South African entertainment startup Sea Monster bags US $1M funding
South African entertainment startup Sea Monster bags US $1M funding

Cape Town-based animation, gaming and AR/VR startup Sea Monster has raised US$ 1M in a funding round held in July 2020, from FirstRand’s Vumela Fund, managed by leading SME venture fund manager Edge Growth.

Launched in 2011, Sea Monster creates engaging, notable digital content and experiences using animation and games that help businesses and social outcomes. Their mission is to help change the way corporations tackle training and communication globally. The startup’s creative digital products have resolved communication, change management, staff engagement and learning problems for some of the largest corporations in South Africa and around the world.

They believe in using stories to share knowledge and inspire behavior change. Their niche expertise includes insight into both developed and emerging markets. The startup’s employees are highly experienced in 2D animation. They offer a full range of animation services, from augmented reality experiences, video explainers to gamification e-learning enrichment. Its roster of clients includes FNB, Capitec, Alexander Forbes, Old Mutual, the South African Reserve Bank, Shell and Mediclinic International.


Glenn Gillis, Sea Monster’s CEO was quoted to say, “Towards the middle of 2019, we finally felt that we were ready to actively engage with investors to help us create products and revenue sharing opportunities, in addition to building on our solid service relationships. We chose Edge Growth as our preferred VC partner because of their years of experience, 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.”

Nivesh Pather, Edge Growth’s lead dealmaker, said Sea Monster had proven it was an industry front-runner in creating innovative digital solutions for corporate challenges which are more impactful and accessible than traditional solutions. “Through this investment and partnership, we fully expect Sea Monster to become a recognized global player in interactive experiences and solutions which change the way corporations engage their consumers and employees”, he said.

The Vumela Fund offers financial investment into entrepreneurial companies as well as non-financial growth support and access to the market to investees with fresh solutions that inspire job creation and help create a positive social impact in South Africa.

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Aishwarya writes about the startup ecosystem on VCBay. She is a third-year Computer Science engineering student who looks forward to exploring the world of startups and finance.

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