GuildCafe Announces Funding from IDG Ventures Boston
CAMBRIDGE MA, July 28, 2007 - GuildCafe Entertainment Inc. announced that it raised venture capital funding from IDG Ventures Boston. GuildCafe is building a website that enables game players to find friends, discover game content and take part in fun activities through the lens of their social relationships.
Most players of GuildCafe participate in massively multiplayer online roleplaying games (MMORPGs) such as World of Warcraft, Guild Wars and Lord of the Rings Online. Unlike other social media sites, members of GuildCafe interact with one another through their gaming personas: wizards, starfighter pilots, heroes and other fantastic characters. These players also form groups-called "guilds"-that may stick together from one virtual world to the next.
"GuildCafe is becoming the place where players start their day. Before jumping into an online game, they'll stop by to find out what their friends are doing, learn about new content or plan their fun for the evening. It's our goal to create a community that places players at the center of the online gaming universe," said Jon Radoff, President and CEO of GuildCafe Entertainment Inc.
New funds will be used to create additional functionality, enhance the user experience and expand the company's management team. On July 1, the company was joined by Sanya Weathers, who most recently directed online community at Electronic Arts Mythic.
"In contrast to older communities that treat gamers as consumers of editorial content, GuildCafe is enabling new forms of interaction, driven by players and the groups they belong to. Through its early lead, management experience and deep understanding of players, we believe GuildCafe is in a unique position to redefine the gaming media market," said Jon Karlen of IDG Ventures Boston, who will also be joining GuildCafe's Board of Directors.
About GuildCafe Entertainment Inc.
On GuildCafe, game players can express themselves through gaming alter-egos, publish their accomplishments, share expertise and organize gaming groups called guilds. Based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, GuildCafe is led by a team of online media and computer games veterans from Eprise, New York Times Digital, Electronic Arts and Mythic Entertainment. More information about is available at: www.guildcafe.com/company.
About IDG Ventures Boston
IDG Ventures Boston is an independent partnership that enables entrepreneurs to grow innovative, global companies. With $280 million under management, the firm is focused on investing in early stage information technology and life sciences companies and is led by a team with more than half a century of combined experience in venture capital. IDG Ventures Boston is affiliated with the IDG Ventures network of funds, a global $1+ billion network of independently managed funds spanning Asia and North America. For more information, visit: www.idgvb.com
Media Contacts
GuildCafe Entertainment Inc.
Jon Radoff media@guildcafe.com 617-202-9560
IDG Ventures Boston
Kate Castle kcastle@idgventures.com 617.534.1228