TLDR:
- Turkish gaming venture, Grand Games, raises $3 million in investment led by Earlybird Digital East Fund.
- Investment in Turkish gaming startups continues to grow with Grand Games planning to launch new mobile games.
Investment continues to flow into Turkish gaming startups, with Grand Games securing a noteworthy $3 million in pre-seed investment led by Earlybird Digital East Fund. This investment marks Earlybird’s first entry into the gaming sector since Peak Games, Türkiye’s first unicorn startup. Grand Games, founded by experienced individuals from leading game companies, aims to develop high-quality mobile games focusing on chance and social competition. The company has already released its first game, Magic Sort!, with plans for a flagship game in 2025 that promises to revolutionize social competition in gaming.
The investment round, which involved Laton Ventures and Earlybird Digital East Fund, indicates growing confidence in the Turkish gaming ecosystem. Earlybird’s Oğuzhan Özer highlighted Türkiye’s success in mobile game development, expressing excitement to support Grand Games on their journey. Görkem Türk, founder of Laton Ventures, emphasized his belief in the founders’ vision and ability to create successful games, adding to the positive sentiment surrounding Grand Games.
Meanwhile, Türk Telekom Ventures’ investment in AI startup Cohere, valued at $5 billion, underscores the importance of technology-focused startups in shaping the future. Cohere’s rapid increase in valuation showcases the potential of Turkish startups on the global stage. Additionally, the peer-to-peer car-sharing platform Rentiva secured a significant investment, allowing for expansion into new cities in Türkiye. Rentiva’s growth highlights the increasing trend of shared economy services in the country.
Lastly, cybersecurity threats from spyware programs targeting USB chargers, QR codes, and public Wi-Fi networks pose risks to users. Timus Cybersecurity Country Manager, Artuğ Tikiç, advises caution and preventive measures against these dangers, emphasizing the need for secure connections and vigilant behavior in shared digital spaces.
