Layer, an AI-powered content creation platform built for game developers, has secured $6.5 million in seed funding. The capital will fuel expansion of the company's production tools, which generate 2D, 3D, and video assets for game development. The platform has already seen strong uptake among mobile studios and is now targeting PC and console developers.
Layer raises $6.5 million
Arcadia, the investment firm founded by Akin Babayigit, led the round alongside an investment vehicle tied to Riccardo Zacconi, co-founder of King. e2.vc, formerly 500 Emerging Europe, returned as a participating investor. Layer previously raised $1.8 million in November 2023.
Layer Raises $6.5 Million to Expand AI Tools
A platform designed for game developers
Layer operates as an AI gateway for game studios, letting teams deploy artificial intelligence across content production workflows. The platform helps developers build, manage, and refine visual assets while cutting the time and cost of traditional asset creation. Over 200 studios use the tool, including Zynga, Tripledot, SciPlay, Huuuge Games, and Machine Zone. The company takes a model-agnostic approach, giving users access to multiple AI models for different creative tasks.
Studios aren't locked into a single AI engine. They can apply whichever tools work best for specific production needs. Layer handles in-game assets, live operations content, and marketing materials. CEO Volkan Gurel says the platform's strength comes from unifying multiple AI models in one interface. It's built around the needs of artists and creative teams, not as a replacement for human work.
Layer Raises $6.5 Million to Expand AI Tools
Leadership with industry and technical expertise
Volkan Gurel and Burcu Hakguder founded Layer. Gurel studied AI at MIT and held technical leadership roles at Coinbase and Airware. His background centers on applying AI to scalable, practical systems. Burcu Hakguder, the company's Chief Revenue Officer, previously worked in senior positions at Unity Technologies, where she built revenue channels and developed partnerships.
At Layer, Hakguder leads business development and manages relationships with key partners across the global gaming market. Her experience in gaming services and product growth helped Layer gain early traction with mobile studios. Gurel credits her industry connections and expertise as critical to shaping Layer's go-to-market strategy and building trust with developers.
Layer Raises $6.5 Million to Expand AI Tools
Expanding beyond mobile
Layer started with mobile games but will use the new funding to scale for PC and console studios. Gurel believes the company's AI approach, which has resonated with mobile developers, will appeal to studios working on larger projects. The platform handles complex production needs in a customizable way, making it viable across different development environments.
Layer isn't a point solution. It's a comprehensive platform built for scalability and adaptability. Developers can integrate AI in ways that fit their creative workflows and maintain control over the final output. The team sees this as essential as more studios adopt AI for content creation.
Layer Raises $6.5 Million to Expand AI Tools
Focus on human-centered AI
Layer's core principle: AI should enhance human creativity, not replace it. The platform keeps artists in control of the creative process with intuitive, flexible tools. Gurel describes a future where artists lead production, using AI to scale output and improve efficiency without sacrificing quality or originality.
Gurel addressed concerns about AI replacing creative roles. Layer envisions AI assisting artists in producing higher volumes of content with more personalization and localization. The goal is to let smaller teams compete at a higher level while helping larger studios scale their production pipelines.
Industry support and outlook
Investors expressed confidence in Layer's technology and leadership. Riccardo Zacconi, co-founder of King, praised the team's ability to deploy AI in a way that simplifies integration for developers. Akin Babayigit highlighted the company's understanding of game development and its potential to become an industry standard. Layer's team of 16 employees uses AI across its own operations, applying the same tools it offers clients. Gurel says the team's efficiency and technical depth have been key in building a platform that addresses real production challenges.
Layer plans to expand its team, develop new features, and broaden its reach into other segments of game development. The company remains focused on supporting creators through practical AI applications that align with the needs of modern game studios. The roadmap includes continued development of tools that support a wide range of production needs, ensuring game developers of all sizes have access to efficient, scalable, and artist-centric AI solutions.
