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WePlay Ventures

Europe, Istanbul, Turkey, Istanbul

Description

WePlay Ventures is a prominent venture capital firm headquartered in Istanbul, Turkey, with a specialized focus on the global gaming industry. Established to support and scale innovative gaming startups, the firm has rapidly positioned itself as a key player in the early-stage investment landscape, particularly across the MENA region, Eastern Europe, and Central Asia, while maintaining an open approach to promising opportunities worldwide. Its strategic location allows it to tap into the burgeoning tech and gaming talent pools in these regions, fostering a vibrant ecosystem for new ventures.

The firm primarily targets pre-seed and seed-stage companies, though it also participates in Series A rounds for its most promising portfolio companies. WePlay Ventures launched its inaugural fund, Fund I, with a capital commitment of $15 million, which it deployed across numerous early-stage ventures. Building on this success, the firm announced its second fund, Fund II, in 2023, with an ambitious target of $50 million. This significant increase in capital signals WePlay Ventures' growing influence and its commitment to making more substantial investments in the rapidly expanding gaming ecosystem.

WePlay Ventures' investment strategy extends beyond capital provision, offering portfolio companies strategic guidance, mentorship, and access to a robust network within the gaming industry. The firm has built a diverse portfolio of over 40 gaming startups, encompassing various genres and platforms, from mobile to PC and console. Their typical initial check sizes for first-time investments generally range from $100,000 to $1,000,000, reflecting their commitment to providing meaningful early-stage capital. By focusing exclusively on gaming, WePlay Ventures leverages deep industry expertise to identify high-potential ventures and contribute to their long-term growth and success.

Investor Profile

WePlay Ventures has backed more than 20 startups, with 0 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 8 rounds, about 40% of its total and boasts 1 exits across its portfolio.

Investment Focus Highlights

  • Concentrates on Seed, Series Unknown, Pre Seed rounds (top funding stages).
  • Majority of deals are located in Turkey, Norway.
  • Strong thematic focus on Gaming, Video Games, Online Games.
  • Typical check size: $100K – $1M.

Stage Focus

  • Seed (55%)
  • Series Unknown (25%)
  • Pre Seed (20%)

Country Focus

  • Turkey (95%)
  • Norway (5%)

Industry Focus

  • Gaming
  • Video Games
  • Online Games
  • Mobile Apps
  • Software
  • Pc Games
  • Casual Games
  • Blockchain
  • Children
  • Console Games
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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn who this investor regularly partners with—both firms and angels—and explore their latest activity.

Who does WePlay Ventures frequently co-invest with?

Lima Ventures
Europe, Istanbul, Turkey, Istanbul
Co-Investments: 3
MG
Europe, Leicester, United Kingdom, Leicester
Co-Investments: 1
GT
Europe, Harjumaa, Estonia, Tallinn
Co-Investments: 1
Angel Effect
Europe, Istanbul, Turkey, Kurucesme
Co-Investments: 1
DOMiNO Ventures
Europe, Noord-Holland, The Netherlands, Amsterdam
Co-Investments: 1
B4YO Capital
Europe, Istanbul, Turkey, Sisli
Co-Investments: 1
AV
Europe, Kikladhes, Greece, Mýkonos
Co-Investments: 1
Diffusion Capital Partners
Europe, Istanbul, Turkey, Istanbul
Co-Investments: 2
YT
Europe, Istanbul, Turkey, Esenler
Co-Investments: 1
A
Europe, Istanbul, Turkey, Sariyer
Co-Investments: 1

Which angels does WePlay Ventures often collaborate with?

OA
Europe, Istanbul, Turkey, Istanbul
Shared Deals: 1
Shared Deals: 1
JW
Europe, England, United Kingdom, London
Shared Deals: 2

What are some of recent deals done by WePlay Ventures?

Mixer Games

Istanbul, Istanbul, Turkey

Mixer is a technology-focused mobile game developer and publisher.

GamingMobile AppsOnline GamesSoftwareVideo Games
SeedApr 5, 2024
Amount Raised: $5,000,000
One Percent

Istanbul, Istanbul, Turkey

OnePercent focuses on creating high-quality games using cutting-edge technology.

GamingVideo Games
Pre SeedSep 4, 2023
Studio Billion

Sisli, Istanbul, Turkey

Studio Billion is a new generation mobile game development company that aims to "entertain billions".

Casual GamesGamingOnline GamesSoftwareVideo Games
SeedAug 3, 2023
BitPet

Oslo, Oslo, Norway

BitPet is an Augmented Reality multiplayer mobile game where players take care of virtual pets.

Augmented RealityMobile AppsVideo Games
Series UnknownAug 1, 2023
Team V Games

Istanbul, Istanbul, Turkey

Creative fun: our game studio. Passionate development, exciting experiences. Dedication and quality make us different!

Casual GamesPC GamesVideo Games
Series UnknownAug 1, 2023
Funverse Games

Kagithane, Istanbul, Turkey

Funverse Games develops blockchain games for mobile platforms.

BlockchainVideo Games
Series UnknownJan 20, 2023
Njoykidz

Kadikoy, Istanbul, Turkey

Njoykidz develops skill-based games for children.

ChildrenGamingMobile Apps
SeedAug 25, 2022
Amount Raised: $525,000
L8 Studios

Kadikoy, Istanbul, Turkey

L8 Studios is a mobile game development company.

Gaming
Pre SeedJul 21, 2022
Mixer Games

Istanbul, Istanbul, Turkey

Mixer is a technology-focused mobile game developer and publisher.

GamingMobile AppsOnline GamesSoftwareVideo Games
Pre SeedApr 4, 2022
Abrakadabra Creative Studio

Istanbul, Istanbul, Turkey

Abrakadabra Creative Studio engages in the creation of visual flows for businesses and induviduals.

3D TechnologyOnline Games
SeedDec 21, 2021