Sea Moster’s round of investment was from FirstRand’s Vumela Fund, managed by leading SME Venture Fund Manager Edge Growth. “Towards the middle of 2019, we finally felt that we were ready to actively engage with investors to help us create products, and revenue share opportunities, in addition to building on our solid service relationships,” says Glenn Gillis, CEO. “We chose Edge Growth as our preferred VC partner because of their years of experience, a great reputation for fairness and strategic guidance, and because they bring impeccable empowerment credentials to the table. Despite the challenges with Covid-19, Edge never blinked, and we’re delighted that we were able to conclude the deal under the current circumstances.” Launched in 2011 by Glenn Gillis and Wynand “Munki” Groenewald, Sea Monster uses games as a serious instrument for change was still quite a new idea, and AR and VR were very much in their infancy as technologies. The Vumela Fund, managed by Edge Growth, offers financial investment into entrepreneurial companies as well as non-financial growth support and access to market to prospective investees who bring fresh solutions, stimulate job creation and help create positive social impact in South Africa. Sea Monster ticks all those boxes and then a few more. Sea Monster Entertainment’s analysts, animators, game designers and developers dream, draw and strategies to create measurable brand and business stories that connect, educate and move people. In an ever-changing world where consumer and staff engagement and interaction via mobile- and web-based media is increasing, companies need effective and measurable digital tools which can be provided to large and remote audiences. “Sea Monster has proven that they are industry leaders in creating innovative digital solutions for corporate challenges which are more impactful and scalable than traditional solutions. We areimpressed by the team’s skillsets and experience and by their deep passion to drive solutions that deliver both business and social outcomes. This aligns to our business objectives at Edge Growth.”says Nivesh Pather, Edge Growth Lead Deal Maker. “Through this investment and partnership, we fully expect Sea Monster to become a recognised global player in interactive experiences andsolutions which change the way corporates engage their consumers and employees.” Sea Monster’s creative digital products have solved communication, change management, staff engagement and learning challenges for some of the largest corporates in South Africa and around theworld. FNB, Capitec, Alexander Forbes, Old Mutual, the South African Reserve Bank, Shell and Mediclinic International are just a few of Sea Monster’s clients. As South Africa emerges from lockdown with even greater needs for transformation in every sphere of life, Sea Monster is positioned to play a pivotal role in revolutionising communication and education across industries, worldwide. They have proven that animation and games are serious instruments for change.
