Rise of Fearless Raises R16.5m to Take African-Inspired Mobile Game Global
Rise of Fearless Raises R16.5m to Take African-Inspired Mobile Game Global. African-owned gaming startup Rise of Fearless has raised $1 million (approximately R16.5 million) from advisory firm Epic Edges Capital to expand its mobile gaming business and strengthen its international presence.
The investment, structured as a Simple Agreement for Future Equity (SAFE), will support recruitment, technology development, infrastructure, marketing and community-building as the company prepares to scale its operations.
Launched in 2025, Rise of Fearless is a free-to-play mobile battle royale game inspired by African history and culture. Its storyline draws on Ethiopia’s victory at the Battle of Adwa in 1896, while its characters, environments and visual elements reflect African identities and experiences.
The game is available through the Apple App Store and Google Play. According to the company, it has recorded more than 15,000 downloads, with its largest player communities currently in Nigeria, Ethiopia and South Africa.
Founder Kanessa Muluneh said the funding would help the business progress beyond growing its download numbers towards establishing a broader African gaming ecosystem.
The company’s strategy includes retaining African ownership of its intellectual property while creating opportunities for talent development and participation in the global gaming industry.
The investment will also support the recruitment of international developers and gaming executives as Rise of Fearless prepares for wider distribution and commercial expansion.
Several partners have joined the business to support its next growth phase. Miniboss Solutions will provide publishing and marketing support, while IDG Intelligence will contribute market research and strategic advice.
Trick Question Studios will work on franchise development and creative direction, with game development studio Spectra Entertainment also joining the expanded team.
According to the company, the partners bring experience from the gaming and entertainment industries, including work associated with Ubisoft, PlayStation, Capcom, Take-Two Interactive, Marvel and Disney.
Beyond developing its game, Rise of Fearless aims to address infrastructure challenges affecting African developers, particularly access to reliable technology, gaming servers and cross-border payment systems.
The funding comes amid continued expansion in Africa’s gaming industry. Figures cited by the company estimate that the continent has more than 400 million gamers, with gaming revenue projected to reach $1.98 billion in 2026.
Mobile gaming accounts for most activity in the market, highlighting the importance of smartphones to gaming adoption across Africa.
Rise of Fearless aims to use its new funding and international partnerships to build a globally distributed gaming franchise while maintaining African ownership of its intellectual property.
