Friendly Fire has recently secured a Series A funding round with AYMO Ventures, a venture firm based in Zagreb. This marks the first disclosed institutional backing for the Croatian gaming café franchisor as it gears up to expand its franchise operations in the United States.
In its English announcement, the company announced the funding round at $4.7 million USD. However, Bloomberg Adria reported a day earlier that AYMO invested €4 million EUR, equivalent to $4.67 million USD based on the European Central Bank’s reference rate on Aug. 26. This indicates that the round was raised in euros but presented in dollars for the American audience interested in purchasing franchises.
While the English announcement mentions that the capital will be used to support operational activities and develop the company’s technology platform, the Croatian report highlights a broader objective, including accelerated international expansion and support for franchise partners. Details such as the valuation, AYMO’s stake, and the participation of other investors besides AYMO have not been disclosed.
Founder and CEO of Friendly Fire, David Kosir, expressed confidence in the company’s success, stating, “With this investment and with a partner like AYMO Ventures, we now have real momentum to fulfill our vision and become the largest gaming cafe chain globally.”
The investor statement attributed to AYMO Ventures emphasizes the importance of the technology layer in enhancing the network’s strength with each new opening. The firm, which lists four partners on its website, emphasizes the operational expertise demonstrated by the team at their own locations before expanding to others.
AYMO reached a €52 million ($60.7 million) first close across two funds in July 2025 and is recognized by the European Commission as a financial intermediary offering EU-backed finance. The growth fund of AYMO writes cheques ranging from €300,000 to €5 million and above, positioning this deal near the upper limit of their investment range. The firm describes itself as sector-agnostic but complies with applicable EIF, EU, and HBOR guidelines.
Operating under Friendly Fire d.o.o. za usluge i trgovinu, the Croatian entity overseeing the company-owned operations, the company is wholly owned by Friendly Fire, Inc., a Delaware corporation, according to the Croatian Financial Agency’s business register. Despite being classified as a micro-enterprise primarily engaged in leasing computers and office equipment, the company saw steady revenue growth over the years.
While the company boasts 22 company- and franchise-owned locations across six countries and a substantial player base, the specific details regarding financials and operational performance have not been independently verified.
Friendly Fire’s ambitious expansion plans, including signed franchise agreements and future locations, demonstrate its commitment to becoming a prominent player in the gaming cafe industry. However, the actual execution and conversion of these agreements into operational stores remain critical factors for the company’s success.
As Friendly Fire continues its growth trajectory, the challenges faced by similar gaming cafe operators underscore the importance of strategic planning and sustainable business practices in the competitive market landscape.
Looking ahead, Friendly Fire’s participation in prestigious events and recognition within the franchising industry reaffirms its position as a key player in the global gaming cafe sector.
While certain details remain undisclosed, the strategic direction and commitment to expansion exhibited by Friendly Fire signal a promising future for the company as it navigates the complexities of franchising in the gaming industry.