Rennes-Based Startup RIVRS Secures €4 Million to Dominate the UGC Gaming Market

Rennes-based RIVRS, a startup specializing in the creation of user-generated content (UGC) video games, has announced its first round of funding, securing €4 million. This financing, led exclusively by Pléiade Venture, will enable RIVRS to accelerate the development of games on platforms like Roblox, Fortnite, and Minecraft, as well as prepare for its international expansion.

Unlocking the Potential of the Booming UGC Gaming Sector

Rapid Growth and Ambitious Expansion Plans

Founded in 2021 in Rennes by Romain Hubert (23 years old) and Loïc Deffains (41 years old), RIVRS has quickly established itself as a major player in the UGC games sector. In 2023, the company doubled its sales and now aims to compete with the leading Anglo-Saxon players, such as Voldex and Gamefam.Romain Hubert, co-founder and CEO of RIVRS, expressed his confidence in the company's future, stating, "Our proven business model and our ability to create quality games at a rapid pace put us in pole position to capture a significant share of the global UGC video game market. This round of financing marks a key milestone in our history, and enables us to realize our ambition of becoming the world leader in UGC video games in the coming years."

Capitalizing on the Explosive Growth of the UGC Gaming Market

RIVRS is well-positioned to capitalize on the rapid expansion of the UGC gaming market, which is expected to generate over $2.7 billion in revenue for creators by 2024 across the three main platforms. UGC, or user-generated content, is transforming the video game industry by enabling a hyper-diversification of content at a lower cost, while fostering loyalty within the gaming community.Most UGC creators come from the platform-game community and are often young, lacking the necessary structure, experience, and economic rationalization. RIVRS aims to address these challenges and change the game by combining the ability to produce in-house on several UGC platforms with a professional approach to game design, development, and distribution.

Streamlined Production and Proven Success

RIVRS has already developed ten successful games, some of which have generated significant revenues, reaching nearly €500,000 for a single title. These productions have attracted hundreds of thousands of players, and the company's business model is based on in-game purchases and game subscriptions.The startup's average production time for a new game is just two months, a testament to its efficient and streamlined processes. This rapid development cycle allows RIVRS to quickly capitalize on emerging trends and deliver a steady stream of engaging content to its growing user base.

A Powerhouse Team with Complementary Expertise

RIVRS' growth is supported by a diverse and experienced team of talented individuals from the video game and tech industries. The complementary skills of its two co-founders, gaming expert Romain Hubert and serial entrepreneur Loïc Deffains, founder of startup studio Unitee, have been instrumental in the company's success.In addition to the co-founders, RIVRS' historic investors include leading gaming influencers such as FuzeIII (5.4 million subscribers) and LeBouseuh (4.3 million subscribers), who continue to support the company's growth and expansion.

Pléiade Venture's Confidence in RIVRS' Potential

Constance Rietzler, Associate Director at Pléiade Venture, expressed the firm's confidence in RIVRS, stating, "RIVRS perfectly matches Pléiade Venture's 3 investment criteria: innovation, growth, and operational excellence. RIVRS generates strong self-financed growth, a rapid ROI on each game, and solid processes. We are convinced that Loïc and Romain will be able to build a world leader in the fast-growing UGC game market."With its proven track record, innovative approach, and experienced team, RIVRS is poised to become a dominant force in the rapidly expanding UGC gaming market, cementing its position as a global leader in this dynamic and rapidly evolving industry.