“Closed the first seed round with a valuation of 15.5 million dollars,” — on the results of 2025

This material was initially published on Game World Observer.

What kind of year was 2025 for your team? What were you able to accomplish, what are you proud of, and what didn’t you have time for?

Ivan Leshkevich: 2025 was truly a breakthrough year for us at EasyWin. We launched the platform at the beginning of the year and built everything from scratch with a small team of just eight people. By December, we closed our first seed round with a valuation of $15.5 million, thanks to the support of our incredible investors, Vladimir Nikolskiy and the angel fund Velo Partners.

I am proud of how quickly we validated the product: strong early metrics in Tier-1 markets and high engagement. We have truly demonstrated that the project works in the skill-based puzzle market with cash prizes.

What didn't we accomplish? Probably the more aggressive scaling in specific regions. Regulation in the gambling sphere is always challenging. So for now, we have focused on reliable and compliant growth.

Overall, it was an amazing year.

What conclusions did you draw as a game development studio based on the 2025 results?

Ivan: The main conclusion is that small, focused teams can outpace giants in this niche. We have proven that you don’t need hundreds of employees to create a competitive platform in skill-based gaming. Efficiency and smart technological solutions are far more important. Another point: mobile skill gaming for real money in regulated Tier-1 markets is still significantly underestimated. Players seek fair, transparent competition where skill, rather than just luck, determines the winner. And finally, regulation is not a barrier but a constant factor to work with proactively.

Have practices for interacting with publishers/investors changed? Has it become easier/more difficult to work with them?

Ivan: Since EasyWin became an independent startup after leaving Mamboo, we shifted our focus more towards working with investors rather than traditional publishers. Raising funds in the 2025 seed round went rather smoothly for us. The metrics spoke for themselves, and investors in real-money gaming are very interested in strong teams with proven track records. Now everything has become more professional and data-driven: everyone immediately wants to see clear evidence of product-market fit. It's not easier or more difficult, just more selective, so good projects with real traction quickly gain attention.

What was this year like for the niche/genre you are working in?

Ivan: For skill-based real-money gaming, 2025 was solid and mature. The market continued to grow steadily (forecasts indicate a double-digit compound annual growth rate), with more players moving towards games that emphasize skill over pure luck. On mobile platforms, there was a strong influx into casual puzzles and cash prize tournaments. In some countries, regulations became stricter, but this also added legitimacy and trust. It was a year of consolidation: less explosive hype, but more healthy, sustainable progress with better retention and monetization in fair-play formats.

What strengthening or emergence of trends in your niche/genre do you expect in 2026?

Ivan: In 2026, I expect even deeper integration of AI in conducting personalized tournaments and matchmaking. Real-time multiplayer competitions will grow significantly, especially on mobile devices. There will be more cross-platform games and deep social features. Regulation will continue to evolve, opening new markets and demanding greater transparency. Overall, the shift from purely chance-based games to skill/reward models will accelerate — this is increasingly what players demand for long-term engagement.

What are the team's plans for 2026?

Ivan: In 2026, we plan a major push for scaling. We are expanding globally into key regulated markets, adding new puzzle titles and tournament formats, and carefully growing the team while maintaining its flexibility. One of the top priorities is implementing robust two-step KYC (ID verification + live photo/selfie). This will drastically reduce fraud and significantly cut down on future disputes over operations. Most importantly, it will show that we take players' money seriously, actively comply with AML to combat fraud, and build long-term trust as an ethical operator. With funding and early successes, we are now fully ready, and we aim to become a leader in mobile skill-based real-money gaming.