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Laton Ventures Closes $50 Million Fund to Support Gaming and Apps Startups
Laton Ventures, a venture capital firm centered around gaming and applications, has successfully closed its inaugural fund with $50 million in capital. Founded by Görkem Türk, this Istanbul-based fund is noted as the largest of its kind in Türkiye and reflects the nation’s emergence as a significant player in the global gaming industry.
According to Türk, Laton Ventures aims to make investments worldwide, focusing on pre-seed and seed stage gaming startups while also extending support to non-gaming application ventures. Initially announced in April with a commitment of $35 million, the fund has now doubled its size.
Laton Ventures differentiates itself through a hands-on operational support model, contributing to substantial growth and success in about half of its portfolio companies within just one year. Over this period, the fund has completed five investments in gaming companies across Türkiye, the United States, and Europe. Notably, two of these companies have celebrated significant achievements with successful Series-A funding rounds.
One of the standout investments is Grand Games, a Turkish mobile gaming venture that garnered $30 million in Series-A funding merely nine months following its establishment. The identity of the second portfolio company that also secured a Series-A round remains undisclosed.
In its first year, Laton Ventures has positioned itself among the top ten most active venture capital funds in the pre-seed and seed stages worldwide, particularly in the gaming sector. Its portfolio showcases a broad range of entities, including innovative mobile gaming studios and forward-thinking social gaming platforms.
Out of the five investments made, three founders are based in Türkiye or are of Turkish origin. The team behind Laton Ventures consists of five members in total—three full-time and two part-time employees.
Laton Ventures benefits from the backing of over 40 experienced gaming and tech founders, along with industry veterans from more than ten countries. Among its investors are former leaders and founders from successful companies like Peak, Gram, Loop, and Huuuge. Moreover, corporate investors include prominent players such as Supercell, known for the global hit Clash of Clans, and Tibas Ventures, the venture capital division of İş Bankası, Turkey’s largest private bank. The fund is also supported by various institutional investors and family offices globally.
“We are committed to fostering exceptional teams with visionary ideas that innovate within games, applications, and entertainment platforms,” expressed Türk. He emphasized a strong belief in the mobile platform’s momentum and its integration with artificial intelligence and social engagement features.
Reflecting on the firm’s first-year achievements, Türk remarked, “The progress we have made highlights our strategic investment focus and reinforces our dedication to supporting top-tier founders in the gaming and apps sectors both in Türkiye and internationally.”
Before establishing Laton, Türk served as a gaming and startups industry manager at Google, where he facilitated partnerships and advised on growth strategies with gaming and app startups. His career has included various roles at major companies such as Procter & Gamble and Value Partners Management Consulting.
As for future investment directions, Türk indicated, “Our strategy will prioritize categories within mobile gaming that cater to extensive user bases. Similarly, we will pursue non-gaming apps that resonate with large audiences.” He also clarified that the current fund will not be directed toward investments in Web3 or crypto-related models.
“We will continue our mission of collaborating with the finest teams in the industry,” Türk concluded.
Source
venturebeat.com