Saudi's Impact46 Joins $5M Seed Round for Web3 Gaming Startup Spekter Games
The prominent Saudi Arabian venture capital firm Impact46 has announced its participation in a $5 million seed funding round for Spekter Games, a new startup developing Web3-enabled games for social media platforms. The investment, part of Spekter Games' first funding round, saw Impact46 investing alongside a global syndicate of top-tier VCs, including a16z speedrun and London Venture Partners.
By the Numbers
$5 million: Total value of the seed funding round.
SAR 150 million: The size of Impact46's specialized fund for gaming and esports.
1 billion+: Monthly active users on Telegram, Spekter's initial launch platform.
Impact46's Strategic Bet on Global Web3 Gaming
This investment highlights Impact46's strategy of backing globally competitive companies that are shaping the future of interactive entertainment. By investing from its SAR 150 million specialized gaming fund, the Saudi VC is tapping into the innovative "gameplay-first" approach of Spekter Games. The startup's model focuses on creating addictive games for massive social platforms like Telegram, while using Web3 technology for rewards and retention in a seamless, non-intrusive way.
The Vision of Spekter Games: Fun-First Web3 Integration
Founded by 20-year gaming industry veteran Taehoon Kim—whose previous company, nWay, was acquired by Animoca Brands—Spekter Games is built on a clear philosophy. "We are building games that people love for the gameplay, not just the rewards," said Kim. "Web3 incentives can increase retention and virality, but should never hinder the fun."
The funding coincides with the launch of the company's first title, "Spekter Agency," a rogue-lite action game debuting on Telegram. The game plans to seamlessly integrate passive blockchain rewards without the usual complexity associated with Web3 gaming.
About Impact46
Impact46 is a leading asset manager and advisor based in Saudi Arabia, specializing in alternative investments. Through its venture capital arm, the firm invests in promising technology startups in various sectors, with a dedicated fund focused on the high-growth gaming and esports industry in Saudi Arabia and beyond.
Looking Ahead: Connecting Saudi Capital with Global Gaming Innovation
The investment from Impact46 is a clear signal of the growing ambition within the Saudi investment community to play a significant role on the global technology stage. By backing top-tier international founders like Taehoon Kim, Saudi VCs are not only diversifying their portfolios but are also creating bridges for knowledge transfer and future collaborations that can benefit the burgeoning local gaming ecosystem in the Kingdom. The new capital will allow Spekter Games to expand its first title to other platforms and continue developing its next game.
Source: Jawlah