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

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

July 29, 2024

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.

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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.

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Competition Authority Launches Comprehensive Review of ExxonMobil Cyprus Acquisition

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

September 16, 2025

Investigation Initiated Over Strategic Acquisition

The Competition Protection Authority has commenced a thorough investigation into the acquisition of ExxonMobil Cyprus Limited’s share capital by Petrolina Holdings Public Ltd through Med Energywise Ltd. This inquiry was formally initiated following a session held on 10 September 2025, after an in-depth review of the pertinent report by the Authority’s Service.

Concerns Over Market Compatibility

Authorities have expressed serious concerns regarding the compatibility of the transaction with established competitive practices. The review indicates that the acquisition may affect several critical petroleum markets, both horizontally and vertically, thereby raising the potential for adverse impacts on market dynamics.

Horizontal Market Dynamics

On the horizontal front, potential effects have been identified in the import market for petroleum products, as well as in both wholesale and retail distribution channels of these products. The consolidation is believed to increase the risk of price rises and coordinated actions, given the direct competitive proximity between Petrolina and ExxonMobil.

Vertical and Adjacent Market Implications

Vertical aspects of the merger are also under close scrutiny. The new entity could restrict competitors’ access to critical infrastructure such as storage facilities, supply channels, and customer bases. These restrictions could further affect the onshore distribution of fuels, the wholesale market for lubricants, and specialized technical services connected with fuel station operations.

Local Market Considerations

Particular attention is being paid to the potential concentration in the retail fuel market. The investigation suggests that a reduced competitive landscape within a four-kilometer radius of the companies’ fuel stations could lead to diminished local competition, adversely impacting consumer prices and options.

Next Steps and Industry Impact

The Competition Protection Authority, which reached a unanimous decision to pursue a full investigation, remains open to submissions from parties that might be affected by this transaction, as mandated by current legislation. A final decision is expected within four months upon receipt of all necessary evidence, potentially setting a significant precedent for future market consolidation cases in the energy sector.