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PHȲND Raises $10MM Oversubscribed Seed Round for Revolutionary Free Smart TV Gaming Platform

Wellington Management and Bessemer Venture Partners Back Visionary Media Founder André Swanston to Transform Cloud Gaming

Stamford, CT – February 11, 2025 – In a groundbreaking move set to redefine the gaming landscape, PHȲND, a subscription-free cloud gaming platform, has secured a $10 million seed round led by Wellington Management. Co-founded by tech and media innovator André Swanston, PHȲND is poised to make high-quality gaming universally accessible by offering a free-to-play experience on smart TVs and other connected devices. The oversubscribed round also saw participation from Bessemer Venture Partners, Connecticut Innovations Fund, and Jozy Altidore.

This substantial seed investment will fuel PHȲND’s continued development and its highly anticipated 2025 beta launch.

Over the past five years, more than 500 million smart TVs capable of supporting a cloud gaming app have shipped globally, far outpacing the combined total of gaming PCs and consoles. This massive installed base sets the stage for PHȲND’s disruptive entry into the market.

Cloud gaming allows consumers to enjoy video games on any internet-connected device, eliminating the need for expensive gaming hardware while keeping games up to date.

Advances in cloud-computing technology and the proliferation of high-speed internet are driving this market, which is projected to grow at a staggering 38% compound annual rate from 2024 to 2032, according to Fortune Business Insights.

Cloud gaming also opens up a tremendous new advertising opportunity for brands. Currently, video games played on a TV or large screen generate only about 7% of their revenue from ads or sponsors, compared to 50% for the broader media sector. PHȲND connects brand marketers with the elusive big-screen gaming audience through non-intrusive audience-based ads and sponsorships, addressing a longstanding marketing challenge while boosting industry revenues amid rising costs. For consumers, PHȲND offers a compelling value proposition: subscription-free access to high-quality games on devices they already own, unlike other gaming platforms that charge up to $30/month.

Swanston, who previously revolutionized targeted advertising across smart TVs and smart speakers as the CEO and co-founder of Tru Optik before its nine-figure acquisition, sees a similar trajectory for PHȲND. “A decade ago, many experts claimed subscription streaming services would be the end of TV advertising,” Swanston noted. “Today, advertising is set to become the largest revenue source for streaming TV. Consumers love free content, and an advertising-sponsored gaming platform done right is a win for everyone.”

PHȲND will make gaming accessible to hundreds of millions of TV consumers who don’t own gaming consoles. At the same time, PHȲND’s analytic and marketing tools enable studios and publishers to engage and retain these potential gaming audiences more efficiently than across legacy distribution methods.

“We’re excited to support the PHȲND team in reshaping the gaming experience, and creating powerful new opportunities for players and developers,” added Jackson Cummings, Head of Wellington Access Ventures. “We expect André and his team to leverage their disruptive experience with connected TV in the gaming sector.”

“PHȲND will not only make gaming more accessible to players without consoles and gaming PCs but also create new exciting opportunities for developers and advertisers,” said Elliott Robinson, Partner at Bessemer Venture Partners. “We are excited to support this new chapter in cloud gaming.”

Players in the U.S. can now sign up for the beta waitlist at phynd.games.

Key Takeaways from CES 2025

The 2025 Consumer Electronics Show (CES), held annually in Las Vegas in early January, once again proved why it’s the world’s premier tech showcase, unveiling groundbreaking innovations that will redefine entertainment and gaming. Here are three transformative trends that stole the spotlight:

1. AI Transforms Home Entertainment

Smart TVs are no longer just a gateway to streaming content—they are evolving into AI-powered entertainment hubs. Leveraging advanced machine learning algorithms, these systems offer unparalleled personalization by tailoring content recommendations based on user preferences and viewing habits. Intuitive voice and gesture controls, along with seamless integration with other smart home devices, create a cohesive entertainment ecosystem. This shift isn’t just about convenience; it’s about reimagining how we interact with our entertainment spaces, making them more intuitive and immersive than ever before.

2. Next-Generation Gaming Experiences

Gaming innovation took center stage at CES 2025, showcasing technologies that push the boundaries of immersion and accessibility. Cloud gaming platforms continue to grow, eliminating the need for expensive hardware while delivering high-quality experiences. New VR and AR headsets, complemented by lightweight glasses, are bringing augmented realities closer to mainstream adoption. Spatial audio systems and haptic feedback technology are enhancing sensory engagement, creating games that feel truly three-dimensional. Handheld gaming PCs are bridging the gap between portability and performance, offering gamers the flexibility to play anywhere without compromise. These advancements signal a future where gaming transcends traditional barriers, making it more inclusive and captivating than ever.

3. Gaming Emerges as a Prime Advertising Canvas

Gaming is not just entertainment; it’s a burgeoning platform for brands to connect with highly engaged audiences. The convergence of AI-powered analytics and cloud gaming platforms is enabling the delivery of personalized, interactive advertising seamlessly woven into the gaming experience. Advertisers are finding new ways to reach previously untapped demographics, creating ad experiences that feel less intrusive and more engaging. This trend underscores gaming’s growing influence as both an entertainment medium and a strategic marketing channel.

Conclusion

CES 2025 showcased a bold vision for the future of entertainment and gaming. From AI-driven personalization to immersive gaming innovations and new advertising frontiers, these trends highlight how technology continues to reshape how we consume content and engage with the digital world. As these innovations become part of everyday life, they promise to deliver richer, more connected experiences for users everywhere.