UAE-based gametech startup PlaysOut has secured $7 million in seed funding, bringing its valuation to $70 million. The round was led by KBW Ventures, with OKX Ventures and Pacific Century Group also participating.
The funds will support PlaysOut’s expansion into new markets, enhancement of its mini-game offerings, and development of blockchain integration tools for developers.
Founded in 2024 by Jassem Osseiran and Alex W, PlaysOut focuses on enabling developers to create and integrate mini-games across popular platforms such as Telegram, Discord, and YouTube. Its core product is a mini-games engine and software development kit (SDK) that simplifies the process of adding games to social and content platforms.
PlaysOut’s SDK allows developers to embed games directly into user-friendly interfaces without requiring heavy downloads or technical barriers. The company aims to provide a scalable ecosystem that appeals to both developers and end users through ease of access and variety of content.
With this new funding, PlaysOut plans to expand its reach into major gaming markets, particularly the United States, Middle East and North Africa (MENA), and Asia. These regions present high demand for casual and interactive gaming content, and PlaysOut aims to fill that niche with its seamless integration model.
According to the company, most of the funds will be allocated to building strategic partnerships within the gaming and blockchain industries. These collaborations are intended to improve the quality of its game offerings, increase developer adoption, and broaden the platform’s user base.
A key part of PlaysOut’s strategy is its upcoming SDK update, expected to launch in May 2025, which will include blockchain support. This update will enable game developers to incorporate blockchain elements such as digital asset ownership, token rewards, and decentralized game logic.
The participation of OKX Ventures, known for its focus on web3 and crypto tech, shows the relevance of blockchain in PlaysOut’s roadmap. The company believes blockchain will provide new ways for developers to monetize games and offer players ownership of digital content.
PlaysOut is also set to launch Telegram mini-games built on the TON blockchain, aligning with Telegram’s growing support for web3-based experiences. This further integrates PlaysOut’s products with messaging apps and opens up new distribution channels for mini-games.
The backing from KBW Ventures and Pacific Century Group signals strong investor confidence in PlaysOut’s vision. Both firms are known for investing in high-potential tech startups and are expected to offer strategic support beyond capital. Their involvement brings not only funding but also access to networks, advisors, and potential partnerships that could accelerate PlaysOut’s growth.
As the mini-game sector continues to grow, driven by rising demand for casual and social gaming experiences, PlaysOut is positioning itself as a key enabler for developers looking to tap into this trend. Its platform removes many of the technical barriers to entry, and its blockchain integration provides added value to both developers and players.
In the coming months, PlaysOut will release more details on its SDK upgrade, new partnerships, and mini-game launches.