Pocket Gems

San Francisco, CA Consumer Private

Pocket Gems is a San Francisco-based developer of original mobile games and interactive entertainment. Its flagship titles include Episode, an interactive storytelling platform, and War Dragons, a 3D real-time strategy game. The company was founded in 2009 and is backed by Sequoia Capital, Redpoint Ventures, and Tencent.

Overview

Company data and valuation marks are estimates and may be incomplete, stale, erroneous, or revised.

Founded

2009

Employees

150–250

Total Funding

$155M

3 rounds

Latest Valuation

$0.6B

May 10, 2017

Funding

Total raised $155M across 3 rounds

Funding data and valuation marks are estimates and may be incomplete, stale, erroneous, or revised.

Last updated 06-25-2026

Latest Round

Type

Series C

Date

May 10, 2017

Amount

$90M

Valuation

$0.6B

Lead Investors

Tencent
DateRoundAmount RaisedValuationLead Investors
May 10, 2017 Series C $90M $0.6B Tencent
2015 Series B $60M $0.3B Tencent
December 15, 2010 Series A $5M Sequoia Capital

Valuation Trajectory

Valuation indexed to 1.0× at the selected entry round. Valuation marks are estimates and may contain errors. Hover each dot to compare.

If you invested at:
1x 2x 2015 2016 2017 Pocket Gems

Entry · Series B

$0.3B

Jan 2015

Pocket Gems today

$0.6B

May 2017 · latest mark

Pocket Gems multiple

2.0x

valuation uplift since first round

Y-axis is logarithmic. Hollow dots = estimated valuations. Does not represent realized investor returns.

Prominent Investors

Tencent Tencent

Leadership

  • Ben Liu

    CEO

    LinkedIn
  • Harlan Crystal

    Co-Founder & CTO

  • Michael Dawson

    Chief Business Officer

  • Helen Hsu

    Chief Financial Officer

Competitors

Competitor list is illustrative and may be incomplete, stale, or erroneous.

  • Scopely

    Los Angeles-based mobile games publisher behind Marvel Strike Force and Stumble Guys; competes in mobile game publishing.

  • Jam City

    Mobile game developer known for Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery and Cookie Jam; competes in narrative and casual mobile games.

  • Glu Mobile

    Mobile game studio (acquired by Electronic Arts in 2021) behind Design Home and Kim Kardashian: Hollywood; rival in lifestyle mobile games.

  • Zynga

    Major mobile and social games publisher (now part of Take-Two Interactive); long-standing competitor in mobile gaming.

Pocket Gems Investment FAQ

Public status and buying access

No. Pocket Gems is a private company and does not have a public stock ticker or trade on a public stock exchange. Its shares are generally held by founders, employees, investors, and other private shareholders. Buyers and sellers may be able to transact in Pocket Gems shares through private secondary transactions, but any transaction depends on share availability, buyer and seller agreement, transfer restrictions, company approval rights, and any applicable right of first refusal. There is no guarantee that Pocket Gems will complete an IPO or other liquidity event.

Yes, it is sometimes possible to buy Pocket Gems shares pre-IPO through private secondary transactions. This depends on finding a willing seller, company approval, and satisfying any transfer restrictions or rights of first refusal.

Buyers interested in buying Pocket Gems shares on the secondary market typically do so through SetterVC and other secondary-market platforms, subject to eligibility requirements, share availability, transfer restrictions, and issuer approval. Buyers may need to satisfy sophistication, accreditation, institutional, platform, regulatory, or other eligibility requirements before participating. Once eligible, buyers may be able to view listings, make bids, and work with a licensed broker through the transaction process. Buyers should ensure they have appropriate legal and financial advisors guiding them before completing any transaction.

The company's latest round valuation was approximately $600M as of May 10, 2017. The latest round valuation is often used as one reference point in secondary-market pricing, but secondary prices may be above or below that valuation at any given time. Secondary pricing can shift significantly based on post-round conditions, such as changes in company performance, supply-demand dynamics, share class, transaction size, transfer restrictions, or broader market shifts. Any implied valuation from a past round should be confirmed with a broker or through live market listings before relying on it.

Valuation and funding

Pocket Gems was most recently valued at approximately $600M as of May 10, 2017. This is a private valuation and may differ from secondary pricing. Secondary shares may trade above or below this mark based on various factors. SetterVC and Setter Capital does not verify the accuracy of these valuations. Buyers and sellers should always confirm current valuations before completing any transaction.

Pocket Gems's valuation has changed over time based on funding rounds, tender offers, secondary-market indications, and other reported or collected valuation marks. Pocket Gems's valuation moved from approximately $300M as of 2015 to approximately $600M as of May 10, 2017. This comparison reflects company-level valuation marks and does not represent realized investor returns. Secondary-market prices may differ from these valuations based on share class, transaction size, transfer restrictions, supply and demand, company performance, and broader market conditions. SetterVC and Setter Capital does not verify the accuracy or completeness of valuation data, and buyers and sellers should confirm current information before relying on it.

Pocket Gems's latest disclosed funding round was a Series C round in May 10, 2017. The round raised approximately $90M at an approximately $600M valuation, with Tencent listed as disclosed lead or major investors. Primary funding rounds are different from secondary transactions: in a primary round, capital goes to the company, while in a secondary transaction, investors buy existing shares from current shareholders. Funding-round data reflects publicly reported or collected information and may be incomplete. The latest round valuation should be confirmed before it is used as a pricing reference.

Pocket Gems has raised approximately $155M in disclosed funding across 3 rounds. These figures reflect primary capital raised by the company and do not include every possible secondary transaction, undisclosed round, debt facility, or private transfer. Reported funding totals can change as new rounds are announced or older round details are corrected. Eligible users can use SetterVC to track Pocket Gems's funding history alongside private-market activity where available.

Pocket Gems's disclosed investors include Tencent and Tencent. Investor lists are based on public reporting, company announcements, and collected funding-round data, and may be incomplete. Participation in a prior funding round does not mean those investors are currently buying or selling shares. On SetterVC, eligible users can review Pocket Gems's funding history, valuation history, and private-market activity alongside other venture-backed companies.

Market context

Pocket Gems's most-cited competitors include Scopely, Jam City, Glu Mobile and Zynga. Investors often compare these companies by sector, product focus, valuation, funding raised, growth signals, investor base, and private-market activity.

Secondary-market demand for Pocket Gems shares can be affected by company performance, revenue growth, profitability, funding history, valuation, investor interest, sector momentum, public-market conditions, expected timing of a liquidity event, and the availability of shares for sale. Demand can also be affected by transfer restrictions, company approval rights, right of first refusal processes, limited information, and the price expectations of buyers and sellers. Strong demand does not guarantee strong pricing, liquidity, or investment returns. Weak demand does not necessarily reflect the company's long-term prospects. Demand signals should not be treated as a recommendation or prediction of investment performance. Buyers and sellers should treat demand signals as informational and conduct their own diligence before transacting.

Selling and transaction mechanics

Sellers often rely on intermediaries and platforms, such as SetterVC and other secondary-market platforms, to identify potential buyers. The exact process varies by company and transaction, but sellers often begin by confirming their ownership, desired price, transferability, and any company approval or notice requirements. If the seller agrees with a buyer on acceptable price and terms, the company may need to be notified through a share transfer notice or similar process. If a right of first refusal, company approval right, or other transfer restriction applies, the seller may need to wait until that process is completed. The parties may then execute a purchase and sale agreement, complete required transfer documentation, and close if all required conditions are satisfied. Sellers should always seek proper legal and financial advice before completing the transaction.

Yes, current and former Pocket Gems employees, early investors, and other existing shareholders may be able to sell vested shares before an IPO through a private secondary sale. This is not automatic; it depends on whether the shareholder has transferable shares, whether there is buyer demand, and whether the company's governing documents permit the transfer. Many companies require prior notice, company approval, or a right of first refusal before shares can be sold. Sellers should also seek proper legal and financial advice before proceeding.

A Pocket Gems secondary transaction usually involves an existing shareholder selling shares to a buyer before a public listing. The buyer and seller typically agree on price, number of shares, share class, and closing conditions. The seller may then need to notify Pocket Gems through a share transfer notice or similar process. If Pocket Gems or existing investors have approval rights, transfer restrictions, or a right of first refusal, those steps may need to be completed before the transfer can close. The parties typically enter into a purchase and sale agreement, complete any required transfer documentation, and close only if the necessary conditions are satisfied. Timing and certainty can vary by company and transaction.

In most private secondary transactions, parties commonly use a purchase and sale agreement that outlines price, terms, and conditions. They may also use share transfer documentation, often a stock transfer notice, share transfer notice, transfer instruction, or similar document, along with any required company approval or right of first refusal materials. Proof of ownership, such as a cap table entry, share certificate, brokerage statement, issuer confirmation, or administrator confirmation, may also be important. Buyers often request recent company financials, but private companies may limit disclosure. Since every deal varies, buyers and sellers should consult legal and financial advisors to understand which documents are needed.

Risk, diligence, and investor caution

Buying Pocket Gems shares pre-IPO is risky. Shares are illiquid, no IPO or liquidity event is guaranteed, valuations can change, transfers may require company approval, and private companies may provide limited financial disclosure. Be prepared for total loss. SetterVC and Setter Capital do not provide due diligence, legal, tax, accounting, valuation, or investment advice. Buyers must conduct their own due diligence, verify information, and seek independent legal and investment advice before proceeding.

Private secondary shares are typically illiquid. Unlike public stocks, there is no active public market, so selling them can be difficult and time-consuming. Sales depend on finding a willing buyer and often require company approval. Investors should be prepared to hold the shares for an extended period, with no guarantee of a future sale. Always assess your need for liquidity before investing.

SetterVC and Setter Capital do not provide due diligence, legal, tax, accounting, valuation, or investment advice. Buyers must conduct their own due diligence, including verifying ownership, transferability, legal structure, company approval, and assessing the company's prospects. SetterVC and Setter Capital do not provide advice on whether an investment is good, what price to pay, or what the best bid or ask is. SetterVC and Setter Capital may share documents in some circumstances, but it does not guarantee their accuracy or completeness. Due diligence is essential. Seek legal and investment advice as needed.

Before buying Pocket Gems shares, a buyer should try to review the share class, price per share, implied valuation, transfer restrictions, ROFR process, company approval rights, seller ownership evidence, recent financing or tender-offer information, available financial information, information rights, resale restrictions, tax considerations, and expected liquidity paths. Not all information may be available for a private company. Buyers should confirm available diligence, process details, and information needs with their own legal, tax, and investment advisers.

SPVs carry risks. Examples include the need to confirm the company allows SPV-based transfers, verify that the SPV truly owns the shares or interests it claims to own, and ensure it has not sold more interests than it holds. Due diligence is essential. Seek legal and investment advice as needed.

Forward contracts carry risks. Examples include the seller refusing to transfer the shares at the future date, even if the seller owns them, the seller going bankrupt with creditors claiming the shares, or the seller committing the same shares to multiple parties. Due diligence is essential. Seek legal and investment advice as needed.

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