Edge Performance VCT, a creative industries VCT managed by creative economy specialist Edge Investments (Edge), has sold portfolio company deltaDNA to Unity Technologies, creator of a real-time 3D development platform based in San Francisco.
Launched in 2011 by games industry veterans Chris Wright and Tim Christian, and big data expert, Mark Robinson, Edinburgh-based deltaDNA provides games developers and publishers with cutting edge analytics and a real-time engagement platform which drive the commercial performance of the games. Since inception, the business has continued to expand its activities and has developed to become the platform of choice for over one billion users looking to augment the gaming experience.
Edge first invested in deltaDNA in November 2014, with a further investment in September 2015 to support its commercial growth and to reinforce the brand across the gaming sector. As a specialist investor Edge’s portfolio companies realise it helps them achieve better outcomes, and Edge has assisted the company throughout its journey, in a period when the company has expanded its sales and marketing reach in the US and Europe, supporting its partnerships with global media companies.
The sale of deltaDNA will see Edge Performance realise a many-fold multiple of its investment in deltaDNA.
David Glick, CEO of Edge, says: “At Edge we back talented entrepreneurs with the ability to execute their business plans. The management team at deltaDNA has demonstrated this in spades over recent years, growing the business with the world’s top video game publishers using deltaDNA’s unique analytics technology to enhance their offerings, improving their engagement and revenues. We share management’s belief it is time for the business to have a larger industry partner and we believe it will thrive as part of Unity. I am grateful for the team’s skill and application, and I wish them continued success.”
Unity Technologies’ acquisition of deltaDNA will enhance the company’s capability to offer its clients the ability to engage the gameplayer, thereby increasing the opportunity for those customers to monetise the players better. The deal offers deltaDNA immediate scale and the increased ability to invest in its own platform by expanding its team of developers and salespeople in new markets.
Steve Carle, Chief Investment Officer of Edge Performance VCT, adds: “Personalisation is one of Edge’s core investment themes. Consumers increasingly expect tailored content based on their personal preferences and time or place of engagement. This is increasingly valuable to advertisers who want to target their advertisements at specific people, demographics and locations.
With gaming now well established as mainstream entertainment, deltaDNA’s technology provides excellent insights for participants in the game economy. This is a transformative deal for deltaDNA. I have enjoyed my time on deltaDNA’s board, and I wish them the best as they embark on the next stage of their journey.”
Tim Christian, Chairman of deltaDNA, says: “Edge has been a hugely supportive investor and partner to deltaDNA. Their specialised sector knowledge and relationships have helped shape the direction of deltaDNA, and we are grateful to Steve, David and the Edge team for their input throughout this stage of our journey.”
