Latest News

XANADA’S BREAKTHROUGH YEAR AND THE ROAD AHEAD

Published

3 months ago

February 5, 2025

Reading Time: 4 minutes

2024 was your debut year with Xanada Investments. Looking back, what are the key highlights or moments that defined this first year for the fund?

2024 marked the beginning of an ambitious journey for Xanada Investments – a year where we laid a strong foundation for what’s to come. While the real work lies ahead, I can confidently say that we’ve set the stage.

The highlight was undoubtedly our successful allocation of $9 million across 8 impactful projects, selected from a pool of 350 submissions. Each startup impressed us with its scalability, strong team, and ability to deliver real results – qualities we value as the cornerstone of every successful partnership.

Another defining moment was the debut of the Xanada Startup Contest. It was a platform not just to identify potential investments. We actively participated in major industry events like iGB LaunchPad, SiGMA Pitch, and SBC First Pitch – events we couldn’t pass up. As a newcomer, we not only made our presence known but also earned recognition, securing awards and forging valuable connections.

Beyond numbers, the year was about building a community – a network of partners, founders, and investors who believe in driving transformative change.This is just the start of an exciting journey.

What inspired you to launch the Xanada Startup Contest, and how would you evaluate its impact in 2024?

It’s no secret that many startups are in need of investment. But the real question is, do they have the expertise, networks, and strategic foundation to actually make that investment work? This was one of the key insights that led us to create the Xanada Startup Contest. It wasn’t about running a competition with just a single winner; it was about creating a transparent process: a live showcase of how startups grow, pivot, and adapt in real-time.

Too often, what happens behind the scenes stays hidden, but we wanted to change that. The results speak for themselves. With 250 applications pouring in, representing a diverse range of ideas from around the globe, we witnessed firsthand the depth of creativity within the startup ecosystem. And through a rigorous selection process, we identified and elevated one standout winner – FTDx. The real impact of the contest lies in its ability to challenge founders to think bigger and execute better. That’s what makes the Xanada Startup Contest more than just a competition.

Many associate investment funds with slow decision-making processes. Yet Xanada Investments has been incredibly dynamic. What’s your secret to keeping up this pace in the previous year?

The secret lies in creating frameworks that balance precision with speed. We’ve developed rigorous evaluation processes that combine both quantitative and qualitative metrics to assess startups effectively without losing momentum.

But beyond frameworks, it’s about having a team with the right mindset. At Xanada Investments, we embrace adaptability and foster collaboration. Our team operates with the energy and agility of a startup, and that allows us to move quickly, even in an industry often seen as traditional and slow.

You partnered with 8 startups this year. What caught your attention in these projects, and what’s your strategy for picking the “perfect match” for Xanada Investments?

At Xanada Investments, our focus has always been on backing projects that bring something unique to the table. What sets us apart is not just what we look for, but how we see it. For us, it starts with the people – the founders. Their vision, resilience, and ability to execute are what capture our attention first. These are individuals who truly understand their markets, are ready to pivot when challenges arise, and have the determination to turn ideas into reality.

Among the projects we’ve backed this year, Promofy is revolutionizing user retention with AI-driven gamification, delivering personalized engagement at scale. Gamixter is helping operators optimize player interaction with real-time engagement tools, creating more immersive gaming experiences. Bettorify, focused on the rapidly growing Asian market, provides localized white-label and turnkey solutions, enabling operators to navigate regional complexities with ease.

These are just a few examples of the startups we support. Each project we invest in plays a role in building a stronger, more dynamic iGaming landscape. And we’re only getting started.

With 11 award nominations and 2 wins already, success is clearly part of Xanada’s DNA. But how do you define success beyond the numbers?

For us, success isn’t measured by the number of awards. Of course, we are talking about financial returns, about impact, although we deeply appreciate the recognition – it’s always rewarding to see our efforts acknowledged on such a level. These awards are proof that we’re on the right track, but they are only part of the story.

But are we helping startups achieve their goals? Are we setting new benchmarks in the iGaming industry? The true measure of success lies in the growth of the projects we support and the people behind them. When we see startups flourishing, scaling their businesses, and turning ideas into impactful solutions, that’s the ultimate reward.

Another key indicator of success for us is the relationships we cultivate. When founders and partners come to see Xanada Investments not as just an investor but as a trusted collaborator and ally, we know we’re doing something right. These connections, built on trust and mutual ambition, are the foundation of our ecosystem.

What does the future hold for Xanada Investments in 2025? Are there any ambitious goals or projects you can share with us?

2025 is about scaling powerful results. We plan to invest in 10–12 new startups, focusing on projects with strong business fundamentals, exceptional teams, and clear strategies for growth. Our approach prioritizes opportunities with a targeted IRR of 25–40% and a MOIC of 3–5x, ensuring every investment aligns with our commitment to sustainable, measurable returns.

We’re taking the Xanada Startup Contest to the next level this year. Xanada Investments is expanding its reach and updating the evaluation process to attract a wider range of participants from diverse industries and markets. To ensure the best selection, we’re involving not only our team but also top industry experts to evaluate the entries. This will help us find and support the most promising ideas out there. With more transparency and live engagement, you’ll have the chance to see and hear these groundbreaking ideas in action. Stay tuned, big things are on the horizon!

Xanada Investments is also focused on strengthening our internal capabilities. A key priority for 2025 is to grow our team by bringing in top talent, including a dedicated analyst, to refine our data-driven approach to startup evaluation. We want to be a partner that equips startups with the tools, mentorship, and connections they need to succeed. The road ahead is ambitious, but we’re ready to seize the opportunities 2025 has in store.

The post XANADA’S BREAKTHROUGH YEAR AND THE ROAD AHEAD appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Latest News

Jetapult Strengthens AI Expertise: Onboards Industry Leaders, Oz Silahtar and Dr. Arjun Jain

Published

2 minutes ago

April 23, 2025

George Miller

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Jetapult, an AI-driven gaming investment firm, has strengthened its AI suite by bringing on board two industry leaders—Oz Silahtar and Dr. Arjun Jain. This move reinforces Jetapult’s ongoing efforts to integrate advanced AI capabilities across mobile game studios, with a clear focus on solving real industry challenges. These include streamlining content production through large-scale asset generation, automating UA creatives and ASO strategies in a post-IDFA world, and integrating performance and user data systems to enable smarter, faster decision-making.

Oz Silahtar, an MIT alumnus and serial AI entrepreneur, brings deep expertise in machine learning and generative AI. He previously founded Tarentum AI and UA Hero (acquired by TapNation), and was Head of EMEA at Leonardo.ai, which was acquired by Canva in 2024. At Jetapult, he will guide studios in applying global AI best practices to boost operational efficiency and content innovation.

Joining him is Dr. Arjun Jain, a generative AI and computer vision expert with a Ph.D. from the Max-Planck Institute. He has held key roles at global tech leaders like Apple and is best known for his pioneering work on motion capture technology at Weta Digital for Steven Spielberg movies (The Adventures of Tintin). At Jetapult, Dr. Jain will lead efforts in large-scale asset generation and AI-assisted content creation, streamlining production pipelines across mobile gaming studios.

Oz Silahtar, Partner, AI Platforms, Jetapult, said, “As an AI entrepreneur, I’ve always been focused on pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with machine learning and generative AI. I see Jetapult’s vision as a bold and timely move to transform mobile gaming. The team is exceptional, and the opportunity to apply AI — from rapid content creation to precision player targeting — is immense.”

Sharan Tulsiani, Co-founder and CEO of Jetapult, said, “AI isn’t just a tool — it’s the new infrastructure for how games will be built, scaled, and experienced. At Jetapult, we’re not just adapting to this shift — we’re leading it. By bringing in experts like Oz and Dr. Jain, we’re doubling down on our belief that the future of game development lies in AI-native studios. With our GamePac AI platform, we’re giving studios the ability to move faster, create smarter, and operate more efficiently — unlocking a new era of scalable, data-driven creativity in mobile gaming.”

Jetapult’s proprietary GamePac AI suite is built to unlock greater efficiency for studios by integrating AI directly into everyday workflows. Currently used across its portfolio companies, GamePac helps automate asset creation, generate performance-optimized ads, and equip game teams with tools that drive speed, creativity, and smarter decision-making—laying the foundation for more scalable and efficient game development.

Jetapult is actively enhancing its AI capabilities by recruiting top-tier talent, including engineers, researchers, and creatives. The company is focused on building the next generation of AI-native studios across high-growth markets, where creativity and automation converge to unlock new opportunities in gaming.

The post Jetapult Strengthens AI Expertise: Onboards Industry Leaders, Oz Silahtar and Dr. Arjun Jain appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Latest News

INSPIRED LAUNCHES PIGGY WINNER™ AND GOLD MINE FORTUNE™ ONLINE

Published

3 minutes ago

April 23, 2025

George Miller

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Inspired Entertainment, Inc., a leading provider of B2B gaming content, systems, and solutions, is delighted to announce the launches of Piggy Winner™ and Gold Mine Fortune™ in the United Kingdom, Gibraltar and Malta iGaming jurisdictions.

Piggy Winner

Piggy Winner™ is a fun, pig-themed slot game that builds on the success of Inspired’s ever popular Golden Winner™, combining the playful visuals of two popular slots, Big Piggy Bank™ and Prize Piggy Win & Spin™, into a vibrant slot experience. Featuring a dynamic 5×3 reel layout with 10 win-lines, the game features Inspired’s Cash Collector mechanics giving players an exciting chase to big rewards.

Players can trigger the Free Spins Bonus by landing three bonus scatters, unlocking 10 Free Spins with the chance to collect cash-filled Piggy Banks using the hammer feature. Additional gameplay enhancements include the Gamble feature, Fortune Spins, and Fortune Bet, which increases the likelihood of triggering Free Spins and unlocking up to 50 spins. For instant action, Bonus Buy provides direct entry into the bonus round for a premium.

With medium volatility and a fast-paced format, Piggy Winner offers players an exciting pig-tastic adventure filled with tasty wins.

Gold Mine Fortune

Gold Mine Fortune™ is a gold miner-themed slot game inviting players on a high-stakes mining adventure with its ‘three bags’ mechanic, represented above the reels by the red Wild, golden Prize Pot, and blue Multiplier minecarts. Featuring thrilling base play and multiple Free Spins bonuses, the game offers a wealth of opportunities for big wins.

Players can unlock up to three Free Spins Bonus features, with the potential to trigger them together for the ultimate Mega Free Spins Bonus. Expanding reels, cascading golden nuggets, and lucrative multipliers heighten the excitement, while features like Bonus Buy, Fortune Bet, and Gamble provide additional ways to enhance the gameplay.

With its action-packed bonus rounds, Gold Mine Fortune offers players a rewarding adventure where every spin has the potential to strike gold.

Claire Osborne, VP of Interactive at Inspired said, “We’re excited to launch Piggy Winner and Gold Mine Fortune this spring. With its exciting mechanics, Piggy Winner forms part of Inspired’s growing portfolio of pig-themed content, while Gold Mine Fortune paves the way as the first of our gold mine-themed game. Both are standout slots that showcase our commitment to delivering high-quality, engaging games. We’re confident players will love these new releases, and we look forward to bringing even more exciting titles to the market this year.”

These latest additions reinforce Inspired’s dedication to innovation and entertainment, offering captivating gameplay and rewarding experiences for casino players worldwide.

The post INSPIRED LAUNCHES PIGGY WINNER™ AND GOLD MINE FORTUNE™ ONLINE appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Latest News

7777 gaming goes live with Premier Bet & Partners in key African markets

Published

2 hours ago

April 23, 2025

George Miller

Reading Time: 2 minutes

7777 gaming, a trailblazing provider of cutting-edge online casino and instant games, is thrilled to announce its official launch with Premier Bet & Partners, one of Africa’s largest and most influential gaming operators.

This strategic partnership brings 7777 gaming’s diverse portfolio of over 150 innovative and engaging titles to Premier Bet & Partners’ vast user base across more than 18 African countries, including Mali, Angola, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Cameroon, DR Congo, Tanzania, and Mozambique.

Players across the continent can now enjoy hit titles like Mayan Gold, Crazy 100 Bucks, Thracian Treasures, Lion Multi Roar, Plinko Party and Devil’s Deal Soul for Sale, along with many more games that blend rich storytelling, unique mechanics, and local relevance.

“We are excited to see our portfolio go live with such a well-established and widely recognized brand like Premier Bet & Partners,” said Larisa Karaboycheva, Partnership Manager at 7777 gaming. “Africa is a high-potential market, and we believe our games will resonate well with the local audience thanks to their dynamic gameplay and mobile-first design. This partnership marks a significant step in our global expansion and underlines our commitment to delivering next-gen entertainment to emerging markets.”

Premier Bet & Partners, launched in 1997, has grown into a household name across Africa, offering a robust suite of gaming products including sports betting (pre-match and live), virtual sports, online casino games, lottery, and instant games. Known for its extensive market coverage and commitment to innovation, Premier Bet & Partners continues to enhance the player experience through strategic partnerships.

“We are always looking for partners that bring added value to our players,” said Karen Hope , COO at Premier Bet & Partners. “7777 gaming’s content offers a fresh and exciting experience that perfectly complements our portfolio. We are confident that their games will be a big hit across our markets.”

This partnership further cements 7777 gaming’s position as a rising force in the global gaming landscape as it continues to form strategic alliances with tier-one operators around the world.

About 7777 gaming:

7777 gaming is an innovative and data-driven B2B igaming provider, founded in 2020 with the mission to revolutionize and challenge the status quo in the industry by offering 360-degree platform, state-of-the-art online casino games, iLottery, Jackpot, and marketing solutions, draw-based games, scratch cards, and much more.

The product is built by a dedicated team of visionaries with over 20 years of experience. The games and the RNG are tested and compliant in several highly regulated jurisdictions worldwide. Besides, the company achieved and maintained ISO 27001 certification. 7777 gaming holds a gambling license in Bulgaria and Romania and an MGA Certificate to provide its online casino games to these markets.

7777 gaming is already partnering with the leading aggregators and platform providers in the igaming industry.

The post 7777 gaming goes live with Premier Bet & Partners in key African markets appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.