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Polycade builds a modern arcade gaming platform, transforming video games into in-person social events. Its product integrates diverse game sources, allowing users to access Steam libraries, purchase titles, or upload custom ROMs onto a contemporary console. This approach updates the classic arcade experience, blending advanced technology within a physical cabinet.
Founded by Tyler Bushnell, Polycade originated from the insight that social, in-person gaming could be revitalized. Bushnell, drawing on his family's legacy within the gaming industry, aimed to bridge classic arcade nostalgia with modern digital entertainment. His vision centered on making communal play engaging via shared hardware.
Polycade targets consumers and businesses seeking interactive entertainment for social environments. The platform acts as a central hub for communal gaming, encouraging interaction and connectivity. The company's vision is to redefine the arcade for the 21st century, fostering a shared gaming culture prioritizing real-world social engagement.
Polycade has raised $100K across 1 funding round.
Polycade has raised $100K in total across 1 funding round.
Polycade has raised $100K across 1 funding round. Most recently, it raised $100K Seed in April 2021.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 1, 2021 | $100K Seed | — | JAZZ Venture Partners, Kitchen Table Partners, Leawood Venture Capital, Sommet AB, Sunset Ventures, ULU Ventures, Curtis LEE | Announced |
Polycade builds a modern arcade gaming platform that combines retro and new games in compact, internet-connected hardware for home and commercial use, such as bars, restaurants, and retail stores[1][2][3]. It serves casual and hardcore gamers, venue operators, and social groups by solving the problem of outdated arcade experiences with features like player accounts, shared leaderboards, built-in photobooths, digital assets, automatic updates, and compatibility with sources like Steam or custom ROMs[1][3][5]. Growth momentum includes pre-sales for models like Sente and Squadcade, available hardware like Lux and Gamepad, and free PC software (Polycade AGS) to expand accessibility without dedicated machines[3].
Polycade emerged as an innovative response to revive arcade gaming for the 21st century, upgrading traditional cabinets' design, interface, and hardware to run both classic retro games and modern titles seamlessly[1][5]. While specific founders are not detailed in available sources, the company draws inspiration from arcade pioneers like Nolan Bushnell (Atari co-founder), emphasizing social connections formed through games like Pong[1]. Early traction focuses on versatile, modular hardware and software that appeal to tech-savvy users, with pivotal expansions into commercial operators and PC emulation to broaden reach[3][4].
Polycade rides the trend of nostalgic gaming revival amid rising demand for social, in-person experiences post-digital saturation, blending arcade heritage with Web2/3 tech like connectivity and digital assets[1][3]. Timing aligns with compact hardware preferences in space-constrained venues and homes, fueled by market forces like esports growth, retro gaming booms (e.g., via Steam), and operator needs for low-maintenance, high-engagement machines[2][4]. It influences the ecosystem by modernizing arcades for bars/restaurants, enabling operators to attract diverse crowds, and democratizing access through PC software, potentially expanding multiplayer social gaming beyond screens[1][3].
Polycade is poised to dominate modular arcade tech with pre-sale momentum and software expansions like AGS, targeting deeper commercial penetration and home integrations. Trends like AR/VR arcades, blockchain gaming assets, and venue gamification will shape its path, evolving its influence from niche revivalist to mainstream social entertainment hub. As connectivity advances, expect Polycade to pioneer hybrid retro-modern ecosystems, delivering the high fives and togetherness its platform promises from day one[1][3].
Polycade has raised $100K in total across 1 funding round.
Polycade's investors include Jazz Venture Partners, Kitchen Table Partners, Leawood Venture Capital, Sommet AB, Sunset Ventures, Ulu Ventures, Curtis Lee.
