Agave Games Secures $18M Series A to Expand Hit Title ‘Find the Cat’
Turkish Startup Behind Viral Mobile Game Plans New Titles and Team Growth
Agave Games, the Istanbul-based mobile gaming studio behind the viral sensation Find the Cat, has raised \(18 million in Series A funding. The round was co-led by Felix Capital and Balderton Capital, with participation from e2vc. This brings Agave’s total funding to \)25.5 million, valuing the company at approximately $100 million post-money.
The Rise of Find the Cat and Casual Mobile Gaming
Launched in August 2024, Find the Cat quickly became a global hit, surpassing 10 million downloads in its first quarter. The game challenges players to locate hidden felines in intricate, Where’s Wally?-style illustrations. Its success underscores the booming casual gaming market, which continues to dominate app stores with puzzle, word, and simulation genres.
- Revenue Milestone: The game has already generated $10 million in revenue on Android alone, according to SensorTower estimates.
- Monetization Strategy: Like many casual games, Find the Cat leverages a dual approach—in-app purchases and advertising partnerships (including AppLovin).
Funding and Future Plans
The fresh capital will fuel Agave’s expansion, including:
- Team Growth: Hiring talent across development, design, and marketing.
- New Titles: At least two additional games are slated for release in the next year.
- AI Integration: The studio is using AI to streamline art creation, with human artists refining AI-generated assets for polished gameplay.
Why Investors Are Betting on Agave
Rob Moffat, Balderton Capital partner, highlighted Agave’s potential to become a $100 million revenue company, citing:
- Sticky Gameplay: High player retention and engagement.
- Innovative Mechanics: A knack for refining casual game formulas.
- Strong Team: Founders with deep gaming and tech expertise.
Turkey’s Thriving Gaming Ecosystem
Agave joins a wave of Turkish gaming successes, including:
- Peak Games: Acquired by Zynga for $1.8 billion in 2020.
- Dream Games: Raised $255 million in 2022.
- Tripledot Studios: A major player in casual gaming, with Agave’s seed round backed by its co-founder.
The Founders’ Journey
CEO Alper Oner and his high school friends—Ali Baran Terzioglu, Burak Kar, and Oguzhan Merdivenli—reunited during the COVID-19 pandemic to launch Agave. Their shared passion for gaming and tech led them to casual titles, a sector they saw as ripe for innovation.
AI’s Role in Game Development
While Agave uses AI for art creation, Oner emphasized that coding remains a human-driven process. The studio’s approach blends efficiency with creativity, ensuring high-quality output.
Looking Ahead
With a proven hit and ambitious plans, Agave is poised to join the ranks of mobile gaming giants. As Moffat put it: “We’re backing their capability to create polished, fun experiences—again and again.”
For more insights on mobile gaming trends, stay tuned to our coverage.
📚 Featured Products & Recommendations
Discover our carefully selected products that complement this article’s topics:
🛍️ Featured Product 1: 1000 “MALLARD GREEN”
Image: Premium product showcase
Advanced 1000 “mallard green” engineered for excellence with proven reliability and outstanding results.
Key Features:
- Cutting-edge technology integration
- Streamlined workflow optimization
- Heavy-duty construction for reliability
- Expert technical support available
🔗 View Product Details & Purchase
🛍️ Featured Product 2: 20M 10M 5M LED Christmas Lights Fairy String Light Smart Bluetooth Addressable Curtain Lights Garland Festoon Home Party Decor
Image: Premium product showcase
Professional-grade 20m 10m 5m led christmas lights fairy string light smart bluetooth addressable curtain lights garland festoon home party decor combining innovation, quality, and user-friendly design.
Key Features:
- Cutting-edge technology integration
- Streamlined workflow optimization
- Heavy-duty construction for reliability
- Expert technical support available
🔗 View Product Details & Purchase
🛍️ Featured Product 3: 2000X25 Hd Monocular Telescope – Compact, Portable Scope For Hunting, Travel, Concerts & Fishing Hd night vision Mini portable
Image: Premium product showcase
High-quality 2000x25 hd monocular telescope – compact, portable scope for hunting, travel, concerts & fishing hd night vision mini portable offering outstanding features and dependable results for various applications.
Key Features:
- Premium materials and construction
- User-friendly design and operation
- Reliable performance in various conditions
- Comprehensive quality assurance
🔗 View Product Details & Purchase
💡 Need Help Choosing? Contact our expert team for personalized product recommendations!
