# Niantic

Startup profile on Capital Atlas: https://capitalatlas.ai/startups/niantic

- Industry: Software
- Headquarters: San Francisco, US
- Website: www.nianticlabs.com
- Total disclosed funding: $598M
- Latest round: Series D (Nov 22, 2021)
- Investors on record: 15

## About

Niantic, Inc. is a US-based company focused on developing augmented reality mobile applications that enhance outdoor exploration and community interaction through innovative gaming experiences.Founded in 2011 and headquartered in San Francisco, US, Niantic, Inc. is a developer of AR mobile applications that encourage outdoor activity and social engagement. The firm underwent a Corporate Carve Out in its early years, which shaped its focus on location-based gaming. The company was founded by John Hanke. In March 2025, Scopely, Inc., a portfolio company of Savvy Games Group, Public Investment Fund, Wellington Management and Baillie Gifford, agreed to acquire Niantic Inc, from Coatue Management, aXiomatic Gaming, LLC, Causeway, Samsung Venture Investment, Institutional Venture Partners, CRV, Battery Ventures, Sanren Capital, Javelin Venture Partners, Spark Capital, Founders Fund, Meritech Capital Partners, The Brandtech Group LLC, Fuji Media Holdings, Alsop Louie Partners, Nintendo Co., Ltd. and Alphabet for USD 3.5 billion. The transaction was completed in May 2025.Niantic Labs specializes in creating augmented reality (AR) mobile applications that encourage outdoor exploration and community engagement. Their flagship products include well-known titles such as Pokémon GO, which utilizes location-based technology to allow players to catch virtual creatures in real-world environments, and Ingress, a game that fosters competition and collaboration among players as they capture territories on a global map. These applications are designed to enhance users' outdoor experiences by integrating gaming mechanics with real-world exploration, thereby promoting physical activity and social interaction. Niantic’s products cater to a diverse customer base, including casual gamers, families, and AR enthusiasts, primarily in regions such as North America, Europe, and parts of Asia, where mobile gaming and outdoor recreational activities are highly popular.Niantic generates revenue through a combination of in-game purchases, sponsorships, and partnerships. Players of their games often engage in microtransactions, purchasing virtual items, upgrades, or cosmetic features to enhance their gaming experience. Additionally, Niantic collaborates with various brands and advertisers to create sponsored events and in-game promotions, further diversifying their revenue streams. The transaction structure typically involves direct-to-consumer sales, where players download the games for free and subsequently make purchases within the apps. Niantic’s focus on innovative partnerships allows businesses to leverage their platforms for marketing initiatives, creating opportunities for both revenue generation and user engagement. The company's unique offerings and strategic collaborations significantly contribute to its revenue landscape, reflecting its commitment to blending entertainment with real-world exploration.In March 2025, Scopely, Inc. agreed to acquire Niantic, Inc. for USD 3.5 billion, enabling Scopely to expand its gaming portfolio. Following this acquisition, Niantic plans to develop new products enhancing user engagement and exploring additional markets. While specific upcoming product details have not been disclosed, Niantic aims to leverage the resources gained from this acquisition to launch new AR experiences by 2026. The company is also targeting expansion into emerging markets in Asia and South America, aiming for market entry by late 2025. The recent funding will be instrumental in supporting these initiatives and enhancing Niantic's capabilities in the AR space.

## Funding rounds

- Series D, Nov 22, 2021, $150M — Coatue Management
- Series C, Feb 4, 2019, $54M — Battery Ventures, CRV, Institutional Venture Partners, Samsung Venture Investment, Causeway, aXiomatic Gaming, LLC
- Series C, Dec 20, 2018, $191M — Battery Ventures, CRV, Institutional Venture Partners, Samsung Venture Investment, Causeway, aXiomatic Gaming, LLC
- Series B, Nov 10, 2017, $199M — Meritech Capital Partners, Founders Fund, Spark Capital, Javelin Venture Partners, Sanren Capital, The Brandtech Group LLC
- Series A, Feb 25, 2016, $5M — Alsop Louie Partners, Fuji Media Holdings, The Brandtech Group LLC

## Investors

- Alsop Louie Partners (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/alsop-louie-partners) — Series A
- Fuji Media Holdings — Series A
- The Brandtech Group LLC — Series A, Series B
- Meritech Capital Partners (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/meritech-capital-partners) — Series B
- Founders Fund (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/founders-fund) — Series B
- Spark Capital — Series B
- Javelin Venture Partners (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/javelin-venture-partners) — Series B
- Sanren Capital (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/sanren-capital) — Series B
- Battery Ventures (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/battery-ventures) — Series C
- CRV (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/crv) — Series C
- Institutional Venture Partners (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/institutional-venture-partners) — Series C
- Samsung Venture Investment (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/samsung-venture-investment) — Series C
- Causeway (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/causeway) — Series C
- aXiomatic Gaming, LLC — Series C
- Coatue Management (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/coatue-management) — Series D