N-Dream, a Zurich-based startup pioneering a cloud-based in-car game aggregation platform, has secured a strategic investment of €3 million from KPIT, a global partner to the Automotive Industry and Mobility Ecosystem for making software-defined vehicles a reality. Building on the successful launch of in-car games with BMW, this investment and partnership with KPIT will allow the startup to scale the technology and strengthen its market position.
With its headquarters in Zurich, N-Dream, the company behind AirConsole, aims to revolutionize the in-car entertainment sector by utilizing Cloud OTA (over-the-air) technology, bringing the USD 152 billion mobile gaming industry to living room TVs and automotive entertainment systems. With over 180 games across genres, including big titles from popular platforms, AirConsole today boasts over 16 million players connected on 300 million TVs and set-top boxes worldwide and some PC/Mac through its web-based portal. With the popularity of AirConsole, revenues have surged, growing from CHF 0.865 million in 2021 and CHF 0.784 million in 2020 to CHF 1.99 million (as of December 2022).
The startup has led its way into the automotive industry for nearly a year, bringing causal gaming to cars. In partnership with BMW, the company developed a Cloud-based game aggregation platform, including data services for automotive Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) worldwide. The in-car gaming solution allows passengers to play a diverse library of casual video games on the car’s entertainment system – sound system, big displays and interior lighting – with smartphones as controllers. This unique experience is specifically designed for vehicles and catered to a broad audience from occasional players to hardcore gamers. The latest gaming software technology can run the games directly inside the vehicle. The service does not rely on streaming the games from the cloud, which would require more mobile bandwidth than is available in many cases.
“The launch inside BMW has been very successful, and AirConsole has proven that it is the ideal solution for in-car gaming. We are very pleased with the usage data and the first user feedback. It clearly shows we are on the right track. This is why the company has now completely shifted its focus to the automotive industry”, said Andrin von Andrin von Rechenberg, CEO and Founder of N-Dream. Building on this success the two companies have extended the service to the MINI brand. Sony Pictures Entertainment is also working with the startup on the ‘Who Wants To Be A Millionaire’ game scheduled to launch in 2024.
The investment and close collaboration with KPIT will allow the startup to scale faster in the automotive industry and strengthen its position in the in-car gaming space. As revealed in the Economic Times India and confirmed by the startup, KPIT has invested €3 million in N-dream, a pioneer in the in-car gaming landscape, acquiring a 13 percent stake in the Swiss startup. The agreement includes an option for KPIT to increase its shareholding further. With their investment, KPIT has become the largest investor in AirConsole. The transaction is poised to close on December 15, 2024.
KPIT Technologies is a leading independent software development and integration partner helping mobility leapfrog towards a clean, smart, and safe future. With 11000+ automobelievers across the globe specializing in embedded software, AI, and digital solutions, KPIT accelerates its clients’ implementation of next-generation technologies for the future mobility roadmap.
(Press release/RAN)
Image:Airconsole
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