GFR Fund

Stan has built a platform that allows esports fans to collect, play and trade digital collectibles such as non-fungible tokens (NFTs) of their favorite esports players and content creators, through which they can win physical and virtual world perks and rewards such as getting a chance to meet their favorite players.

Magma is a versatile company based in Austin, Texas, operating in two distinct sectors. In the creative industry, it serves game development, animation, film, webcomics, and art education through its art management platform and collaborative painting solutions, catering to various artistic studios. Simultaneously, Magma develops and manufactures PCI and PCI Express expansion systems tailored for servers, desktops, and portable platforms. Its patented products allow for the extension of PCI and PCI Express signals to chassis with multiple card slots, offering both enclosed and non-enclosed solutions. These expansion systems are designed to protect investments in specialized add-in cards while facilitating a transition from legacy protocols to high-speed PCI Express protocols, ensuring reliability and serviceability in mission-critical environments.

Magma is a versatile company based in Austin, Texas, operating in two distinct sectors. In the creative industry, it serves game development, animation, film, webcomics, and art education through its art management platform and collaborative painting solutions, catering to various artistic studios. Simultaneously, Magma develops and manufactures PCI and PCI Express expansion systems tailored for servers, desktops, and portable platforms. Its patented products allow for the extension of PCI and PCI Express signals to chassis with multiple card slots, offering both enclosed and non-enclosed solutions. These expansion systems are designed to protect investments in specialized add-in cards while facilitating a transition from legacy protocols to high-speed PCI Express protocols, ensuring reliability and serviceability in mission-critical environments.

GEEIQ is a data analysis platform that assists companies in navigating the metaverse and optimizing their strategies in the esports and gaming sectors. By providing detailed insights into esports teams, streamers, and events, GEEIQ enables brands to make informed sponsorship and advertising decisions. The platform helps businesses engage with emerging virtual communities, expand their audiences, and develop sustainable revenue streams in the evolving landscape of digital marketing. Through its expertise and specialist services in campaign execution, GEEIQ empowers clients to identify key opportunities and effectively connect with the growing gaming audience.

Carter is a startup focused on developing a programming interface toolkit designed for game developers. The toolkit enables the integration of conversational artificial intelligence, which enhances the intelligence of gaming characters. By facilitating realistic and immersive conversations, Carter's technology aims to improve player engagement and increase playtime, providing a more companion-like interaction within games. This innovative approach positions Carter as a valuable resource for game developers looking to create more lifelike and engaging gaming experiences.

Anything World Limited specializes in developing a software platform that enables users to create virtual 3D worlds in real time. Founded in 2018 and based in London, the company offers innovative products such as Rabbids Playground, an augmented reality application that features a pet in a real-world playground, and Speak To Anything, which allows users to interact with imagined creatures through voice commands. The platform leverages artificial intelligence, speech computing, and three-dimensional rendering, incorporating publicly available 3D assets based on user audio and text inputs. By integrating these technologies, Anything World aims to streamline the user experience, allowing for efficient creation and interaction within virtual environments.

Freedom Games is a game publishing company that provides support to independent developers, helping them bring unique games to life. Freedom Games was founded in 2020 and is located remotely.

Roforco operates a Roblox game accelerator designed to enhance the success of games through funding, resources, and hands-on support. Founded by YCombinator alumni Artem and Brain, the company has a strong background in game development, having collaborated on numerous top-grossing titles that collectively achieved over 2.74 billion plays and downloads. Previously functioning as a game studio, Roforco's portfolio reached significant milestones, including 10 million monthly active users and 16,000 concurrent users. The company has partnered with notable brands, such as Unilever, creating branded games that garnered over 50 million plays. In 2022, Roforco gained recognition by joining YCombinator's startup accelerator, subsequently securing $1.5 million in seed funding from prominent investors, including industry leaders from Activision and other tech firms. Based in San Francisco, Roforco aims to connect game creators with influencers and provide data-driven support to enhance player engagement, retention, and revenue.

Sanlo is a financial services provider focused on supporting gaming and app companies in managing their finances and securing growth capital. With a strong understanding of the unique challenges faced by game developers, Sanlo offers specialized products and services designed to simplify the business aspects of gaming ventures. Their offerings include guidance, access to technology, and tools that empower clients to achieve scalable growth while maintaining financial health. By addressing the specific needs of the gaming industry, Sanlo enables developers to concentrate on creating engaging gaming experiences.

Portal Fantasy is a blockchain-powered pixel adventure RPG that combines nostalgic gameplay with innovative mechanics. Players can assume the roles of Heroes and Architects, embarking on an epic journey filled with quests and challenges. As Heroes, players befriend and battle alongside Porbles while exploring diverse worlds. Architects, on the other hand, can create and design unique environments, maps, and quests for others to experience. The game incorporates a collection of tradable NFTs, allowing players to earn rewards through exploration and creativity. With its emphasis on community-driven content and interactive gameplay, Portal Fantasy offers a modern twist on the classic RPG genre.

Edgegap is a software development company focused on edge computing infrastructures, particularly for the gaming industry. It specializes in creating solutions that help gaming companies combat lag and reduce latency, thereby enhancing the overall player experience. By leveraging edge computing technology, Edgegap simplifies the management of multiple locations, allowing gaming companies to offload operational complexities and reduce costs. Its innovative approach enables the monetization of various use cases within the gaming sector, positioning Edgegap as a key player in improving game performance and user satisfaction.

Prophet solves the price and liquidity issues riddled with the sportsbook model today. Users can set prices for others to take, or take positions on the prices already available. This gives users the best odds and separates ProphetX from traditional sportsbooks.

VRChat is a virtual reality social platform that enables users to create and explore immersive virtual worlds. The platform emphasizes community-driven content creation, allowing users to design custom avatars, engage in social interactions, and participate in events. VRChat features 3D spatialized audio, enhancing the experience by allowing users to hear conversations in a more natural way. By fostering a creative environment, VRChat empowers individuals to build diverse 3D experiences and connect with others globally, making it a significant player in the social virtual reality space.

Hiber AB, founded in 2017 and based in Gothenburg, Sweden, operates a browser-based gaming and entertainment platform that allows users to create and play games without the need for coding skills. The platform, known as HiberWorld, enables users to design interactive 3D experiences such as virtual worlds, games, and creative showcases, which can be shared with others. In 2019, Hiber introduced a touch creation mode, expanding its accessibility to mobile devices. Since its inception, more than one million user-generated experiences have been created, fostering a vibrant community of creators and players. The platform emphasizes user expression through interactive elements, providing a new medium for storytelling and communication in the realm of gaming. With the addition of social features, Hiber has experienced significant growth, particularly among mobile users, positioning itself as a unique space for creativity and engagement in the digital landscape.

Theta Labs is the creator of Theta Network, a decentralized platform focused on enhancing media, entertainment, and video streaming through blockchain technology. The network employs a proprietary Layer-1 proof-of-stake blockchain that allows users to share their bandwidth for video relaying, thereby reducing content delivery costs for existing platforms. This innovative approach incentivizes users to participate in the network by earning rewards for relaying video content across various devices, including PCs, mobile phones, Smart TVs, and IoT devices. Theta Network facilitates low-latency streaming of live content, making it compatible with popular platforms such as YouTube and Twitch. Additionally, it supports the development of decentralized applications, providing organizations with opportunities to boost viewer engagement and drive additional revenue. Theta Labs has attracted investments from notable companies, including Samsung NEXT and Sony Innovation Fund, as well as various venture capital firms.

Omeda Studios is a game developer based in London, established in 2020, specializing in cross-platform third-person multiplayer online battle arena games. The company is currently developing its inaugural title, Predecessor, a third-person action shooter MOBA intended for both PC and console. Omeda Studios emphasizes community engagement, as evidenced by its active Discord presence with over 35,000 members and more than 100,000 signups ahead of the game's release. The studio aims to deliver an interactive gaming experience through its innovative platform and commitment to fostering a vibrant player community.

Layer AI is the number one productivity tool for gaming creators. Whether creating solo or working in a team, creators of any skill level can train the AI using their own artwork and create infinite new variations. Layer allows gaming creators ship games faster overall and run them more effectively by shipping monetization and marketing art more effectively. Layer AI currently serves 100s of gaming creators of any size globally.

Stakester Ltd operates a skill-based competition platform that allows users to compete against each other for prizes in various online games and sports. Founded in 2019 and based in London, with additional offices in New York, Stakester supports popular games such as Call of Duty, FIFA 21, and UFC 4, as well as traditional sports like pool, chess, and golf. The platform facilitates competitions and serves as a marketplace for gamers, enabling them to leverage their skills for monetary rewards. Stakester aims to provide gaming enthusiasts with opportunities to compete and earn through their talents.

Hiber AB, founded in 2017 and based in Gothenburg, Sweden, operates a browser-based gaming and entertainment platform that allows users to create and play games without the need for coding skills. The platform, known as HiberWorld, enables users to design interactive 3D experiences such as virtual worlds, games, and creative showcases, which can be shared with others. In 2019, Hiber introduced a touch creation mode, expanding its accessibility to mobile devices. Since its inception, more than one million user-generated experiences have been created, fostering a vibrant community of creators and players. The platform emphasizes user expression through interactive elements, providing a new medium for storytelling and communication in the realm of gaming. With the addition of social features, Hiber has experienced significant growth, particularly among mobile users, positioning itself as a unique space for creativity and engagement in the digital landscape.

The Meta is an e-sports training platform aimed at the extensive community of gamers engaged in first-person shooters. By integrating sports performance science, game development, and machine learning, the platform enhances gamers' skills, enabling them to improve their performance and achieve competitive success. The company's software is designed to guide users on their journey toward mastery, making it a valuable resource for those seeking to elevate their gaming abilities and ascend the ranks in competitive play.

GameClub Inc., founded in 2017 and based in New York, develops a mobile gaming platform that focuses on reviving classic and hard-to-find game genres such as adventure, action, tower defense, and arcade. The company prioritizes quality by using the original source code of each game and updating it to align with current technology standards. GameClub offers a curated collection of premium games that are free from intrusive advertisements and microtransactions, allowing gamers to enjoy titles that may have otherwise become inaccessible. In March 2022, the company was acquired by Take-Two Interactive Software, further enhancing its presence in the mobile gaming market.

Edgegap is a software development company focused on edge computing infrastructures, particularly for the gaming industry. It specializes in creating solutions that help gaming companies combat lag and reduce latency, thereby enhancing the overall player experience. By leveraging edge computing technology, Edgegap simplifies the management of multiple locations, allowing gaming companies to offload operational complexities and reduce costs. Its innovative approach enables the monetization of various use cases within the gaming sector, positioning Edgegap as a key player in improving game performance and user satisfaction.

ProGuides is an e-sports training platform that enables gamers to enhance their skills through a variety of online courses and coaching services. Founded in 2014 and based in Los Angeles, California, the company offers over 60 courses comprising more than 1,000 lessons, featuring insights from top eSports professionals across popular games like Fortnite, League of Legends, Hearthstone, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Magic: The Gathering Arena, and Overwatch. ProGuides aims to assist gamers in mastering competitive gaming concepts such as game mechanics, team strategies, and objective prioritization, ultimately helping them elevate their gameplay and connect with others in the gaming community.

VRChat is a virtual reality social platform that enables users to create and explore immersive virtual worlds. The platform emphasizes community-driven content creation, allowing users to design custom avatars, engage in social interactions, and participate in events. VRChat features 3D spatialized audio, enhancing the experience by allowing users to hear conversations in a more natural way. By fostering a creative environment, VRChat empowers individuals to build diverse 3D experiences and connect with others globally, making it a significant player in the social virtual reality space.

Pocket Worlds is a rapidly expanding company founded in 2015 and backed by Y Combinator, boasting over 40 million users. It specializes in developing a community-focused metaverse platform that emphasizes blockchain technology, economic interactions, and user-friendly design. The platform provides innovative tools that allow developers and casual users alike to create immersive experiences within the Highrise virtual universe. Users can engage in social activities, participate in virtual chats, and connect with others, fostering friendships and self-expression without geographical limitations.

YBVR specializes in creating video-centric immersive experiences for the sports industry, leveraging its technology across various platforms, including mobile, web, and extended reality (XR) devices. Since its inception in 2017, YBVR has established a strong reputation in immersive sports, partnering with notable organizations such as Real Madrid, the Australian Open, and Euroleague Basketball. In 2022, YBVR collaborated with Meta to launch Xtadium, a platform dedicated to sports in the Metaverse, featuring content from prominent leagues like the NBA and UFC. The company's offerings enable broadcasting networks and content creators to enhance the quality and engagement of live events, entertainment, and educational experiences through superior video resolution.

Highrise is a creative mobile community where people create avatars, express themselves, and make friends. Its platform includes built-in user-generated avatars that let its users engage in real-time virtual chats, read reviews, surf across the latest news feed and keep in touch with their friends to customize and self-designed games, enabling users to make new friends, host real-time games and create fun contents for publicizing. It was founded in 2018 and is headquartered in San Francisco, California.

Alter is a platform SDK consisting of a real-time 3D avatar system and motion capture built from scratch for web3 interoperability and the open metaverse. Developers can pipe avatars into their apps, games, and websites. They offer computer vision, 3d technology, web3, machine learning, avatars, rendering engines, blockchain, and NFTs.

Experiment 7, Inc. is a game studio specializing in the development of virtual reality strategy games. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in New York, with a presence in San Diego, the company focuses on creating immersive gaming experiences that are both strategically engaging and accessible to a wide audience. Experiment 7's games aim to facilitate social interactions, allowing players to reconnect with friends for traditional game nights or to meet new players online, fostering new friendships. Through their innovative approach, they strive to deliver a "better than life" gaming experience that appeals to a diverse player base.