Gamestream, a global leader in white-label Cloud Gaming solutions, has raised 4.5 million euros to revolutionise the video game industry and establish itself as a world leader in Cloud Gaming solutions for B2B with Audacia and Bpifrance via its Tech and Touch fund to join the team of investors to participate in a second fundraising.
In just four years, Gamestream has established itself as a major player in the international Cloud Gaming scene. The French start-up currently boasts nearly 500,000 subscribers. It recently launched a PC, TV, and mobile service with JioGames, a video game leader in India, adding a potential of 1.4 billion additional players to the platform.
Launched in 2019, Gamestream was created by co-founders Ivan Lebeau and Xavier Cavin. Technologically advanced, the Cloud Gaming platform offers gamers an exceptional streaming experience requiring only three megabits of bandwidth. A feature that makes the gaming experience fluid on all devices and operating systems, from tablets to smartphones and TVs, with simple broadband access.
Thanks to its partnership with publishers, including Disney Interactive, Outright Games, and Microids, Gamestream offers more than 300 cult licenses for families and casual gamers. Its B2B2C solution, mainly for telecom operators as a white label but also under its Pleio brand, is available in France via Bouygues Telecom.
Today, its Cloud Gaming platform is deployed in Europe, the Middle East and Asia, where it is distributed by: Bouygues Telecom and Zeop (via Netgem), Telekom Slovenije, e&, Telkom Indonesia, and now Reliance Jio, main operator in India and leader in video games through its subsidiary JioGames.
Gamestream is also the only Cloud Gaming platform to have concluded a framework agreement with the Accor group to distribute its solution in its hotels around the world.
Gamestream’s recent signing with JioGames convinced Audacia and Bpifrance to join the table of historical investors, from whom the start-up has already raised €5 million between late 2019 and May 2020.
Following India, it is now looking towards West Africa, a region where video games will experience growth of 6.9% in 2024, according to the latest Newzoo report.
“There is less competition from American giants in these countries, even though the need is great.” says Ivan Lebeau, Co-founder and President of Gamestream.
“Few people can afford to buy a console, and even fewer can afford games for €70 each. Therefore, the demand for Cloud Gaming is high, and for just a few euros a month, players can access unlimited console quality licenses from their computer, tablet or smartphone. This new fundraising will allow us to further impose this model on the international scene.”
To facilitate its deployment, Gamestream relies on end-to-end control of the Cloud Gaming value chain. It is therefore able to provide its streaming technology, servers, game catalogue, as well as a data monitoring tool. This is a real strength for customers, allowing rapid and seamless deployment.
Gamestream is set to target large operators, including telcos, who are well-positioned to benefit from live-streaming video games through their distribution power and network quality.
“Streaming clearly represents the future of video games. In this market, having a player like Gamestream in France is a fantastic opportunity,” explains Thomas Schmitz, Audacia’s Investment Director.
Its unique model makes it a formidable competitor on the world stage. This start-up has found its place by targeting a specific target, players in emerging countries, whose potential is exponential. We have every reason to believe in its success.”
“Gamestream is an example of the success of French Deep Tech.” Comments Guillaume Simonaire, Investment Director at Bpifrance.
“In just four years, it has established itself as a major player on the international Cloud Gaming scene, illustrating French Touch’s commitment to promoting innovation and French leadership. We are proud to contribute today to its expansion via our Tech & Touch fund, which we hope is strong and sustainable.”
