sports and competitive gaming.

7. Mtg

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
• Founded year: 1987
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 1
• LinkedIn:

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 that develop and publish a wide range of mobile and browser games, focusing on engaging gaming experiences for consumers worldwide. Notably, MTG has made significant acquisitions in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ gaming sector, including Hutch Games, a prominent developer of mobile racing games, for USD 275 million, which highlights Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir interest in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports game genre. Additionally, MTG acquired InnoGames, known for its popular browser games, and Plarium, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ developer of Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ mobile RPG RAID: Shadow Legends, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r showcasing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir strategy to enhance Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir gaming portfolio and capitalize on growth opportunities in various gaming segments.

8. MV Global

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

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 involved in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ gaming sector, particularly in blockchain gaming. Notable transactions include Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir participation in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ seed funding rounds for AeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r Games, which raised $4.5 million for a gaming project, and OP Games, which secured $8.6 million to develop blockchain-based games. Their investments in companies like HitBox Games and Good Games Guild furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r highlight Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir focus on innovative gaming solutions, making Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m a significant player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports game development landscape.

9. Almi

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
• Founded year: 1994
• Headcount: 201-500
• Number of deals in 2024: 7
• LinkedIn:

Almi AB is a financial services company based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1994. It specializes in providing loans, risk capital, and business development support to small and medium-sized enterprises. Almi aims to enhance Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ growth and competitiveness of Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se businesses through tailored financial solutions and guidance. Among its notable transactions, Almi has invested in Zordix, a company that has developed games with sports elements, and Sideline Labs, which may also have applications in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports domain. These investments suggest that Almi is not only focused on traditional industries but is also exploring opportunities within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ gaming sector, including sports game development.

10. Velo Partners

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 2013
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 2
• LinkedIn:

Velo Partners is a venture capital firm based in London, England, founded in 2013. They specialize in investing in early-stage companies within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ gaming and gambling sectors, providing both financial backing and strategic guidance to help Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se businesses grow. Velo Partners has been involved in several notable transactions, including an $8 million seed investment in Tripledot Studios, which focuses on mobile gaming, and a $12 million venture round for Candivore, a gaming company. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y participated in a seed funding round for Jarvi Games, which is developing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ open-world MMO Vice Online. This involvement in various gaming projects highlights Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ gaming industry, making Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m a relevant player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports game development context.

11. THQ Nordic

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Vienna, Vienna, Austria
• Founded year: 2011
• Headcount: 501-1000
• LinkedIn:

THQ Nordic is a video game publisher and developer based in Vienna, Austria, founded in 2011. The company has established a strong presence in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ gaming industry by offering a diverse portfolio of video games across various platforms. Notably, THQ Nordic has made several strategic acquisitions that enhance its capabilities in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports game development sector. In 2019, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y acquired Milestone, a prominent developer known for its racing games, for approximately $50 million. This acquisition highlights THQ Nordic's commitment to expanding its offerings in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports genre. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have acquired oÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r studios such as Bugbear Entertainment and Purple Lamp Studios, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r diversifying Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir portfolio. With a focus on quality and innovation, THQ Nordic continues to engage with gamers and maintain a strong community presence, making Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m a relevant player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports game development landscape.

12. Magnus Capital

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands
• Founded year: 2017
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 6
• LinkedIn:

Magnus Capital is a venture capital firm based in Amsterdam, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands, founded in 2017. Specializing in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ cryptocurrency space, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y provide investment, advisory, incubation, and market education services to help innovators bring Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir projects to market. Magnus Capital has been involved in several notable transactions in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ gaming sector, particularly those that leverage blockchain technology and NFTs. For instance, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y participated in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ seed funding rounds for Zomfi, an NFT game, and Metastrike, which raised significant amounts to support Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir development. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y were involved in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ fundraising for GoFungibles, which plans to launch a global game. These transactions highlight Magnus Capital's engagement with Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ gaming industry, particularly in innovative projects that may have applications in sports game development.

Sports Game Development Insights: Key Investors in Europe

Investor	Headquarter	Size	Founded	Deals 2024
	Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France	1-10	2010	50
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	1-10	2019	5
	Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France	1-10	2015	198
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	1-10	2010	2
	Kyiv, Kyiv, Ukraine	1-10	2017	11
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	51-200	1996	67
	Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden	11-50	1987	1
	Cumbria, England, United Kingdom (UK)	11-50	2017	8
	Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden	201-500	1994	7
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	1-10	2013	2
	Vienna, Vienna, Austria	501-1000	2011	0
	Amsterdam, North Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands	11-50	2017	6

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