London-based Fasanara, an FCA-authorised investment firm and technology platform, has acquired a majority stake in California’s Pollen VC.
Pollen VC, specialising in revolving credit facilities for mobile app and game developers, supports scaling without traditional VC funding.
Aim of the acquisition
Following Fasanara’s majority stake acquisition, Pollen VC will function independently within the Fasanara Group, allowing it to pursue larger, structured deals while continuing its focus on helping smaller studios in a capital-efficient manner.
Martin Macmillan, founder and CEO of Pollen VC, says, “This transaction with Fasanara was a logical next step in our growth, enabling us to further broaden our market access and remove capital constraints. We look forward to the next chapter as part of the Fasanara Group.”
As of 2023-end, Fasanara has integrated over 130 global fintech lending platforms, highlighting its commitment to expanding market access and driving real economic impact in underserved sectors.
Fasanara manages capital for leading institutional investors in Europe and North America, including major pension funds and insurance companies, and holds a mandate from the European Investment Fund (EIF).
Francesco Filia, founder and CEO of Fasanara, says, “We are delighted to welcome Pollen VC into the Fasanara family. After working with Martin and the team since early 2021, we have seen how this type of financing can really help gaming and app studios scale efficiently while offering strong risk-adjusted returns for our investors.”
Brief about Pollen VC
Pollen VC’s data-driven model utilises real-time data from billing systems of app stores and advertising networks, providing faster access to capital in the mobile app industry.
The firm operates globally, with a focus on North America and EMEA, extending support to companies with development activities in emerging markets like Eastern Europe and India.
With a decline in venture investment in the gaming/app sector, founders are shifting their focus towards capital-efficient growth. This trend has increased the appetite for debt-based financing among founders in the industry.
Fintech investing pioneer
Founded in 2011, Fasanara is a global asset manager and technology platform managing over $4B in fintech strategies for institutional investors in Europe and North America.
With 200+ employees across five offices, Fasanara claims to be a pioneer in fintech lending, utilising a tech platform integrated with 130+ fintech lenders worldwide.
The firm has also invested in early-stage fintech and Web 3.0 companies through venture capital.
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