Appcharge Raises $26M to Disrupt Gaming Monetization
As Apple and Google face increasing scrutiny over their app store practices, Tel Aviv-based startup Appcharge has secured $26 million in Series A funding at a $100 million valuation. The platform offers game developers an alternative route to monetize virtual goods—bypassing traditional app store fees.
The Shopify for Gaming: A Direct-to-Consumer Approach
Appcharge positions itself as the “Shopify for gaming,” enabling publishers to create their own e-commerce platforms for selling in-game currencies and virtual items directly to players. This model challenges the 30% revenue cut typically taken by Apple and Google.
Key Investors:
- Creandum (lead investor, early backer of Spotify)
- Supercell (mobile gaming giant)
- Bitkraft Ventures (gaming-focused VC)
- Play Ventures & Glilot Capital (existing investors)
Why Appcharge? The Founder’s Vision
CEO Maor Sason founded Appcharge in 2022 after selling his previous ad-tech startup, Appush. His inspiration came from:
- The Epic vs. Apple lawsuit, highlighting developer frustrations with app store monopolies.
- A gap in the market for developer-owned monetization solutions.
“Developers needed to own their users again,” Sason told TechCrunch. “We saw the need and built a solution.”
How Appcharge Works: Headless Commerce for Gaming
Appcharge leverages headless commerce technology, providing:
- Customizable Storefronts: APIs for seamless integration with game publishers’ websites.
- Cross-Platform Account Linking: Connects player accounts across games and stores.
- Fraud Prevention & Tax Compliance: Acts as the “merchant of record” in multiple countries.
- Data Analytics: Pricing insights and purchasing trends (with AI enhancements coming soon).
Market Impact and Challenges
- Current Scale: Processes $200M annually for “tens” of clients (including potential ties to Supercell).
- Industry Context: Mobile gaming revenue hit $107B in 2024, making Appcharge’s $200M a small but growing slice.
- Competition: Epic Games and others are launching alternative app stores, but Appcharge focuses on direct web sales.
The Funding Climate for Gaming Startups
Despite a 14% drop in gaming deals (per Konvoy Ventures), Appcharge’s raise signals investor confidence in:
- Regulatory tailwinds (e.g., EU’s Digital Markets Act).
- Rising customer acquisition costs (CAC) due to Apple’s privacy changes.
What’s Next?
Appcharge aims to expand its end-to-end D2C solution, exploring:
- Third-party app stores (e.g., Epic Games Store integration).
- Community-driven growth (forums, newsletters, and Discord-like engagement).
“We envision users coming through multiple channels,” Sason said. “This is just the beginning.”
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