Mika Games Invests $2M in the Future of Tower Defense
Mika Games Invests $2 Million in Hybrid-Casual Game Set to Surpass Plants vs. Zombies
A new challenger has entered the arena, and it’s gunning for Plants vs. Zombies‘ crown. Mika Games, the ambitious gaming fund founded by Wargaming co-founder Nick Katselapov, just dropped $2 million into Agonalea Games, the Buenos Aires-based studio behind Punko.io — a hybrid-casual tower defense title with mid-core depth and mobile market bite.
Why?
Forget the watered-down reboots. Punko.io hits different. It blends the strategic soul of Clash Royale, the addictive thrill of Archero, and the nostalgic charm of classic Flash games — all while dodging the hyper-casual traps of cheap gimmicks and over-monetization. RPG-style item management, slick design, and a progression loop that actually respects the player? That’s the formula Agonalea is perfecting.
Founded by industry veterans Pedro Aira (ex-Sensor Tower) and Vanina Fregoti (ex-Pixowl), Agonalea is already decorated with awards like Google Play LATAM Indie Game Fund 2022 and EVA’s Mobile Game of the Year 2024. Now, with Mika’s investment and strategic support, they’re poised to level up fast.
What’s the big picture?
Hybrid-casual is exploding. While traditional mobile genres struggled in 2024, this category grew revenue by 30%. Mika Games is capitalizing on that momentum — backing studios that can crack the code of retention, LTV, and scale. And Punko.io? It’s already matching retention rates seen in titans like Candy Crush Saga and Brawl Stars.
Says Katselapov: “We’re not just investing dollars. We’re investing in vision — supporting creators who dare to redefine what mobile games can be.”
🎙️ Nick Katselapov, Founder of Mika Games:
“We are investing in Agonalea Games not just with capital, but with strategic support to help them build innovative, standout mobile games. Mid-core games are facing high engagement demands and a CPI often exceeding $10 and sometimes reaching $30. On the other hand, hyper-casual games struggle with long-term retention. This makes hybrid-casual a perfect blend, offering strong LTV at lower UA costs and making it one of the most profitable segments in mobile gaming.”
🎙️ Pedro Aira, Co-founder of Agonalea Games:
“At Agonalea Games, we build experiences that evoke childlike wonder and joy. In a world where social media giants fight for every second of our attention, Punko.io flips the script, boldly declaring that today’s media consumers are the real zombies to battle. It’s not just a game — it’s a rebellious, strategic revolution that challenges the distractions of modern life and sets a new standard for the genre.”
So?
With its third major investment following Guli Games and Hot Siberians, Mika is rapidly assembling a portfolio designed to hit $1M+ monthly revenue and scale toward IPOs. Backed by Flint Capital, Mika isn’t just placing bets — it’s building the next generation of genre-defining studios.
Punko.io isn’t just a game — it’s a bold statement. In Pedro Aira’s words: “Players aren’t the zombies. The endless distractions are. And we’re here to fight back — one tower at a time.”
About Mika Games:
Founded in 2023 and based in Cyprus, Mika Games invests in promising mobile studios ready to scale. With a $50M war chest and a focus on hybrid-casual hits, Mika provides the capital, mentorship, and strategic firepower to turn soft launches into global successes.
