Zubr Capital highlights Cyprus role in global gaming expansion

Zubr Capital, a private equity firm specializing in Series A and Series B investments, has identified Cyprus as a critical hub for gaming industry growth, according to investment director Nikita Krivelevich. The firm targets companies generating over $4-5 million in annual revenue, with investment checks ranging from $5 million to $12 million, while maintaining a generalist approach that favors B2B SaaS, mobile applications, artificial intelligence, and gaming-related businesses. Krivelevich pointed to gaming as a particular focus area, driven by the firm’s partnership with Wargaming and its experience evaluating over 20 companies in the past five years, including its recent investment in Cyprus-based Soloband Games, which operates in the Merge 2 mobile gaming segment. The decision to invest in Soloband Games was influenced by the company’s strong product positioning, clear market niche, and experienced team, factors Zubr Capital consistently prioritizes. Krivelevich emphasized that team strength is the most critical element in investment decisions, often conducting HR due diligence by interviewing up to a dozen key members to assess mindset, capability, and long-term potential. Even with weaker products, a capable team can still attract investment, as they are more likely to develop successful outcomes over time. Krivelevich also highlighted the role of artificial intelligence in transforming game development, enabling smaller teams to achieve outputs previously requiring larger organizations. This shift aligns with Zubr Capital’s scalability criteria, which include founders’ experience in building and scaling businesses, market size, and AI’s potential to enhance efficiency. The firm sees AI as a key enabler for small developer groups to produce globally competitive games, reflecting broader industry trends. Discussing Soloband Games’ alignment with Zubr Capital’s strategy, Krivelevich noted the company’s focus on a specific niche within the growing mobile gaming market, valued at hundreds of billions of dollars. While growth rates in the sector are modest, Soloband’s ability to attract, retain, and monetize clients sets it apart in a highly competitive landscape. The firm’s investment reflects confidence in the studio’s execution and development strategy, positioning Cyprus as an emerging player in the global gaming ecosystem.