ZBD Secures $40 Million to Revolutionize Video Game Payments with Bitcoin Integration

ZBD Secures $40 Million to Revolutionize Video Game Payments with Bitcoin

In a groundbreaking move for the gaming industry, ZBD, a New Jersey-based startup, has successfully raised $40 million in a Series C funding round to enhance blockchain payment solutions for video games. The funding, led by Blockstream Capital—a firm associated with early Bitcoin pioneer Adam Back—signals a significant step towards integrating cryptocurrencies into the gaming ecosystem.

ZBD specializes in providing software that facilitates a variety of payment transactions, including Bitcoin, allowing game developers to establish direct financial relationships with players. “We’re talking about a payment solution for the entire industry that actually really enables them to have a direct financial relationship to the player,” said Simon Cowell, co-founder and CEO of ZBD.

Despite the current skepticism surrounding the integration of cryptocurrencies into gaming, ZBD is focusing on a proven use case: payments. While many had anticipated that NFTs would dominate the gaming landscape, mainstream adoption has lagged since the crypto boom of 2021 and 2022. ZBD, however, is steering clear of NFTs and instead capitalizing on the growing acceptance of cryptocurrencies as payment methods, particularly with the rise of stablecoins.

Cowell’s background in financial services, rather than gaming, has shaped ZBD’s approach. After spending years in asset management and working with NXMH, which acquired the crypto exchange Bitstamp, Cowell co-founded ZBD in 2019 with André Neves and Christian Moss. The company’s name, inspired by a character from a French cartoon, reflects a playful yet innovative spirit.

ZBD’s platform allows gamers to receive payouts in Bitcoin, while also enabling direct peer-to-peer transactions and loyalty rewards. “You retain that user because you don’t need to send them out to a third party, because we’re providing the rails,” explained Ben Cousens, ZBD’s chief strategy officer.

Although ZBD is not yet profitable, Cowell noted that the startup has gained traction among mobile game developers, collaborating with 55 games in 2025. The newly acquired funds will be utilized to expand their suite of payment products over the coming year. “Where we’re moving to is expanding into a more fulsome payment suite,” Cowell added.

As the gaming industry continues to evolve, ZBD’s innovative approach to integrating Bitcoin payments could redefine how players and developers interact financially, paving the way for a new era in gaming transactions.