Smith & Tinker, a little-known developer of online and offline interactive games, on Tuesday said it closed a $29 million second round of funding that includes well-known Microsoft co-founder and tech investor Paul Allen.
The funding was led by DCM and return investors Alsop Louie Partners, Foundry Group, Leo Capital Holdings, and Vulcan Capital, the venture arm of Microsoft co-founder Allen.
Mr. Allen is a regular in the top 20 of the Forbes 400 list of uber wealthy Americans, coming in last year just ahead of Google co-founders Sergey Brin and Larry Page with a net worth just south of $16 billion. The Washington State University dropout has investments in more than 40 technology, media, and content companies, as well as owns the NBA's Portland Trail Blazers and the NFL's Seattle Seahawks sports franchises.
Bellevue, Washington, Smith & Tinker launched its first game, Nanovor, which draws players into an online world where nanoscopic monsters, known as Nanovor, live and battle on silicon chips deep inside computers.
“With the release of Nanovor, we have put a stake in the ground as the first company to merge the best of a game studio, entertainment shop, and toy company all under one roof,” said Jordan Weisman, Smith & Tinker CEO, in a statement.
Founded in 2007, the startup employs 50 people and sells its handheld Nanoscope for $49,99 and games for $10, $15, or $25.
The burgeoning Smith & Tinker enters the gaming market as many heavyweight makers of games and consoles, such as Nintendo and Sony, struggle to sell their games in a recession.
DCM is an investor in Red Herring.
