African-owned gaming startup Rise of Fearless has raised $1 million from investment firm Epic Edges Capital to upgrade its mobile game, strengthen its development team, and expand into international markets.
The investment, structured as a Simple Agreement for Future Equity (SAFE), will fund technology development, infrastructure, marketing, talent recruitment, and community-building.
The company has recorded more than 15,000 downloads, with its largest player communities in Nigeria, Ethiopia and South Africa.
The company is also bringing in international gaming specialists, including professionals with experience at Ubisoft, PlayStation, Marvel, Pixar and Disney, to support publishing, creative direction and technical development.
Rise of Fearless is targeting 100,000 active players within a year as it prepares for a relaunch following technical improvements.
For founders and African game developers, the funding gives the opportunities to build globally competitive entertainment businesses and also retaining ownership of locally created intellectual property.
