FISHLABS raises funding to add connectivity to existing and upcoming 3D mobile games

News by GamesIndustry International Contributor

Published on Oct. 15, 2007

HAMBURG, GERMANY, October 15th, 2007 - FISHLABS, a leading developer of premium 3D mobile games, has closed its first round of financing led by Neuhaus Partners. The funding will help FISHLABS add connectivity features to a portfolio of award-winning 3D mobile games. It will drive mobile gaming communities via operators as well as directly to consumers online at www.fishlabs.net and via WAP at www.fishlabs.mobi.

Pablo Fetter, Managing Partner at Neuhaus Partners, explains: "We have followed FISHLABS' progress since 2004 and their evolution to the top of 3D mobile gaming sector closely. In the past three years the installed based of 3D-enabled handsets has increased significantly and more or less every mobile network operator has launched flat-rate data plans. We believe that connected 3D mobile games are about to become a mass-market. In this segment, content and a loyal community are key. Hence the timing was opportune to invest in FISHLABS' highly talented team as well as their toprated portfolio, and to leverage FISHLABS' strong recognition among mobile gamers."

Michael Schade, CEO and Co-Founder of FISHLABS, adds: "Our fan base of several hundred thousand mobile gamers and their extensive involvement with FISHLABS' core games is the best constellation for up-selling through additional level or item downloads, high-score uploads and multiplayer or other community features. It drives ARPU above and beyond one time game downloads. This is where Exit Games (also a Neuhaus investment in mobile gaming) comes into play and allows for a perfect fit with their leading mobile and online multiplayer platform Neutron®."

Stefan Klein, Project Manager of the Initiative Gamecity Hamburg comments: "We are excited to have one of the hottest developers of 3D mobile games but also an industry leading game technology provider based in Hamburg. The successful financing by a Hamburg-based funding partner proves again that Hamburg offers the whole spectrum of the value chain in the games industry at international top level. Furthermore the investment illustrates the growing economic relevance of the games sector."

About FISHLABS:

FISHLABS, based in Hamburg, Germany, is one of the true leading developers of premium 3D mobile games for Java and BREW handsets. Thanks to the high-performance, platform-independent games engine ABYSS®, FISHLABS' titles offer outstanding mobile game experience on a broad range of handsets. FISHLABS' line-up of 15 multiple top award-winning 3D titles, including AAA brands, such as V-Rally® 3D or Star Wars - Imperial Ace 3D, is marketed worldwide by top industry players like Gamevil, Glu, I-play, Player X, Superscape, THQ Wireless, WDA and arvato mobile. FISHLABS is, moreover, one of the very few studios that sells its games directly through Sony Ericsson Fun & Downloads service worldwide. "Star Wars" is a registered trademark of Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. "V-Rally" is a registered trademark of Atari Interactive Inc. "Sony Ericsson" is a trademark or registered trademark of Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB. "Java" is a trademark of Sun Microsystems Inc. "BREW" is a trademark of Qualcomm Inc.

About Neuhaus Partners:

Neuhaus Partners GmbH, based in Hamburg, Germany, is a leading European venture capital group. It invests throughout Europe in technology companies. Since its founding in 1997 it has completed 41 investments and in 39 of those Neuhaus Partners participated as lead investor. Track Record: Two IPO's, 14 trade sales, two buy-backs, nine insolvencies. Neuhaus Partners is currently investing its third fund generation.

For further details on Neuhaus Partners please visit www.NeuhausPartners.com.

Please address all requests for further information to:

FISHLABS Entertainment GmbH

Michael Schade

Geibelstraße 46, D-22303 Hamburg,

Telephone: +49 (0)40 88 88 00 - 160

Fax: +49 (0)40 88 88 00 - 166

Web: www.fishlabs.net

WAP: www.fishlabs.mobi

Neuhaus Partners GmbH

Dr. Pablo Fetter

Jungfernstieg 30