Gameflip

Gameflip, with a valuation of $41.19 million, is raising funds on StartEngine. The company has developed a digital marketplace for gamers where they can safely buy and sell all things related to gaming. Gameflip’s marketplace is powered by advanced technology and provides gamers with a simple and safe place to flip their gaming items and assets. The company has built a community of approximately seven million gamers and has facilitated sales of over $180 million. JT Nguyen and Terry Ngo founded Gameflip in December 2014. The current crowdfunding campaign has a minimum target of $275 and a maximum target of $4.6 million. The campaign proceeds will be used for marketing, research and development, company employment, and working capital.

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Investment Overview

Raised this Round: Raised: $157,459

Deal Terms

Total Commitments ($USD)

Platform
StartEngine
Start Date
09/24/2024
Close Date
01/10/2025
Min. Goal
$275
Max. Goal
$4,560,797
Min. Investment

$275

Security Type

Equity - Common

Series

Series A

SEC Filing Type

RegCF    Open SEC Filing

Price Per Share

$0.55

Pre-Money Valuation

$41,191,989

Company & Team

Company

Year Founded
2014
Industry
Media, Entertainment & Publishing
Tech Sector
GamingTech
Distribution Model
B2C
Margin
High
Capital Intensity
Low
Location
San Jose, California
Business Type
High Growth
Company Website
Visit Website

Team

Employees
15
Prior Founder Exits?
Yes
Founder Name
JT Nguyen
Title
CEO & Director
Founder Name
Terry Ngo
Title
CTO

Financials

as of August 30, 2024
 Revenue -16.8% YoY
$2,571,791
 Monthly Burn
$121,065
 Cash on Hand
$1,260,000
Gross Margin
75%

Summary Profit and Loss Statement

FY 2023 FY 2022

Revenue

$2,571,791

$3,090,690

COGS

$646,082

$835,764

Tax

$0

$0

 

 

Net Income

$-1,452,776

$-1,981,929

Summary Balance Sheet

FY 2023 FY 2022

Cash

$593,843

$960,307

Accounts Receivable

$422,597

$356,976

Total Assets

$1,235,149

$1,404,294

Short-Term Debt

$0

$0

Long-Term Debt

$0

$0

Total Liabilities

$0

$0

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Synopsis

Gameflip is a digital marketplace designed for gamers to buy and sell gaming items and assets. The platform, which operates under the name Gameflip, provides a secure environment for transactions, leveraging advanced technology to ensure safety and simplicity. The primary customers are gamers who seek to trade digital goods, such as in-game items, skins, and other gaming-related assets. Gameflip has built a robust community of approximately seven million users who have generated over $180 million in sales.

The problem Gameflip addresses is the lack of a secure and reliable marketplace for gamers to trade their digital assets. Traditional platforms often expose users to risks such as fraud, scams, and unreliable transactions. Gamers need a trustworthy environment to exchange their valuable in-game items without fear of losing their assets or money.

Gameflip's solution is a comprehensive digital marketplace that ensures secure transactions for gaming items. The platform uses advanced technology to verify and facilitate trades, providing gamers with a reliable space to buy and sell digital goods. This marketplace not only enhances the trading experience but also builds trust within the gaming community.

In everyday terms, imagine a gamer who spends hours earning rare items in their favorite game. They want to sell these items to other players but are wary of being scammed. Gameflip offers a solution by providing a safe platform where they can list their items, find buyers, and complete transactions without worrying about fraud. This ensures that both buyers and sellers have a positive experience, knowing their trades are protected.

Next Section: Price

Price

Gameflip is offering Common Equity in its current fundraising round. The company is valued at $41.2 million pre-money, with shares priced at $0.55 each. Investors are purchasing equity directly in the company, which provides them with ownership stakes and potential voting rights, unlike other security types such as SAFE or Convertible Notes. This direct equity offering can be advantageous as it aligns investor interests with the company's growth and performance.

Investing in common equity means investors share in both the profits and risks of the company. However, unlike preferred equity, common equity holders typically do not receive dividends or liquidation preferences. This can be a disadvantage in scenarios where the company undergoes liquidation or a sale, as preferred equity holders are paid out first.

For Gameflip to provide a 10X return to investors, the company would need to achieve a post-exit valuation of approximately $412 million. This would require significant growth in both user base and transaction volume. Given the current valuation and recent revenue figures, reaching this level would likely necessitate a combination of substantial market expansion, increased monetization of the platform, and possibly strategic partnerships or acquisitions.

Gameflip's revenue multiple stands at 16.02x, which is relatively high. This multiple indicates that the current valuation is based on optimistic future growth projections. High revenue multiples can suggest that the investment terms may not be as favorable, especially if the company does not meet its growth expectations. Investors should consider this factor when evaluating the potential for returns.

Achieving a 10X return involves several key milestones. Gameflip must continue to grow its user base, increase transaction volumes, and enhance its monetization strategies. Additionally, the broader gaming market must remain robust, and Gameflip's technology and platform must maintain their competitive edge. If these conditions are met, the company could attract acquisition interest or potentially pursue an IPO, providing liquidity and returns for investors.

Next Section: Market

Market

The U.S. video games market, which Gameflip targets, is a substantial sector valued at approximately $59.3 billion. The market is growing at an annual rate of 12%, indicating strong consumer demand and significant opportunities for companies operating within this space.

Several key market drivers and trends influence the video games industry. Social factors play a crucial role, as players often purchase in-game items to enhance their social standing or gaming experience. This behavior aligns with social comparison theory, where individuals seek to fit in or stand out within their communities. Additionally, players frequently buy in-game items for self-expression, customizing their avatars or game environments to reflect their personalities.

Another important trend is the demand for time-savers. Many gamers are willing to pay for items that provide instant access to content that would otherwise require significant time and effort to obtain. This trend supports the market for digital marketplaces like Gameflip, where players can quickly acquire desired in-game assets.

Mobile gaming continues to be a major growth driver for the video game industry. However, this segment faces challenges, such as increased competition, privacy regulations from Apple and Google, and the rise of short-form video apps, which vie for users' attention. Despite these challenges, the overall growth of mobile gaming contributes positively to the market's expansion.

Marketing costs in the gaming industry are rising, with traditional methods such as television, radio, and influencer marketing becoming increasingly necessary to reach target audiences. This trend can impact Gameflip's operational costs and the effectiveness of its user acquisition strategies but also offers opportunities to leverage diverse marketing channels.

Cross-platform development is another significant trend, requiring games to be optimized for various devices. This trend can positively impact Gameflip by expanding its potential customer base across different gaming platforms.

Gameflip primarily targets gamers who engage in buying and selling digital assets, positioning itself within a niche market segment of the broader video games industry. However, the growing trend of in-game purchases and the increasing popularity of digital marketplaces suggest that Gameflip's appeal could extend beyond this niche, potentially attracting a wider audience interested in secure and reliable transactions.

In conclusion, the U.S. video games market presents a high-growth environment with strong consumer demand driven by social factors, time-saving preferences, and mobile gaming. While challenges such as rising marketing costs and regulatory changes exist, Gameflip's platform is well-positioned to capitalize on these trends and expand its user base within this substantial market.

Next Section: Team

Team

Gameflip's team is led by co-founders JT Nguyen and Terry Ngo, who bring extensive experience in gaming and technology to the company.

JT Nguyen serves as the CEO and Director. He has over 20 years of global business experience, with more than a decade in the gaming industry. Previously, he was the COO at Aeria Games, where he helped grow the company to over 300 employees and $120 million in annual revenue. Nguyen holds an MBA from UCLA Anderson, an MS in Electrical Engineering from Stanford, and a BS from the University of Illinois.

Terry Ngo is the CTO and co-founder of Gameflip. With over 20 years in engineering and product development, Ngo has significant experience in the gaming sector. As the former CTO and co-founder of Aeria Games, he led the development of a platform that served over 40 million gamers. Ngo holds an MS in Electrical Engineering from Stanford and dual BS degrees from Southern Methodist University.

Matheus Arnellas, the Head of Operations, brings over 11 years of experience managing cross-functional teams in the digital free-to-play games space. Arnellas has held production, marketing, and operations roles at companies such as Electronic Arts, Aeria Games, and PlayNext. He holds an MBA from FIPE São Paulo and a bachelor's degree in Marketing & Advertising from PUC Campinas in Brazil.

The skills and experience of Gameflip's leadership team align well with the company's goals of expanding its digital marketplace for gamers. Nguyen's and Ngo's backgrounds in scaling gaming platforms and managing large teams provide a strong foundation for Gameflip's growth. Arnellas' expertise in operations and marketing is crucial for user acquisition and engagement, which are key to the platform's success.

However, there may be gaps in the team, particularly in areas such as strategic partnerships and international market expansion. Filling these gaps could be critical for achieving future milestones and sustaining long-term growth. Overall, the team's combined experience and achievements position Gameflip well to meet its objectives and navigate the competitive landscape of the gaming industry.

Next Section: Differentiation

Differentiation

Gameflip operates in a competitive landscape with several notable competitors, including Odealo, DMarket, and Player Auctions. These platforms also provide marketplaces for gamers to buy and sell digital assets, making them direct competitors to Gameflip.

Odealo is a well-known marketplace for trading in-game items, currencies, and accounts. It offers a wide range of games and focuses on providing a secure trading environment. DMarket, on the other hand, leverages blockchain technology to ensure the security and transparency of transactions. It supports a variety of games and has built a reputation for its advanced technological infrastructure. Player Auctions is another prominent player, offering a marketplace for gamers to trade virtual goods and services. It has a large user base and supports numerous games, providing a broad market reach.

Compared to these competitors, Gameflip has a substantial user base of approximately seven million gamers and has facilitated over $180 million in sales. The platform's advanced technology ensures secure transactions, similar to the security measures employed by its competitors. In terms of pricing, Gameflip's transaction fees are competitive within the industry, making it an attractive option for gamers looking to trade digital assets.

Gameflip targets a diverse demographic of gamers who are actively engaged in buying and selling digital assets. This includes both casual gamers and more dedicated players who invest significant time and money into their gaming experiences. The platform appeals to a wide age range, from teenagers to adults, and attracts users from various geographic regions. The common factor among these users is their interest in enhancing their gaming experiences through the acquisition of in-game items, skins, and other digital goods.

Gameflip's differentiation lies in its large and active community, robust transaction security, and user-friendly platform. These features help it stand out in a crowded market and attract a loyal customer base. The company's ability to maintain a secure and efficient marketplace is essential for retaining users and encouraging repeat transactions.

Next Section: Performance

Performance

Gameflip has shown notable performance metrics in recent periods. The company achieved a 65% year-over-year revenue growth in Q2 2024, increasing its quarterly revenue to $987k from $598k in Q2 2023. This growth is a positive indicator of the company's ability to expand its market presence and increase transaction volumes on its platform.

This is an important improvement, as Gameflip's annual revenue saw a decline from $3.1 million in 2022 to $2.6 million in 2023, marking a 16.8% decrease. This drop highlights the volatility in the company's revenue streams and underscores the need for consistent growth strategies to maintain and build upon its revenue base.

The company's financial health is supported by cash on hand of $1.26 million as of the most recent fiscal year-end. With a new profitability, Gameflip can continue its operations and growth initiatives without immediate financial pressure. However, sustained growth and efficient cash management are crucial to keep this profitability in face of competition and avoid potential liquidity issues.

In June 2024, the platform welcomed over 1.4 million visitors, leading to $2.74 million in transactions and generating $400k in revenue. This performance indicates the platform's ability to attract and retain a substantial user base, which is essential for its transactional revenue model.

The company's active user community has seen significant growth, doubling to 540k monthly active users in Q2 2024. This increase is attributed to improvements in the platform's design and SEO, which have enhanced user engagement. Gameflip's community of seven million gamers and over 70 million listings further demonstrate the platform's extensive reach and user activity.

In summary, Gameflip's recent performance metrics reflect both strengths and challenges. The company has demonstrated strong quarterly growth and profitability, but it must address the annual revenue decline and ensure sustained user engagement and transaction volumes. Effective cash management and continued innovation will be key to maintaining and improving its financial health and market position.

Next Section: Risk

Risk

Investing in Gameflip presents several specific risks that potential investors should consider. One of the primary concerns is the company's two-sided marketplace model. While this model can be highly lucrative, it is also challenging to build and sustain. Success requires a significant investment of capital and effort to attract and retain both buyers and sellers. Additionally, the competitive landscape often results in only a few dominant players emerging, which could be a risk if Gameflip is unable to maintain its market position.

Another risk factor is the company's high revenue multiple of 16.02x. This suggests that the current valuation is heavily reliant on optimistic future growth projections. If Gameflip fails to meet these growth expectations, the investment may not yield the anticipated returns. High revenue multiples can also indicate that the investment terms might not be as favorable for investors.

Gameflip also experienced a revenue decline in 2023, with annual revenue dropping from $3.1 million to $2.6 million. This 16.8% decrease could be indicative of challenges in sustaining growth and market demand. Even if Gamefilp's revenue is going back up, investors should  be aware that the company's growth isn't looking like a J-curve -yet.

The company's founders are dedicated full-time, which is positive; however, maintaining a large and active user base of approximately seven million gamers requires ongoing innovation and engagement strategies. Any lapse in user acquisition or retention efforts could adversely affect the platform's transaction volumes and revenue.

Finally, the competitive environment in the digital marketplace for gamers is intense, with several direct competitors like Odealo, DMarket, and Player Auctions. Gameflip must continuously innovate and differentiate itself to maintain and grow its market share. Failure to do so could result in losing ground to these competitors.

Next Section: Bullish Outlook

Bullish Outlook

The bullish outlook for Gameflip is supported by several key factors. The U.S. video games market, valued at $59.3 billion and growing at 12% annually, presents significant market opportunities. Gameflip is well-positioned to capitalize on this growth with its secure digital marketplace for gaming items and a large, engaged user base of approximately seven million users.

Gameflip's strong quarterly performance, with a 65% increase in Q2 2024 revenue year-over-year, demonstrates its ability to scale and attract more transactions. The company generated $987k in Q2 2024, up from $598k in Q2 2023, indicating robust short-term growth. Additionally, achieving profitability is a significant milestone, showcasing the company's operational efficiency and potential for sustained financial health.

Gameflip's large and active community, which has facilitated over $180 million in sales, is a unique strength. This extensive user base creates network effects that enhance the platform's value proposition and competitive advantage. The company's emphasis on secure transactions and user trust further solidifies its position in the market.

The leadership team, led by JT Nguyen and Terry Ngo, brings extensive experience in the gaming and technology sectors. Their previous success in scaling Aeria Games provides a strong foundation for driving Gameflip's growth. The team's combined expertise aligns well with the company's goals and objectives, positioning Gameflip for continued success.

Emerging trends such as the increasing popularity of in-game purchases and the demand for secure digital marketplaces are growth drivers for Gameflip. The company's platform leverages these trends, offering a reliable space for gamers to trade digital assets. Additionally, improvements in the platform's design and SEO have doubled the monthly active user base to 540k in Q2 2024, indicating effective user acquisition and retention strategies.

Financially, Gameflip's positive cash flow and profitability support a bullish outlook. Furthermore, Gameflip's favorable investment terms, with a pre-money valuation of $41.2 million offer an attractive entry point for investors. Compared to industry benchmarks, these terms reflect a reasonable valuation given the company's market position and growth potential.

In conclusion, the bullish outlook for Gameflip is driven by strong market opportunities, a large and engaged user base, a capable leadership team, and positive financial health. These factors, combined with favorable investment terms and emerging trends in the gaming industry, position Gameflip for significant growth and success in the future.

Next Section: Bearish Outlook

Bearish Outlook

Several factors contribute to a bearish outlook for Gameflip. One primary concern is the company's annual revenue decline. Despite showing a 65% year-over-year growth in Q2 2024, the overall annual revenue dropped from $3.1 million to $2.6 million. This decline indicates potential challenges in sustaining consistent growth and market demand, raising concerns about the company's ability to generate stable revenue streams.

Gameflip faces significant competition from established players such as Odealo, DMarket, and Player Auctions. These competitors offer similar digital marketplaces with robust security measures, which can make it difficult for Gameflip to differentiate itself and capture a larger market share. The crowded competitive landscape poses a substantial risk, as only a few dominant players typically emerge victorious in such markets.

The company's reliance on a two-sided marketplace model presents additional challenges. Building and sustaining this type of platform requires significant capital and effort to attract and retain both buyers and sellers. If Gameflip fails to maintain a balanced and active user base, it could negatively impact transaction volumes and overall platform engagement.

Another concern is the high revenue multiple of 16.02x, suggesting that the current valuation is heavily reliant on optimistic future growth projections. If Gameflip does not meet these growth expectations, the investment terms may not be as favorable for investors. This high multiple can indicate that the deal might be overvalued compared to industry benchmarks.

Moreover, Gameflip operates in a market with regulatory and technological hurdles, particularly in mobile gaming. Increased competition, privacy regulations from Apple and Google, and the rise of short-form video apps all present challenges that could impact Gameflip's growth and market penetration. Adapting to these regulations and technological shifts is essential for maintaining competitiveness.

Finally, while the leadership team has extensive experience in gaming and technology, gaps in strategic partnerships and international market expansion could impede future growth. Addressing these gaps is critical for achieving long-term success and scaling the business effectively.

In summary, the bearish outlook for Gameflip centers on its revenue volatility, competitive pressures, high valuation multiple, and financial management challenges. These factors, combined with regulatory and technological hurdles, create significant obstacles that could hinder the company's growth and overall market position.

Next Section: Executive Summary

Executive Summary

Gameflip is a digital marketplace for gamers to buy and sell gaming items and assets. The platform caters primarily to gamers who seek secure and reliable transactions for their digital goods. With a community of approximately seven million users, Gameflip has facilitated over $180 million in sales, demonstrating significant market engagement and transaction volume.

Gameflip is offering Common Equity at a pre-money valuation of $41.2 million, with shares priced at $0.55 each. The company has shown strong quarterly growth, with a 65% increase in Q2 2024 revenue year-over-year. However, annual revenue saw a decline from $3.1 million to $2.6 million between 2022 and 2023, highlighting some volatility. 

The U.S. video games market, valued at $59.3 billion and growing at 12% annually, presents a high-growth environment for Gameflip. Key market drivers include social factors, self-expression, and time-saving preferences among gamers. Mobile gaming also contributes to market expansion, despite challenges like increased competition and privacy regulations. Gameflip targets a niche within this market but has the potential to appeal to a broader audience due to the rising trend of in-game purchases and digital marketplaces.

Gameflip differentiates itself with a large and active user base, robust transaction security, and a user-friendly platform. Competitors like Odealo, DMarket, and Player Auctions also offer secure marketplaces for digital assets, but Gameflip's extensive community and transaction volume provide a competitive edge. The platform targets a diverse demographic of gamers, from casual players to dedicated enthusiasts.

The leadership team, led by CEO JT Nguyen and CTO Terry Ngo, brings extensive experience in gaming and technology. Nguyen and Ngo previously scaled Aeria Games to significant revenue and user numbers, aligning their expertise with Gameflip's growth objectives. Head of Operations Matheus Arnellas adds valuable experience in managing cross-functional teams in the gaming industry. However, gaps in strategic partnerships and international market expansion could be critical for future milestones.

On the bullish side, Gameflip's strong quarterly growth, profitability, and large user base position it well for future expansion. The high-growth video games market and increasing trend of in-game purchases support the company's potential for success. On the bearish side, the annual revenue decline, high revenue multiple, and competitive landscape pose challenges. Effective cash management and continuous innovation are essential to mitigate these risks.

In conclusion, Gameflip presents a compelling investment opportunity with significant growth potential, driven by a strong leadership team and a large, engaged user base. However, investors should carefully consider the risks associated with revenue volatility and competitive pressures. Balancing these factors will be crucial in assessing the overall investment viability.

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Company Funding & Growth

Funding history

Total Prior Capital Raised
$15,900,000
VC Backed?
Yes
Close Date Platform Valuation Total Raised Security Type Status Reg Type
01/10/2025 StartEngine $41,191,989 $157,459 Equity - Common Active RegCF
04/29/2024 StartEngine $36,826,409 $443,602 Equity - Common Funded RegCF
12/15/2023 StartEngine $34,781,547 $1,931,213 Equity - Common Funded RegCF
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Growth Charts

Revenue History

Note: Revenue data points reflect the latest of either the most recent fiscal year's financials, or updated revenues directly from the founder, at each raise's close date.

Valuation History

Price per Share History

Note: Share prices shown in earlier rounds may not be indicative of any stock splits.

Employee History

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Gameflip on StartEngine 2024
Platform: StartEngine
Security Type: Equity - Common
Valuation: $41,191,989
Price per Share: $0.55

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Follow Gameflip on StartEngine 2024

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