French cloud gaming platform Gamestream has raised €4.5 million to revolutionise the video game industry and provide B2B cloud gaming solutions. The investment came from Audacia and Bpifrance (backed Aqemia, Eligo Bioscience and Electra) via its Tech and Touch fund.
Unique streaming experience for games
Founded by Ivan Lebeau and Xavier Cavin in 2019, Gamestream offers a Cloud Gaming platform, which provides gamers with an exceptional streaming experience requiring only three megabits of bandwidth. This makes the gaming experience fluid on all devices and operating systems, from tablets to smartphones and TVs, with simple broadband access.
Also, the startup offers a catalogue of video games designed for a family environment, making it the partner of choice for game publishers, telecom operators and hospitality players.
Gamestream has established itself as a major player in the international Cloud Gaming scene. Currently, it boasts nearly 500,000 subscribers.
Notable partnerships
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.
The startup has entered into a partnership with publishers, including Disney Interactive, Outright Games, and Microids, Gamestream offers more than 300 cult licences for families and casual gamers.
It is available in France via Bouygues Telecom and 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, a major telecom operator in India. As per the partnership, its games will be available via the company’s 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.
Following India, it is now looking towards West Africa, a region where video games is estimated to experience a growth of 6.9% in 2024.
“There is less competition from American giants in these countries, even though the need is great,” said 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 licences from their computer, tablet or smartphone. This new fundraising will allow us to further impose this model on the international scene.”
“Streaming represents the future of video games. In this market, having a player like Gamestream in France is a fantastic opportunity,” explained 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,” added 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.”
