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The guide outlines a non‑dilutive financing model designed to fund mobile studios’ user acquisition (UA) campaigns by leveraging cohort performance data. It argues that the global UA spend reached $78 billion in 2025, rising 13% year‑on‑year, and that studios typically allocate 50–70 % of revenue to paid UA while financing through equity. The proposed solution offers capital without equity dilution, with repayment tied directly to user revenue and a lock‑step mechanism that scales cash flow alongside UA spend. The repayment schedule follows the cohort’s return on ad spend (ROAS) curve, beginning when ROAS reaches 100 %.

Eligibility criteria focus on predictability rather than speed of payback. Studios must demonstrate at least six months of clean ROAS curves, a history of trending toward transaction data, and an average monthly payback around $100 k attributable to predictable cohorts. The financing partner evaluates whether recent cohorts mirror historically profitable ones, using a benchmark tool that compares a studio’s cohort against over 5,000 mobile app cohorts. Key metrics include cohort margin of safety, tail risk, payer retention, volatility, and scalability.

The methodology involves sharing cohort data from platforms such as Appsflyer, Adjust, GCP, or Snowflake. Underwriters then size a facility, allowing studios to draw up to 80 % of their monthly UA spend per cohort. Repayment proceeds once the ROAS curve reaches breakeven, with downside shared if cohorts underperform. The guide targets mobile studios worldwide operating in 2026, offering a structured pathway to unlock growth capital while preserving equity.

LOS ANGELES | SAN FRANCISCO | NEW YORK | LONDON | PARIS | MUNICH | BERLIN | DUBAI PROVEN TRACK RECORD IN GAMING M&A AND GROWTH FINANCING ADVISORY PROVEN TRACK RECORD IN GAMING M&A AND GROWTH FINANCING ADVISORY MICHAEL METZGER JULIAN RIEDLBAUER Linkedin - Free social media icons MOHIT PAREEK Linkedin - Free social media icons MICHAEL METZGER JULIAN RIEDLBAUER ...

This report is provided for general information and discussion purposes only and is intended solely for subscribers. It does not constitute a financial promotion, investment advice, or a recommendation to engage in any investment activity. The content reflects the views of the authors at the time of publication and may be subject to change without notice.

Modern Times Group (MTG) concluded the 2024 fiscal year as a focused European mobile gaming entity, reporting net sales of SEK 6,015 million, representing a 3% currency-adjusted growth. Despite achieving an adjusted EBITDA of SEK 1,666 million, the group recorded a net loss of SEK 210 million. The company maintains a strong liquidity position with SEK 3,543 million in cash and equivalents and no utilized external debt, supported by a disciplined capital allocation strategy that includes active share buybacks and a commitment to long-term, evergreen game franchises.

The company’s strategic trajectory is defined by its "Gaming Village" model, which emphasizes organic growth and accretive M&A to bolster its portfolio of studios, including InnoGames, Hutch, and Ninja Kiwi. A transformative development in this period was the acquisition of Plarium Global Ltd, finalized in early 2025, which significantly scales the group’s mid-core gaming capabilities and adds the flagship title RAID: Shadow Legends to its offerings. This expansion is supported by the "Flow Platform," a centralized infrastructure designed to share business intelligence and user acquisition tools across the group’s subsidiaries.

Sustainability and governance remain central to the company’s operational framework. In 2024, MTG transitioned its reporting to align with the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS). While this methodological shift resulted in a reported 118.2% increase in location-based greenhouse gas emissions due to expanded accounting scopes, the company has committed to a 50% reduction in value chain emissions by 2032. Furthermore, the group maintains a robust governance structure, reporting no incidents of corruption or bribery, and continues to prioritize consumer safety through transparent odds disclosure and data protection measures. The board remains focused on long-term shareholder value, integrating ESG metrics into executive incentive schemes while maintaining a stable, low-leverage financial foundation.

The Q4 2023 Gaming Industry Report presents a global market that expanded to $212 billion, with the MENAP region contributing $2.8 billion and experiencing a 30% quarter‑over‑quarter rise in both gamers and investment activity. Mobile gaming remains the dominant platform, accounting for 46% of the global player base, while indie PC titles capture a growing share of revenue at roughly 30%. The report also highlights the continued diversification of the industry, noting that game‑to‑movie adaptations generated over $1.4 billion in 2023, underscoring cross‑media opportunities.

Regulatory scrutiny intensified across the sector, with a 15% increase in litigation and high‑profile antitrust cases against major platform holders such as Google and Apple. Significant fines were imposed for deceptive practices, reflecting a tightening legal environment that could reshape market dynamics.

M&A activity rebounded sharply in Q4, with transactions totaling $68.7 billion—a 769% jump largely driven by the Activision‑Blizzard deal—while global venture capital funding fell. In contrast, MENAP venture activity rose 30%, indicating a strategic pivot toward emerging markets including Asia, Africa, and MENAP for future consolidation. This trend presents both challenges and opportunities for indie studios, potentially enabling higher‑quality titles through increased resources.

Shorooq Partners focuses on early‑stage gaming investments within MENAP, targeting pre‑seed to Series A deals with ticket sizes of $1–8 million. The firm prioritizes studios that possess strong intellectual property, robust monetization models, and software solutions that enhance processing efficiency and scalable user connectivity. By engaging through conferences such as the WN Conference Abu Dhabi and LEAP 2024, newsletters, and partnership initiatives, Shorooq aims to nurture the growing MENAP gaming ecosystem.

UBISOFT REPORTS FIRST-HALF 2025-26 EARNINGS FIGURES Tencent transaction on track to close in the coming days all conditions precedent have been satisfied Q2 Net Bookings above expectations First half 2025-26: Net bookings of €772.4 million, up +20.3% YoY Reported change In % of total net In €m vs.

Ubisoft announces a comprehensive reset aimed at restoring creative leadership and sustainable growth amid a more selective AAA market. The strategy centers on three pillars: a new operating model, a refocused portfolio with an updated three‑year roadmap, and organizational rightsizing. The operating model introduces five Creative Houses—each genre‑focused, fully responsible for development, publishing, and financial performance—supported by a Creative Network of studios and shared Core Services. This structure is intended to accelerate decision‑making, deepen specialization in Open World Adventures and GaaS‑native experiences, and embed generative AI initiatives.

Portfolio adjustments include discontinuing six titles that fail new quality thresholds, extending development timelines for seven games to meet higher standards, and reallocating resources toward high‑potential IPs such as “March of Giants.” These changes are expected to reduce net bookings for FY26 by roughly €330 million and push non‑IFRS EBIT into the negative, reflecting one‑off depreciation costs. Free cash flow is projected between –€400 million and –€500 million, with net debt rising to €150–250 million.

Cost‑reduction efforts target a total fixed‑cost savings of approximately €500 million since FY22, with an accelerated €100 million cut already achieved by March 2026 and a further €200 million planned over the next two years, bringing fixed costs to about €1.25 billion by March 2028. The reset is set to take effect in early April, with a revised FY26–27 financial outlook to be released in May.

Note: This document has been translated from a part of the Japanese original for reference purposes only. In the event of any discrepancy between this translated document and the Japanese original, the original shall prevail. (Start of electronic provision) June 3, 2025 Tetsuro Koda, President and CEO 2-13-30 Kamiosaki, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo NOTICE OF THE 15TH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS You are hereby notified that the 15th Annual General Meeting of Shareholders of Akatsuki Inc.

Akatsuki Inc. reported consolidated financial results for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2025 (April 1 2024–March 31 2025). Net sales fell by 1.3 % to ¥23,652 million from ¥23,972 million in FY2023, reflecting a decline in the Games segment despite a new title launch. Operating ordinary profit rose by ¥1,239 million (46.3 %) to ¥3,915 million, driven largely by gains in the Comics and IP Solutions businesses; the former benefited from contracted services for an overseas manga platform, while the latter saw growth in its online lottery service “Slash Gift.” Ordinary profit attributable to parent shareholders increased by ¥1,399 million (49.4 %) to ¥4,233 million, and net income attributable to owners of the parent grew by ¥358 million (27.8 %) to ¥1,646 million, aided by gains on share sales from IPOs of investee companies. A conservative write‑down of deferred tax assets reduced the profit attributable to owners, yet overall net income still improved.

An extraordinary loss of ¥593 million was recorded on the valuation of investment securities held by the group, reflecting a conservative assessment of recoverable value amid market uncertainty. On a non‑consolidated basis, the company recorded a ¥5,776 million provision for doubtful accounts and a ¥2,454 million loss on valuation of shares in affiliated companies; these items are largely confined to consolidated subsidiaries and have a minor impact on the consolidated results. The report covers Japan‑based operations for FY2025, with data derived from internal financial statements and market assessments.

Akatsuki Inc. reports a first‑quarter fiscal 2025 performance that reflects a sharp contraction in its core gaming and comics businesses amid a challenging macro‑environment. Net sales fell 44 % YoY to ¥2,313 million, while operating loss widened to ¥1,698 million from a prior‑year loss of ¥775 million. The company’s consolidated equity ratio improved to 78.7 % from 75.3 %, but total assets declined by ¥3,656 million to ¥50,976 million. Net loss attributable to parent shareholders reached ¥1,167 million, a significant increase from the prior‑year loss of ¥271 million. Comprehensive income deteriorated to ¥312 million in losses versus ¥159 million previously.

Segment analysis shows the Games unit suffered a 52.3 % sales decline and an operating loss of ¥1,643 million; the Comics unit posted a modest profit of ¥20 million after an 18.3 % sales drop; the newly standalone IP Solutions unit grew sales by 167 % and generated a ¥122 million profit, largely driven by the inclusion of subsidiary CRAYON, Inc. The Others segment recorded a small profit after an 80.9 % sales increase.

Geographically, the report focuses on Japan with no disclosed overseas revenue breakdown. Methodologically, figures are based on Japanese GAAP quarterly consolidation; no full‑year forecasts are provided due to market uncertainty. The company maintains a policy of timely quarterly disclosure while withholding FY2026 forecasts, citing volatile gaming and investment conditions.

Akatsuki Inc. reported consolidated financial results for fiscal year ended March 2025, showing a modest 5 % increase in sales to ¥23.652 billion compared with the prior year, driven primarily by strong performance of existing games such as Dragon Ball Z Dokkan Battle. Games sales rose 2 % to ¥21.237 billion, while comics and IP Solutions segments returned to profitability with 10 % and 121 % year‑over‑year sales gains, respectively. Operating profit surged 124 % to ¥3.915 billion, largely due to a sharp rise in operating profit from games (68 % increase) and significant gains on the sale of investment securities, which contributed ¥1.154 billion to profit before tax.

Net income increased 48 % to ¥1.646 billion, supported by a 28 % rise in adjusted EBITDA (¥5.661 billion). The company’s balance sheet remained solid, with total assets of ¥54.632 billion and net assets of ¥41.455 billion, while total liabilities decreased to ¥13.177 billion. Cash balances were maintained at ¥33.300 billion, reflecting disciplined working‑capital management.

The results cover the Japanese market and global operations for games, comics, and IP solutions. Methodology includes consolidated financial statements with adjustments for investment and incubation business personnel expenses, and gains on crypto asset sales are classified as non‑operating. Overall, Akatsuki’s selective focus on high‑performing titles and profitable IP solutions has driven a sharp improvement in operating profitability despite the withdrawal of some titles.

Akatsuki Inc. reports consolidated financial results for the first half of fiscal year ending March 31, 2026 (April 1–September 30, 2025). Net sales fell 20.6 % YoY to ¥9,915 million, while operating profit declined 42.4 % to ¥1,724 million; ordinary profit dropped 42.7 % to ¥1,676 million, yet net income attributable to parent rose 31.4 % to ¥1,853 million, driven by a higher comprehensive income of ¥2,269 million versus ¥1,499 million the prior year. Profit per share diluted increased from ¥97.85 to ¥128.56. Total assets grew to ¥59,400 million, with net assets rising to ¥42,995 million and equity ratio improving to 71.9 %. Cash flows from operating activities were modest at ¥369 million, while investing cash outflows of ¥5,433 million reflected significant purchases of investment securities and intangible assets. Financing activities generated net inflows of ¥1,775 million, offset by dividends paid of ¥795 million.

Segment analysis shows the Games and Comics business experienced a 23.2 % sales decline to ¥9,257 million and a 41.2 % profit drop, whereas the Entertainment and Lifestyle segment grew sales by 76.1 % to ¥649 million, achieving a 90.7 % profit increase. The Others segment recorded a sharp sales decline and continued losses.

The report notes significant consolidation changes: six new subsidiaries, including CRAYON Inc., were added; Akatsuki Fukuoka was liquidated. Goodwill increased by ¥4,316 million due to acquisitions of Natee and PAPABUBBLE JAPAN. No full‑year forecasts are provided, reflecting uncertainty in the Games and Comics market and ongoing investment plans.

Akatsuki Inc. reported a sharp decline in consolidated sales and operating results for Q1 of the fiscal year ending March 2026, with total group sales falling 44% YoY to ¥2,313 million. The Games segment suffered the largest hit, dropping 52% to ¥1,782 million and recording an operating loss of ¥1,643 million, largely due to a post‑Q4 portfolio review withdrawal and the absence of high‑profile releases. R&D spending for the Games business fell from the previous year as development on “TRIBE NINE” concluded, but costs for the upcoming title “Kaiju No. 8 The Game” increased personnel and outsourcing expenses.

In contrast, the Comics division saw a modest 18% sales decline to ¥226 million but improved profitability, with operating profit rising from a loss of ¥2 million to ¥20 million. The division’s focus on original works and continued service provision to the overseas platform MANGA MIRAI contributed to this turnaround. The IP Solutions unit experienced explosive growth, with sales up 167% to ¥298 million and operating profit soaring 2,592% to ¥122 million, driven by the successful online lottery “Slash Gift” and the inclusion of CRAYON, Inc. in consolidation.

Other income sources shifted, with gains on investment securities decreasing by ¥107 million to ¥580 million. Net income swung from a loss of ¥271 million in FY3/25 to a larger loss of ¥1,167 million in FY3/26, reflecting the combined impact of segment downturns and higher operating losses. Adjusted EBITDA also deteriorated from ¥153 million to a loss of ¥416 million.

The financial data cover the Japanese market, covering all core segments—Games, Comics, IP Solutions, and ancillary services—from Q1 FY3/24 through Q1 FY3/26. The analysis relies on consolidated financial statements, trend tables, and explanatory notes detailing segment performance, expense composition, and investment activity.

Akatsuki Inc. reported consolidated financial results for the second quarter of fiscal year ending March 2026, noting a 9 % decline in sales to ¥7,602 million and a 21 % drop in cumulative year‑to‑date sales of ¥9,915 million versus the prior year. The Games & Comics segment led the decline with a 10 % YoY fall to ¥7,248 million, while Entertainment & Lifestyle grew 36 % to ¥350 million, and the Others segment contracted sharply by 94 %. Operating profit fell 9 % to ¥3,422 million, largely due to weaker performance in the core Games & Comics unit; however, net income rose 80 % to ¥3,020 million, driven by gains from investee exits and reduced valuation losses on investment securities. Adjusted EBITDA increased modestly by 4 % to ¥4,015 million, reflecting a recovery in operating profitability after the release of new titles.

Key drivers include the launch of “Kaiju No. 8 The Game” on 31 August 2025, which generated over ¥2 billion in first‑month sales with a 40 % overseas share, partially offsetting declines from legacy titles. Two M&A transactions in Q2 added PAPABUBBLE and WOWs to the consolidated segment from Q3, while Natee and AI Talent Force will join the AI/DX Solutions segment. The company’s balance sheet shows a net asset base of ¥42,995 million and cash equivalents of ¥33,272 million, with current liabilities at ¥6,954 million.

Methodologically, the report aggregates data from all operating subsidiaries, restating prior figures to align with revised definitions effective Q2 FY3/26. The analysis covers Japan and international markets, focusing on the Games & Comics, Entertainment & Lifestyle, and AI/DX Solutions segments over a two‑quarter period.

Akatsuki Inc. reports consolidated financial results for the first nine months of fiscal year 2025, ending December 31 2025. Net sales rose modestly by 2.1 % to ¥16,497 million, while operating profit surged 115.7 % to ¥3,063 million and ordinary profit increased 48.6 % to ¥3,318 million. Net profit attributable to parent shareholders climbed 287.6 % to ¥2,856 million, yielding diluted earnings per share of ¥198.11 versus ¥51.12 in the prior year. Total assets reached ¥57,687 million, up ¥3,054 million from March 31 2025, with net assets at ¥43,092 million and an equity ratio of 74.2 %. The company’s liquidity remained solid, with cash and deposits at ¥28,377 million and current liabilities down to ¥4,462 million.

Segment performance varied: the Games and Comics business posted a 5.3 % decline in sales but doubled operating profit through cost reductions; Entertainment and Lifestyle achieved a 76.1 % sales increase to ¥1,400 million but saw a modest profit decline; the newly reported AI/DX Solutions segment generated ¥600 million in sales and incurred a ¥112 million loss. The Others segment recorded a sharp 83.1 % sales drop and a ¥51 million loss.

The company added five subsidiaries to its consolidation scope, including CRAYON Inc. and PAPABUBBLE, while excluding Akatsuki Fukuoka after liquidation. No changes to accounting policies were noted. Forecasts for FY 2026 are withheld due to market uncertainties, and the company maintains a policy of not providing full‑year guidance.

KLab Inc. disclosed a net non‑operating income of 288 million yen for the consolidated fourth quarter of its December 2014 fiscal year, driven largely by a 231 million yen foreign‑exchange gain from currency valuation at quarter‑end. The company also reported an extraordinary loss of 670 million yen, primarily attributable to a 607 million yen impairment charge on software assets related to its gaming operations. These figures represent the company’s first quarterly disclosure of such items for the year, indicating a significant impact on its overall profitability.

The announcement clarifies that the non‑operating income and extraordinary loss will affect the company’s full‑year earnings forecasts for the 2014 fiscal period. KLab commits to providing any additional information required under Tokyo Stock Exchange disclosure standards promptly, ensuring transparency for investors and regulators. The notice is limited to the Japanese market, covering a single fiscal year (January 1–December 31, 2014) and focusing on the gaming segment of KLab’s operations. No survey or external data sources are cited; the figures derive from internal financial statements and accounting adjustments made during the reporting period.

KLab Inc. reported consolidated financial results for the first quarter of fiscal year 2019 (January 1–March 31, 2019). Revenue declined 18.4 % to ¥6,468 million compared with the same period in FY2018, largely due to a drop in sales of the Love Live! School Idol Festival title. Operating income fell 70.9 % to ¥391 million, ordinary income decreased 67.2 % to ¥403 million, and profit attributable to owners of parent contracted 63.2 % to ¥296 million. Net income for the quarter was ¥303 million, a 65 % reduction from ¥805 million in FY2018. Comprehensive income also fell sharply, from ¥794 million to ¥435 million, reflecting a 45.3 % increase in other comprehensive income components.

Total assets rose to ¥21,547 million, up ¥2.3 billion from the prior year’s end, driven by increases in operating investment securities and software in progress. Net assets increased to ¥16,048 million, an addition of ¥1.58 billion, largely due to equity in a newly consolidated subsidiary. The equity ratio declined from 75.1 % to 69.2 %. Current liabilities decreased, while long‑term debt increased, contributing to the shift in leverage.

KLab forecasted FY2019 revenue between ¥32 billion and ¥40 billion, operating income between ¥1 billion and ¥4.5 billion, ordinary income in the same range, and profit attributable to owners between ¥700 million and ¥3.1 billion. The company noted that future results will depend heavily on the success of new game releases and market conditions, and it applied a range‑based presentation for forecasts. No dividends were declared for FY2019, and no significant changes in shareholders’ equity or accounting policies occurred during the quarter.

KLab Inc. reports consolidated financial results for the first half of fiscal year 2020 (January 1–June 30, 2020). Revenue rose to ¥15.95 billion from ¥14.81 billion in the same period of FY2019, a 7.7 % increase, driven by growth in the game business and other businesses such as research & consulting. Operating income fell sharply to ¥753 million from ¥1,305 million, a 42.2 % decline, largely due to higher cost of sales and lower gross profit margin. Ordinary income dropped 52.8 % to ¥568 million, and profit attributable to owners of parent fell 98 % to ¥16 million. Net income turned negative, with a loss of ¥44 million versus a profit of ¥21 million in FY2019, reflecting significant foreign exchange losses and impairment charges. Comprehensive income also turned negative at ¥254 million compared with a positive ¥932 million in FY2019, driven by valuation losses on available‑for‑sale securities and foreign currency translation adjustments.

Total assets decreased modestly to ¥23.34 billion from ¥23.67 billion, while shareholders’ equity remained stable at ¥17.29 billion, giving an equity ratio of 66.2 %. Net assets grew slightly to ¥17.29 billion, and the company maintained a strong liquidity position with cash and deposits of ¥6.38 billion. No dividends were declared for FY2019 or FY2020, and the forecasted dividend remained unchanged. The report covers Japan only, covering KLab’s core game development and ancillary businesses, with data derived from consolidated financial statements under Japanese GAAP. The methodology follows standard accounting principles without restatements or significant policy changes during the period.

KLab Inc. reports a robust third‑quarter performance for fiscal year 2020, with revenue rising to ¥26.36 billion from ¥22.38 billion in the same period of FY2019, a 17.8 % increase driven by its game business segment. Operating income grew to ¥2.25 billion, up 31.7 % year‑over‑year, while ordinary income reached ¥1.80 billion, a 14.9 % rise. Net profit attributable to the parent fell to ¥855 million, a 29.6 % decline, largely due to higher foreign‑exchange losses and an impairment charge of ¥498.9 million on investments. Comprehensive income for the quarter was ¥787 million, down 42.4 % from ¥1.37 billion in FY2019, reflecting a reversal of the valuation gain on available‑for‑sale securities and foreign‑currency translation adjustments.

Total assets increased to ¥25.16 billion, with current assets up 13.8 % and non‑current assets slightly down due to a reduction in intangible software assets. Net assets rose to ¥18.49 billion, and the equity ratio improved to 65.8 %. Outstanding shares averaged 38.17 million, with no treasury shares held at quarter‑end.

The company maintained a dividend policy of zero for FY2020, with no forecasted dividends. No changes to accounting principles were reported, and the effective tax rate was applied consistently across periods. The report covers Japan‑based operations for FY2020 (January 1–September 30) and compares results to the same period in FY2019.

KLab Inc. reported a sharp decline in first‑quarter FY2021 operating performance compared with the same period of FY2020. Revenue fell to ¥6,392 million from ¥7,420 million, a 13.8% drop, while operating income turned negative at ¥(505) million versus a profit of ¥37 million in FY2020. Ordinary income and profit attributable to the parent also swung from a ¥(83) million loss to a ¥386 million loss, reflecting significant impairment charges of ¥1.54 billion on software assets that dominated the extraordinary loss line item. Comprehensive income deteriorated to a ¥1,397 million loss from a ¥449 million loss in FY2020, largely driven by the same impairment and foreign‑exchange losses.

Total assets decreased to ¥21.16 billion from ¥23.49 billion, with net assets falling to ¥15.24 billion and the equity ratio contracting from 70.5% to 72.0%. Cash and deposits were ¥6.38 billion, while current liabilities stood at ¥5.10 billion, leaving a modest working‑capital cushion. No dividends were declared for FY2021, and the company maintained its share‑repurchase program capped at ¥500 million.

The quarter’s financials were prepared under Japanese GAAP, with no changes to accounting principles or estimates. The company’s segment analysis shows the game business as the sole revenue generator, with a reported impairment loss of ¥1.54 billion recorded in this segment. A subsequent acquisition of GlobalGear Co., Ltd. was announced, aimed at expanding KLab’s casual‑game portfolio and global reach.