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Zibra AI raises $500,000 funding from successful a16z Speedrun
Zibra AI, a Ukrainian deep-tech company specializing in AI-generated 3D assets for games and virtual environments, announces it has successfully participated in the first-ever Andreessen Horowitz (“a16z”) Speedrun accelerator, receiving USD $500,000 to kickstart its current seed investment round and bringing its total investment to-date to USD $2.5 million.
Founded in 2021, Zibra AI aims to use the funding to expand its team and fuel the growth of its innovative generative AI technology. The company’s flagship product, Zibra Effects, is a Unity Verified Solution that can be utilized across PC and Mac, iOS and Android, consoles and VR/AR, with use cases in industries like gaming, metaverse and professional training simulations. By automating the creation of high-quality 3D assets and visual effects, the technology helps streamline production for developers.
Zibra AI was one of just 32 companies out of 1,600 applicants accepted into a16z’s inaugural Speedrun, which provides funding and coaching for the most promising pre-seed startups at the intersection of games and tech. Each of the companies accepted into the program received an initial investment of $500,000 and pitched to investors at the Speedrun Demo Day held in Los Angeles in June 2023. Following the success of the first Speedrun, a16z has announced Speedrun 2024 and committed to invest up to $75m in other promising startups in the space.
55% of the Speedrun companies were located in the San Francisco Bay Area, with Zibra AI the sole representative from Eastern Europe. Based in Kyiv, Ukraine, Zibra AI has continued to successfully raise capital alongside the hottest startups in the world despite the exceptional challenges of its wartime reality, and currently has an open seed round. The company raised a pre-seed round of $1.2 million in November 2022 from investors including Gismart, SID Venture Partners and angels including The Sandbox’s Sebastian Borget and Phil Libin from Evernote. Zibra AI was also a recipient of an Epic MegaGrant from Epic Games in December 2022.
Alex Petrenko, CEO and co-founder at Zibra AI, commented: “It was an honor for Zibra AI to have been shortlisted in the very first a16z Speedrun this year. It’s the latest investment proofpoint which demonstrates clear investor confidence in our technology roadmap and vision for the next two years and beyond. Our generative AI tools address the two major challenges faced by developers – creating interactive VFX and generating 3D assets and characters. With this new investment, we can accelerate our plans to develop our tech and further support and streamline development for games and all virtual experiences across industries.”
Troy Kirwin, Investment Partner at a16z, said: “We were immediately impressed with the Zibra AI team’s ability to solve some of the most challenging technical problems in computer graphics. We’re thrilled to be a part of their journey to build an end-to-end 3D content creation platform.”
Zibra AI’s generative AI technology is already being used by a community of more than 85,000 developers. Interested companies can see the tech in action by trying it for free for a limited period, or visit the Zibra AI website to find out more.
Popular iGaming content provider BGaming is helping players hunt for ancient treasures in its latest release Catdiana. Boasting two purr-fect bonus games, the gameplay is further enhanced through cat-themed scatters, coveted coins and high-value gem symbols.
The 5×3 reel action unfolds deep within a mystical cat temple where Catdiana goes on the prowl, performing as a wild to guide players to hidden treasures and big wins.
Landing three of the temple’s sacred Ark Scatters on reels one, three and five holds the key to getting your claws into the game’s five Free Spins bonus round. Amping up the level of excitement, the Blazing reels are reels two, three and four merged into one giant symbol to enhance the player’s winning potential.
Players scoring six or more coins in the main game or Free Spins can then pounce on Catdiana’s additional bonus game, where only coins take their place on the grid, offering multiplier values as high as x20 of the bet. To help slot enthusiasts edge ever closer to untold riches, Mini, Major and Mega Jackpots are also featured in the Coin Respin game.
Julia Alekseeva, Co-CPO at BGaming, said: “With such a charming main character taking inspiration from the ever-popular Indiana Jones and Puss in Boots, we’re hoping players will be feline just fine with Catdiana.”
“Our two sumptuous Bonus games lead the way with inspired mechanics, including Blazing Reels and three lavish jackpots, while the ancient temple-themed style and crisp audiovisual effects add an extra dynamic. This is the best time to get your paws on prizes!”
The post BGaming curls up with bountiful bonus games in Catdiana appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
7777 gaming, a leading provider of online casino games, is thrilled to announce its entry into the Georgian market through a strategic partnership with Europebet – one of the leading online gambling operators in the region, part of the renowned Betsson Group since 2015.
7777 gaming presents an expansive collection of more than 100 online casino games, each meticulously certified to comply with Georgia’s latest legal standards. With a focus on innovation and quality, 7777 gaming provides unique and engaging casino experiences that cater to the preferences of the new generation of players.
The direct integration of 7777 gaming’s content into Europebet’s platform demonstrates a commitment to offering players a premium gaming experience with a wide range of high-quality titles. Through this integration, players at Europebet in Georgia can enjoy 7777 gaming’s engaging and diverse games portfolio, such as Cash 100, Barbarian, Candy Anyways, Sea of Treasures, Diamonds of Majesty, and Thracian Treasures.
Elena Shaterova, Chief Commercial Officer at 7777 gaming, stated: “We take pride in our relentless dedication to adhering to the latest legislative requirements in Georgia’s online gambling sector. Recognizing the immense potential of this lucrative market, we eagerly join forces with Europebet, a renowned brand synonymous with thrilling gameplay, innovation, and creativity.”
Mindia Tsiklauri, Slots Product Manager at Europebet said: “Our partnership with 7777 gaming introduces a new dimension of entertainment for our players. Their extensive and distinctive game selection adds valuable diversity to our platform, a sought-after quality in our vibrant and competitive market. Continuously seeking innovative avenues to captivate our audience, we view 7777 gaming as an invaluable ally in our ongoing mission.”
The post 7777 gaming enters the Georgian market in partnership with Europebet appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
The three Detroit casinos reported $102.9 million in monthly aggregate revenue (AGR) for the month of October 2024, of which $103.7 million was generated from table games and slots, and negative ($826,796) from retail sports betting.
The October market shares were:
• MGM, 48%
• MotorCity, 30%
• Hollywood Casino at Greektown, 22%
Monthly Table Games, Slot Revenue, and Taxes
The casinos’ revenue for table games and slots for the month of October 2024 increased 26.9% when compared to the same month last year. This remarked increase is due in part to when casino employees went on strike on Oct. 17, 2023, which caused AGR totals to be lower than normal. October’s monthly revenue was 2.4% higher when compared to the previous month, September 2024. From Jan. 1 through Oct. 31, the Detroit casinos’ table games and slots revenue increased by 3.0% compared to the same period last year.
The casinos’ monthly gaming revenue results all increased compared to October 2023:
• MGM, up 32.4% to $49.4 million
• MotorCity, up 26.7% to $31.7 million
• Hollywood Casino at Greektown, up 16.5% to $22.6 million
In October 2024, the three Detroit casinos paid $8.4 million in gaming taxes to the State of Michigan. They paid $6.6 million for the same month last year. The casinos also reported submitting $12.8 million in wagering taxes and development agreement payments to the City of Detroit in October.
Monthly Retail Sports Betting Revenue and Taxes
The three Detroit casinos reported $22.19 million in total retail sports betting handle, and total gross receipts totaled negative ($822,552) for the month of October. Retail sports betting qualified adjusted gross receipts (QAGR) were down by $2.0 million in October when compared to October 2023, and down by $1.6 million when compared to September 2024.
October QAGR by casino was:
• MGM: negative ($474,293)
• MotorCity: negative ($528,408)
• Hollywood Casino at Greektown: $175,905
During October, the casinos paid $6,649 in gaming taxes to the state and reported submitting $8,127 in wagering taxes to the City of Detroit based on their retail sports betting revenue.
Fantasy Contests
For September 2024, fantasy contest operators reported total adjusted revenues of $1.1 million and paid taxes of $89,282.
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