Grace Ashiru
Ethiopian gaming startup Rise of Fearless has secured $1 million in funding from Epic Edges Capital to expand its African-inspired battle royale mobile game, strengthen its technology infrastructure and reach more players across international markets.
The investment marks a significant milestone for the company, which previously operated without external funding, as it seeks to establish African storytelling within the global gaming industry.
Launched in 2025, Rise of Fearless is a free-to-play mobile game inspired by Ethiopia’s historic victory over Italian forces at the Battle of Adwa in 1896. The game incorporates African cultural elements through its characters, landscapes, hairstyles and clothing, offering players an experience rooted in the continent’s history and identity.
Available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, the game has surpassed 15,000 downloads, with Nigeria, Ethiopia and South Africa accounting for its largest player communities.
The fresh capital, structured as a Simple Agreement for Future Equity (SAFE), will support recruitment, technology development, infrastructure upgrades, marketing and community-building initiatives.
Founder Kanessa Muluneh said the investment would help the company pursue opportunities beyond game development, including strengthening African ownership of gaming intellectual property and supporting local talent.
According to Muluneh, the company’s ambitions have evolved from attracting downloads to contributing to a wider gaming ecosystem capable of producing internationally competitive entertainment products.
Rise of Fearless also plans to address challenges confronting African game developers, including limited access to reliable servers, technology infrastructure and cross-border payment systems.
Remco Coerman, founder of Epic Edges Group, expressed confidence in the company’s potential to develop culturally relevant gaming products capable of attracting audiences outside Africa.
The funding comes as African gaming companies increasingly seek opportunities to build locally developed entertainment products for regional and international audiences.
By combining historical storytelling with competitive mobile gaming, Rise of Fearless aims to distinguish itself in a market dominated by established global gaming franchises.
With additional financial backing, the company will focus on improving gameplay, expanding its community and developing the technical capacity needed to support long-term growth.
The investment also provides an opportunity for Rise of Fearless to demonstrate the commercial potential of African-inspired gaming content beyond its home market.
