Gaming startup GameTree has successfully raised $1.7 million in Seed funding to support its mission of creating inclusive, non-toxic, and friendship-driven gaming communities on a global scale. Launched in 2019 by Dana Sydorenko and John Uke, GameTree aims to provide a safe space for gamers to connect, free from toxic behavior and exclusionary practices.
The gaming industry, the largest entertainment sector by size and revenue, faces challenges related to toxic behavior and exclusion. A study by Unity revealed that 7 out of 10 players have experienced toxic behavior, including sexual harassment, hate speech, threats of violence, and doxing. Female players, in particular, encounter gender-based harassment, with 88% of online harassment being gender-related, according to research by Reach3.
GameTree’s founder, Dana Sydorenko, a former paramedic in the Ukrainian Army, turned to MMO games as a safe space after a traumatic war experience. However, she often encountered toxicity and harassment instead of a supportive community. GameTree’s vision is to create a gaming community that transcends boundaries, fosters meaningful connections, and puts an end to toxicity.
The startup has developed a free Looking for Group (LFG) app since 2019, facilitating over 2 million gamer connections through AI Psychological Matching, game recommendations, and support for over 200,000 games on web, iOS, and Android platforms.
The Seed funding round drew support from investors such as Corazon Capital, Full Stack Ventures, Goodwater Capital, 32-Bit Ventures, Expert Dojo, and a grant from Overwolf. Notable angels, including Sam Yagan (former CEO of Match Group), Phil Schwarz (marketing visionary behind Tinder’s success), Coddy Johnson (former CEO of Activision-Blizzard), Victor Yushchenko (former President of Ukraine), Felix LaHaye (CEO of United Esports), and Nicolas Stehle (CEO of Scalefast BU), also participated.
Víctor Westerstrand, Senior Associate at Corazón Capital, highlighted GameTree’s potential to address the loneliness epidemic by providing a platform for forming platonic relationships and building friendships through social matchmaking in gaming.
Following the funding, GameTree plans to develop a full-fledged desktop application featuring overlay game technology, dynamic social feeds, groups, and chat features, paving the way for expansion into B2B partnerships.
