Carry1st, Africa’s leading game publisher and digital commerce platform, has announced a strategic investment from Sony Innovation Fund, the venture capital arm of Sony Group Corporation. This marks the inaugural investment out of Sony Innovation Fund: Africa, an initiative established by Sony to support the growth of entertainment businesses in Africa. The African gaming industry has over 200 million unique players and is projected to reach a market size of over $1 billion in 2024. Africa presents a significant growth opportunity for the gaming sector, particularly with the rise of live services.
Cordel Robbin-Coker, CEO and co-founder of Carry1st, stated that “The African console market is a massively underestimated opportunity. Our distinct regional capabilities, paired with Sony’s expertise in gaming and entertainment, creates a powerful combination.” Antonio Avitabile, Managing Director – EMEA at Sony Ventures Corporation, expressed excitement about the investment and the potential for the gaming market in Africa. The partnership aims to bring the best games in the world to players across Africa.
Carry1st is Africa’s leading publisher of games and digital content, and it has developed, licensed, and published games like Call of Duty: Mobile and Valorant. The company has raised over $60 million in funding since its establishment in 2018 and counts investors such as Andreessen Horowitz and Google. Sony Ventures Corporation manages the Sony Innovation Fund, which invests in emerging technology companies and startups that address global environmental challenges.
