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GEM Capital And The Games Fund Among Most Active Gaming VC Funds

In a significant achievement, Cypriot-based GEM Capital and The Games Fund have been recognised as two of the most active gaming venture capital (VC) funds by InvestGame. Ranking 5th and 4th respectively, GEM Capital and The Games Fund have collectively finalised 19 deals over the past year, with investment values reaching $39 million and $41 million respectively.

Noteworthy Achievements and Industry Impact

GEM Capital’s recognition highlights its strong commitment to the gaming sector. The firm expressed gratitude on its LinkedIn page, emphasizing its dedication to supporting innovative gaming companies and driving the future of gaming. This accolade reflects GEM Capital’s strategic vision and robust investment activities within the gaming industry.

Similarly, Maria Kochmola, Co-founder and Managing Partner at The Games Fund, noted the past 12 months as among the busiest for investment activities. Kochmola emphasised the fund’s enthusiasm in partnering with talented teams and nurturing promising ventures within the industry.

Market Dynamics and Future Prospects

The latest InvestGame report reveals a resilient gaming industry despite challenges such as layoffs, studio closures, and volatile stock prices. In Q2 2024 alone, the industry saw 166 closed deals amounting to $4.1 billion, indicating a resurgence in investor confidence. Private investments led this growth, contributing $1 billion across 116 rounds.

The ongoing support from VC funds like GEM Capital and The Games Fund plays a crucial role in sustaining this momentum. Their active involvement not only fuels innovation but also stabilises the market by backing ventures capable of navigating and thriving amidst industry fluctuations.

Strategic Vision and Long-Term Goals

GEM Capital’s and The Games Fund’s achievements underscore a broader strategy to bolster the gaming sector through substantial financial backing and strategic partnerships. As the industry continues to evolve, the focus remains on nurturing talent, supporting innovative projects, and maintaining a robust investment pipeline.

This recognition by InvestGame serves as a testament to the foresight and strategic planning of these VC funds. It also highlights the critical role they play in shaping the future of the gaming industry, ensuring sustained growth and fostering a vibrant ecosystem for game development and innovation.

Cyprus Hits Historic Tourism Peak As Overtourism Risks Mount

Record-Breaking Performance In Tourism

Cyprus’ tourism sector achieved unprecedented success in 2025 with record-breaking arrivals and revenues. According to Eurobank analyst Konstantinos Vrachimis, the island’s performance was underpinned by solid real income growth and enhanced market diversification.

Robust Growth In Arrivals And Revenues

Total tourist arrivals reached 4.5 million in 2025, rising 12.2% from 4 million in 2024, with momentum sustained through the final quarter. Tourism receipts for the January–November period climbed to €3.6 billion, marking a 15.3% year-on-year increase that exceeded inflation. The improvement was not driven by volume alone. Average expenditure per visitor increased by 4.6%, while daily spending rose by 9.2%, indicating stronger purchasing power and higher-value tourism activity.

Economic Impact And Diversification Of Source Markets

The stronger performance translated into tangible gains for the broader services economy, lifting real tourism-related income and overall sector turnover. Demand patterns are also shifting. While the United Kingdom remains Cyprus’ largest source market, its relative share has moderated as arrivals from Israel, Germany, Italy, the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, Austria, and Poland have expanded. This gradual diversification reduces dependency on a single market and strengthens resilience against external shocks.

Enhanced Air Connectivity And Seasonal Dynamics

Air connectivity has improved markedly in 2025, with flight volumes expanding substantially compared to 2019. This expansion is driven by increased airline capacity, enhanced route coverage, and more frequent flights, supporting demand during shoulder seasons and reducing overreliance on peak-month flows. Seasonal patterns remain prominent, with arrivals building through the spring and peaking in summer, thereby bolstering employment, fiscal receipts, and corporate earnings across hospitality, transport, and retail sectors.

Structural Risks And Future Considerations

Despite strong headline figures, structural challenges remain. The European Commission’s EU Tourism Dashboard highlights tourism intensity, seasonality, and market concentration as key risk indicators. Cyprus records a high ratio of overnight stays relative to its resident population, signalling potential overtourism pressures. Continued reliance on a limited group of origin markets also exposes the sector to geopolitical uncertainty and sudden demand swings. Seasonal peaks place additional strain on infrastructure, housing availability, labour supply, and natural resources, particularly water.

Strategic Investment And Market Resilience

Vrachimis concludes that sustained growth will depend on targeted investment, product upgrading, and continued market diversification. Strengthening year-round offerings, improving infrastructure capacity, and promoting higher-value experiences can help balance demand while preserving long-term competitiveness. These measures are essential not only to manage overtourism risks but also to ensure tourism remains a stable pillar of Cyprus’ economic development.

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