Bridgepoint Development Capital (“BDC”) has signed an agreement to invest in Plug In Digital (“PiD”), one of the largest independent video game distributors and a rising video game publisher. Existing shareholders, including Francis Ingrand, are reinvesting significantly in the operation, while the transaction enables the opening of PiD’s capital to its employees.
Plug In Digital orchestrates a $75m funding round to finance its organic development, including the publishing of high-potential indie games meeting PiD editorial line as well as its external growth strategy, targeting notably video games’ developers with own-IP on which the company can further capitalize. Financing is provided by Eurazeo in the form of unitranche debt and includes a dedicated and committed line to finance future external growth.
Plug In Digital was founded in 2012 by Francis Ingrand, quickly growing into a full-service games distributor and publisher for today’s most exciting games across PC, cloud, console and mobile platforms. The company’s two publishing labels, Dear Villagers and PID Games, boast an impressive portfolio that spans a variety of today’s most popular genres, reaching players across all platforms and delivering playful, distinctive and audacious games to global audiences.
Francis Ingrand, CEO and Founder of Plug In Digital commented: “We are excited to work with Bridgepoint for the next steps of our ambitious development project. We are confident they are the right partner to accompany us in our growth journey, mixing organic development and targeted strategic acquisitions. We are pleased to have attracted Bridgepoint who believes in our differentiating model, our strategic direction and our people.”
Plug In Digital has seen a 50 percent+ yearly growth over the past five years, hitting a successful stride with its flagship publishing label Dear Villagers which has launched more than eight cross-platform, cross-gen titles into the global games marketplace since its inception in early 2019. One of its most recent titles, The Forgotten City, has been lauded by international critics for its unique, eye-catching design as well as its exceptional narrative and dialogue and has been a remarkable commercial hit. PID Games, the second label under the Plug In Digital umbrella, is focused on offering studios a flexible publishing or co-publishing support on PC, Console and Mobile. PID is on track to publish 30 games this year from its global development partners.
Olivier Nemsguern, Partner at Bridgepoint Development Capital and responsible for investment activities in France added: “We have been following the Video Games sector closely for a period of time and are impressed by Plug In Digital’s journey to-date. The company is well-positioned in a really exciting market, and has built a great brand in the Indie publishing space, relying on its committed and skilled leadership team. We look forward to partnering with the Company during its next chapter of development.”
Bridgepoint Development Capital, through its BDC IV fund, has concluded through this transaction, its fourth investment in Europe, and first in France.
