Funcom secures €5 million in financing from NVP
Durham, USA – August 25, 2005 – Funcom, a world leading developer and publisher of subscription-based online games like ‘Anarchy Online’ and ‘Age of Conan – Hyborian Adventures’, has secured a €5 million equity investment from Nordic Venture Partners (NVP). The investment is a further testament to Funcom being a world-class developer and publisher of online games, and will further aid the company in developing and publishing online games.
“This is another great recognition of Funcom as Europe’s premier
developer of MMOG’s (Massively Multiplayer Online Games), and serves as
a tribute to the company and the quality of our games and technology”
said Torleif Ahlsand, Chairman of the Board of Directors in Funcom and
Partner in Northzone Ventures. ”There is a considerable market
potential for subscription-based online games, and Funcom is a leader
in technology and quality within the segment. We are very glad to have
NVP on board to further develop one of the most exciting creative
environments in the Nordic region, and we feel confident they will aid
us in becoming even better at creating world-class online
products.”
“Being one of the leading information and communication technology
investments funds in the Nordic region we are only looking for the very
best technology companies, and we feel confident Funcom fits great in
our portfolio” said Claus Højbjerg Andersen, Partner in NVP and new
Boardmember of Funcom. “We are convinced of Funcom’s unique quality and
their world-class staff and technology. Our aim is to improve the
business side of Funcom even further, thus supporting the company in
realizing their creative visions. The goal is to turn Funcom into a
global powerhouse for subscription-based online games, and our
investment will aid the company in evolving to the next level.”
“The continued success of ‘Anarchy Online’ and the incredible feedback
on ‘Age of Conan’ at E3 this year proves our ability to develop and
maintain world-class online games” said Trond Arne Aas, CEO of Funcom.
“We are naturally pleased by the recent investment from NVP and their
active involvement in Funcom. With the support of NVP and our other
investors, we have the potential of taking a leading role in the
content and technology-development in the next generation of online
games. This investment also aids us in preparing even better for
launching exciting new content on the upcoming consoles and Windows
Vista.”
Funcom Portfolio highlights:
• Age of Conan – Hyborian Adventures, Windows (In development)
‘Best MMO E3 2005’, Gamespot.com, ‘Most innovative game of E3 2005’
(finalist), Gamespot.com
• Dreamfall: The Longest Journey, Windows \ Xbox (In development)
‘Best adventure game E3 2004’, IGN.com, Gamespy.com, Gamespot.com
• Anarchy Online – Lost Eden, Windows (In development)
‘Best expansion pack E3 2005 (runner-up)’, mmorpg.com
• Anarchy Online – Alien Invasion, Windows (2004)
‘Expansion pack of the year 2004’, gamershell.com
• Anarchy Online – Shadowlands, Windows (2003)
‘Expansion pack of the year 2003’, IGN.com, ‘Outstanding Achievement in
Art Direction’, RPGvault.com
• Anarchy Online – Notum Wars, Windows (2002)
‘Expansion pack of the year 2002’, Computer Gaming World
• Anarchy Online, Windows (2001)
‘Online Game of the year 2001’, PC gamer US, ‘Best Online game E3
2001’, ‘Best Online Game ECTS 2001’
• The Longest Journey, Windows (2000)
‘Adventure game of the year 2000’, PC gamer US, IGN.com, Gamespot.com,
Gamespy.com, Gamers.com
• Championship Motorcross 2001, Playstation (2001)
• Championship Motorcross feat. Ricky Carmichael, Playstation
(1999)
• Speedfreaks, Playstation (1999)
• NBA Hangtime, Super Nintendo\Sega MD (1996)
• Pocahontas, Sega Genesis (1996)
• Casper - The friendly ghost, Playstation (1995)
Funcom is currently developing three Massively Multiplayer Online
Games, including ‘Age of Conan – Hyborian Adventures’ and ‘Anarchy
Online – Lost Eden’.
About Funcom
Funcom is an independent developer and publisher of computer and
console games with a focus on action adventure and subscription-based
online games. Funcom has provided outstanding entertainment since 1993
and continues to expand its track-record of 24 released games to date.
Recent successes include ‘The Longest Journey’ and ‘Anarchy Online’.
For corporate information please visit www.funcom.com. For information
about Funcom games visit www.anarchy-online.com , www.dreamfall.com or
www.ageofconan.com . Funcom is backed by Northzone Ventures, Stelt
Holding, Teknoinvest and Nordic Venture Partners.
About Nordic Venture Partners
Nordic Venture Partners (NVP) is a leading pan-Nordic venture
capital firm focusing on Nordic investments within the information and
communication technologies (ICT) segment. The multi-stage NVP fund was
established in 2000, and has approximately €300 million under
management in three funds. NVP is committed to commercializing
technologies beyond the Nordic region and to build sustainable
companies over time. NVP invests in all stages of a company's cycle
from seed up to pre-IPO; but only in sectors where NVP believes there
are opportunities for global market growth and where the technologies
are globally defendable. Go to www.nordicvc.com for more
information.