WhaleApp, the latest venture of Plarium co-founder Ilya Turpiashvili, has recently secured an impressive $50 million in investments and achieved a remarkable $80 million in revenue since its inception in 2018, according to a recent interview with Israeli tech outlet Calcalist Tech.

After selling Plarium to Aristocrat Leisure for a staggering $500 million in 2017, Turpiashvili, along with his brothers Haim, Avi, and Gabi Shalel, founded WhaleApp a year later. The studio has seen significant success with several well-received titles, including Family Zoo, developed by WhaleApp and marketed by Plarium.

Turpiashvili expressed his passion for gaming and the decision to establish a successful mobile game company after leaving Plarium, while also respecting the work of his former colleagues and choosing not to poach employees from his previous venture.

Like many companies, WhaleApp faced challenges, notably during the Ukraine conflict, which affected their remote workforce primarily based in Ukraine. The outbreak of the conflict with Russia forced many employees to relocate worldwide. Other gaming companies, such as Azur Games, also experienced similar challenges due to geopolitical events.

WhaleApp has also heavily invested in AI technology, seeking to optimize costs and maintain stability amidst global economic turbulence. While the company managed to retain its workforce throughout 2021, the mounting pressure eventually led to downsizing this year, although the exact number of affected employees was not disclosed.

The success of WhaleApp underscores the importance of experience in the mobile gaming industry and how the ecosystem fosters a spirit of collaboration and support. Founders like Turpiashvili are keen on giving back and creating for the common good, fueling further growth and innovation within the industry.

Source: Iwan Morris, Staff Writer at PocketGamer