Connect2Media seeks Stateside prizes

MANCHESTER-based mobile gaming firm Connect2Media has received a cash injection from the North West Development Agency’s Interim Venture Capital Fund and existing investor Acuity Capital to help grow its operations in North America.

The firm, which publishes mobile versions of popular console games such as Guitar Hero, Silent Hill and Sid Meyer’s Civilsation, said it would use the money to grow its US  business following its recent acquisition of competitor firm Sennari, which is a market leader in mobile games which offer prizes as incentives. The firm said that it has already secured contracts with most US mobile operators.

The Northwest Interim Venture Capital Fund includes funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and is run by YFM Private Equity.

Paul Gower, Investment Manager at YFM Private Equity, said: “North America has huge market potential for Connect2Media with their line-up of casual and branded mobile game titles. The addition of PrizePlay makes their offer even stronger and makes them a very attractive investment proposition, as a company capable of driving strong top line and bottom line growth”.

Connect2Media’s executive chairman, Nick Alexander, said: “YFM have quickly grasped the fundamentals of the mobile entertainment market and invested at a very exciting time both for Connect2Media and the market as a whole. Prize Play is already live on one of the largest carriers in North America and the YFM backing means we have the resources necessary to extend the proposition further.”