Direct-to-consumer (DTC) platform Appcharge revealed today that it has raised $26 million in its Series A round. The platform, which offers solutions in mobile gaming, has grown in popularity as a partner, especially as DTC it becomes a viable revenue stream. According to Appcharge, it plans to use the funding to “hyperscale (its) personalized white-label offerings” to support growing demand for an all-in-one payment solution that increases revenue and engages players.
Appcharge allows studios to sell items and currency to players, through branded web stores, global payment systems, and in-app payment SDKs. According to the company, its solutions help studios scale paid user growth, increase user retention, and maximize profits; Appcharge supports 500 payment methods and 80 currencies. Companies like Appcharge are attractive partners for mobile game developers because their services save the studio itself from having to create DTC solutions in-house.
Creandum led the round, with Supercell, BITKRAFT Ventures and Moneta Ventures participating alongside existing investors Play VenturesGlilot Capital and angels. Carl Fritjofsson, general partner at Creandum, said of the investment: “Appcharge is the Robinhood of mobile gaming, redistributing the revenues of giants Apple and Google into the hands of game developers and app creators. With over 3x sales growth in the last quarter alone, Appcharge is a rocket ship perfectly positioned to take advantage of the growing regulatory pressures on the App Store duopoly.”
A recent report from Mistplay suggested that DTC is one of many alternative monetization options that mobile game companies will explore in 2025. In its report, players surveyed say they will abandon a game because it has a poor balance between gameplay and in-game ads (a revenue source) or overly aggressive monetization: a game that “feels too pay-to-win.” A DTC solution can eliminate some of the headaches associated with these “traditional” forms of monetization by offering a simpler form of revenue.
Maor Sason, CEO of Appcharge, said in a statement: “The gaming industry is undergoing a major transformation as DTC models gain momentum, driven by new regulations targeting traditional app stores along with rising costs of user acquisition. Today’s publishers need to address the consumer directly. Everyone wins. Players get more value for their money and an experience that complements gameplay, while publishers increase revenue and create stronger connections with players. Appcharge is paving the way for the future of publishers taking back control.”
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