Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨

The indie game development industry in DACH is thriving, with small studios and independent developers creating innovative titles that capture a global audience. Companies range from mobile game publishers to blockchain-focused entities, producing everything from casual games to immersive storytelling experiences. The industry is gaining momentum as technology evolves, particularly in areas like VR and NFT gaming. Gamers today crave originality and unique gameplay, pushing developers to explore fresh ideas. Noteworthy is Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ collaborative spirit among indie studios, which often share resources and talent, laying a strong foundation for growth and creativity in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sector.

In DACH, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ landscape of indie game investment comprises a mix of corporate and venture capital backers. Corporate investors like Miniclip and THQ Nordic focus on strategic acquisitions, while venture capital firms, such as 1kx and Cherry Ventures, emphasize early-stage startups. Headquartered in key cities like Berlin, Zurich, and Vienna, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se investors range in size from small firms to established companies. In 2024, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y collectively engaged in numerous deals, showcasing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to empowering indie developers and enriching Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ gaming ecosystem.

Top 17 Indie Game Development Investors in DACH

1. 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, known for its diverse portfolio of video games across various platforms. Founded in 2011, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ company has established a strong community presence and focuses on quality and innovation in gaming. Notably, THQ Nordic has made several strategic acquisitions of game development studios that contribute to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ indie game landscape. For instance, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y acquired Piranha Bytes, known for Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ Gothic series, and Gunfire Games, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ studio behind Darksiders III. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y purchased Experiment 101, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ developer of Biomutant, which showcases Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir interest in unique and innovative gaming experiences. These transactions highlight THQ Nordic's role in nurturing indie game development while expanding Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir own offerings in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ gaming industry.

2. 1kx

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

1kx is a venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2018. Specializing in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ cryptocurrency sector, 1kx focuses on ecosystem growth and provides advisory services to founders in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ web3 space, helping Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m bootstrap token networks and achieve economic sustainability. The firm emphasizes community engagement and hands-on support in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ creation and design of token models. Notably, 1kx has invested in several game development projects, including Gunzilla Games, which raised an undisclosed amount in a venture round, and Playmint, which secured $4 million in seed funding for its MMO solution. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y supported MatchboxDAO, a community of on-chain game developers that raised $7.5 million, and Treasure, which raised $3 million in a seed round. Their involvement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se projects highlights Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to fostering innovation in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ gaming industry, particularly in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ indie game development context.

3. Game Seer Venture Partners

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Aschaffenburg, Bavaria, Germany
• Founded year: 2019
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 1
• LinkedIn:

Game Seer Venture Partners GmbH is an investment firm based in Aschaffenburg, Bavaria, Germany, founded in 2019. The firm specializes in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ gaming industry, providing funding and strategic support to indie game development studios to help Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m create and publish Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir games. Game Seer focuses on building partnerships with studios to enhance Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir capabilities and ensure successful project outcomes. Notable transactions include a $1.3 million seed round for Gamera Interactive in December 2020, a $1.75 million investment in Breaking Walls for Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir debut game 'Away: The Survival Series' in April 2020, and a $3.4 million funding round for Lince Works in March 2020. These investments highlight Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir active role in supporting indie game developers and Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ gaming industry.

4. Miniclip

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

Miniclip is a mobile game publisher based in Neuchâtel, Switzerland, specializing in digital games and entertainment. Founded in 2001, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ 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 expanded its focus to include indie game development, as evidenced by Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir acquisition of FuturLab, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ developer of PowerWash Simulator, in March 2024. This acquisition marks a strategic move to enter Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ console and PC gaming markets. Additionally, Miniclip invested in Auroch Digital, a Bristol-based indie developer, to support Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir development of new intellectual properties. These transactions highlight Miniclip's commitment to diversifying its portfolio and supporting indie developers, making Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m a significant player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ indie game development landscape.

5. Moonrock Capital Verwaltungs GmbH

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Julbach, Bavaria, Germany
• Founded year: 2024
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 19
• LinkedIn:

Moonrock Capital Verwaltungs GmbH is a venture capital firm founded in 2024, based in Julbach, Bavaria, Germany. The firm specializes in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ blockchain and cryptocurrency sectors, providing services such as startup incubation, funding, and strategic guidance to early-stage startups. Notably, Moonrock Capital has participated in several significant transactions within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ gaming industry, particularly those that leverage blockchain technology. For instance, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y were involved in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ seed funding of Metaverse Game Studios, which raised $10 million for its flagship title, Angelic, a game that incorporates strategic turn-based combat and NFT creation. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y participated in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ seed investment round for GoFungibles, which raised $4 million to launch a global game and a cross-chain gamified marketplace. Their investments in Realm and Terra Virtua furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r highlight Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to supporting innovative gaming projects that utilize NFTs and virtual spaces, making Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m a notable player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ indie game development landscape.

6. Phoenix Games | acquiring and enhancing game studios

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Karlsruhe, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
• Founded year: 2018
• Headcount: 201-500
• Number of deals in 2024: 1
• LinkedIn:

Phoenix Games is a gaming company based in Karlsruhe, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, founded in 2018. The company specializes in acquiring and enhancing free-to-play game studios, providing support and resources to help Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se studios optimize Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir games and improve profitability. Phoenix Games operates using an AI-based platform to enhance game performance. Notable transactions include Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Well Played Games, marking Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir first addition to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir international family of gaming companies, and Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Sad Panda Studios, known for its popular Idle-Dating simulation game 'Crush Crush', which has achieved over ten million downloads. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have acquired oÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r studios like Midoki and Sixteen Tons Entertainment, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r demonstrating Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir active role in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ indie game development sector.

7. Oracles Investment Group

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
• Founded year: 2017
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 10
• LinkedIn:

Oracles Investment Group is a Berlin-based venture capital firm founded in 2017, specializing in decentralized finance, metaverse development, and blockchain gaming. The firm caters to high-net-worth individuals and institutional investors, providing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m with research, strategic partnerships, and consulting services to navigate Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ crypto market effectively. In 2024, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y participated in several notable seed rounds, including Sekuya ($1.6 million), NexGami ($2.5 million), and GAM3S.GG ($2 million), showcasing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to investing in innovative gaming projects. Their previous investments also include VisionGame, which raised $3.8 million in 2022, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r emphasizing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir active role in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ gaming sector, particularly in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ indie game development space.

8. TA Ventures

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

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, but has also made significant investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ gaming industry. Notable transactions include a $5 million investment in Pixonic, a social network games publisher, and a $12.2 million investment in Flaregames, which focuses on larger gaming projects. More recently, TA Ventures participated in a seed investment for Mystic Games, which is developing a mobile Roguelike Royale game. These transactions highlight TA Ventures' commitment to supporting innovative gaming companies and Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir growth in a competitive market.

9. Possible Ventures

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

Possible Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, founded in 2021. While its primary focus is on fintech, specifically through its innovative rent-to-own model for home ownership via OwnHome, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ firm has also made notable investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ indie game development sector. Among its relevant transactions, Possible Ventures participated in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ funding rounds for Omeda Studios, a UK-based game developer, contributing to both a Seed round in 2021 and a Series A round in 2022, which raised â‚�19.1 million to support Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ launch of Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir game 'Predecessor'. Additionally, Possible Ventures was involved in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ funding of Game Jolt, a social platform for Gen Z gamers, indicating Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir interest in supporting platforms that enhance Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ gaming experience. These investments highlight Possible Ventures' engagement with Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ indie game development community, despite its broader fintech focus.

10. unix gaming

• Website: unixgaming.org
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Zug, Zug, Switzerland
• Founded year: 2021
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn:

Unix Gaming is a corporate investor based in Zug, Switzerland, founded in 2021. The company operates as a gaming platform that emphasizes Web3 gaming and blockchain technology, providing services such as Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ OWNED.GG platform for gamers and developers, NFT assets, and marketing tools. Unix Gaming has participated in several notable transactions in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ gaming sector, including seed funding rounds for projects like Metaverse Game Studios, Blocklords, Atmos Labs, and Elumia. These projects showcase innovative gameplay and Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ integration of blockchain technology, aligning with Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ evolving landscape of indie game development. Their focus on facilitating connections between game developers and gamers furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r enhances Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir relevance in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ gaming industry.

11. Plaion

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

Plaion is an entertainment company based in Planegg, Bavaria, Germany, founded in 1994. It specializes in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ development, publishing, and distribution of video games, films, and merchandise, serving both consumers and businesses in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ gaming and entertainment sectors. Notably, Plaion has made significant acquisitions in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ gaming industry, including Flying Wild Hog for $137.2 million, Warhorse Studios for $37.4 million, and Vertigo Games for $59 million. These acquisitions reflect Plaion's strategy to enhance its portfolio with diverse gaming experiences, including those that may cater to indie game development, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨reby positioning itself as a key player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ gaming market.

12. bmp Ventures

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

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, providing not only financial resources but also strategic advisory services to help startups navigate Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir growth journey. Notably, bmp Ventures has been involved in multiple seed rounds for gamebook, a company in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ gaming industry, with investments totaling over $2 million from 2014 to 2017. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have invested in 2tainment, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r demonstrating Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ gaming sector. Their clientele primarily consists of tech companies and entrepreneurs, making Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m a suitable partner for indie game developers looking to scale Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir business models.

13. FunPlus

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

FunPlus is a corporate investor based in Zug, Switzerland, founded in 2010. As a video game developer and publisher, FunPlus specializes in creating engaging mobile games for a global audience, with popular titles like State of Survival and King of Avalon. The company has demonstrated its commitment to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ indie game development scene by participating in significant funding rounds for various indie studios. Notably, FunPlus was involved in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ Series B funding of Singularity 6, which raised $30 million, and contributed to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ seed funding of Drop Fake, which raised $9 million for a 4X strategy game. These transactions highlight FunPlus's active role in supporting innovative game development, particularly within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ indie sector.

14. Cherry Ventures

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

Cherry Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2012. The firm specializes in early-stage investments across various sectors in Europe, including technology and mobility. Notably, Cherry Ventures has been active in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ gaming industry, participating in significant funding rounds for companies like Playmint, which focuses on MMO solutions, and Soba, a Web3 gaming platform. Their investment in BlackPool and participation in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ Series A funding for HOLOGATE furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r highlight Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to supporting innovative gaming ventures. With a total of 25 investments in 2024, Cherry Ventures continues to provide capital, mentorship, and resources to startups, making Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m a valuable player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ indie game development landscape.

15. Solana Foundation

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Zug, Zug, Switzerland
• Founded year: 2018
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 3
• LinkedIn:

The Solana Foundation is a corporate investor based in Zug, Switzerland, founded in 2018. It operates a blockchain platform known for its high throughput and low transaction fees, which provides infrastructure for decentralized applications and smart contracts. The foundation has been involved in several significant transactions within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ indie game development context, including a $3.5 million seed funding round for Million on Mars, a game that leverages blockchain technology. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y participated in a $4.5 million seed round for Pixelynx, a company focused on creating music-based gaming experiences, and were involved in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ $725 million Series B funding round for Forte, a blockchain gaming firm. These investments highlight Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ foundation's commitment to supporting innovative gaming projects that utilize blockchain technology.

16. Sictic

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

SICTIC is a not-for-profit organization based in Zurich, Switzerland, that connects smart money investors with innovative Swiss early-stage technology startups. Founded in 2014, Sictic provides investment opportunities, networking events, and educational resources to facilitate Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ growth of startups and Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ investment community. Among Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir notable transactions, Sictic invested in N-Dream AG (AirConsole), which raised $3,021,373 in a Series A round in 2019, highlighting Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir involvement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ gaming industry. They also participated in funding rounds for oÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r startups, such as Ovomind and Struckd, indicating a diverse portfolio that includes technology and gaming ventures. This positions Sictic as a potential investor for indie game developers looking for support in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir early stages.

17. Oriole Ventures

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
• Founded year: 2022
• Headcount: 1-10
• LinkedIn:

Oriole Ventures is a corporate investment fund based in Zurich, Switzerland, founded in 2022. The firm specializes in supporting blockchain projects in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ WEB 3.0 space, providing capital injection, marketing expertise, and connections with crypto-influencers to help projects succeed. Notably, Oriole Ventures has participated in funding rounds for several gaming projects, including Nitro League, a play-to-earn racing game that raised $5 million, and Solice, which raised $4.36 million. They have also been involved in oÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r seed rounds for projects like PlatoFarm and BEMIL Coin, indicating a strong interest in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ intersection of gaming and blockchain technology.

Indie Game Development Insights: Key Investors in DACH

Investor	Headquarter	Size	Founded	Deals 2024
	Vienna, Vienna, Austria	501-1000	2011	0
	Berlin, Berlin, Germany	11-50	2018	19
	Aschaffenburg, Bavaria, Germany	1-10	2019	1
	Neuchâtel, Neuchâtel, Switzerland	1001-5000	2001	2
	Julbach, Bavaria, Germany	1-10	2024	19
	Karlsruhe, Baden-Württemberg, Germany	201-500	2018	1
	Berlin, Berlin, Germany	11-50	2017	10
	Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany	11-50	2010	5
	Munich, Bavaria, Germany	1-10	2021	9
unix gaming	Zug, Zug, Switzerland	11-50	2021	0
	Planegg, Bavaria, Germany	1001-5000	1994	0
	Berlin, Berlin, Germany	11-50	1997	3
	Zug, Zug, Switzerland	1001-5000	2010	3
	Berlin, Berlin, Germany	11-50	2012	25
	Zug, Zug, Switzerland	51-200	2018	3
	Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland	201-500	2014	77
	Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland	1-10	2022	0

Want to find more investors focusing on Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ indie game development industry?

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With Inven, you'll also get to know:

• Deal History: Number of deals and Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir sizes.
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• Contact data: Key dealmakers, including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir emails and phonenumbers.
• ...and much more!