Radical Forge raises £2.6m to hire more staff and take on “bigger contracts”

• Middlesbrough-based studio Radical Forge has received a £2.6 million investment
• Money from Mercia Equity Finance’s Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II will enable the creation of 15 new jobs

Mercia Equity Finance has invested £2.6 million in Radical Forge, a Middlesbrough-based company, through its Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II).

Radical Forge intends to use these funds to expand its team, aiming to create 15 new jobs and take on “new and bigger contracts”. The studio also has plans to launch a chaotic physics-based farming game called Southfield in early 2025.

Forging ahead

Radical Forge was founded by CEO and creative director Bruce Slater and CTO Freddie Babord in 2017 and launched its first title, Bright Paw, three years later. The premium, fully voice-acted puzzle game was released on mobile and Nintendo Switch.

“Our overall team was around 12 people and it took approximately three years to make the whole game,” Slater shared with us at the time.

Now, Radical Forge employs approximately 70 people and with its new funds, has plans to hire 15 more.

“Well, we did it! We are beyond happy to say that we’ve secured funding to help us build Radical Forge into the company we want it to be and bring everyone along with us on the journey.

“In Mercia, we found a partner willing to understand not only the nuts and bolts of the company but the human heart that makes it tick. They share our ambitions to be a great development partner whilst creating original games in a culture that puts people first.”

Mercia Ventures’ investment director for the North East Venture Fund Chris McCourt commented: “Radical Forge are a talented team with a vibrant culture that has helped them attract and retain skilled developers. We believe the current environment holds real opportunities for the business.

“With many of the big players in the industry downsizing their teams, they have the chance to attract top talent, expand their skills base and win larger and more complex projects. The NPIF II funding will enable them to pursue their expansion strategy and provide a further boost for Middlesbrough’s growing games industry.”