Vatar Inc., the company behind the viral Nigerian browser game Lagos Life, has raised $500,000 in pre-seed funding as it seeks to build on the game’s rapid popularity and expand its operations.
The fundraising marks an early milestone for the startup, which has attracted attention for its simulation of everyday life in Lagos through an interactive browser-based gaming experience.
Reports on the funding round put the company’s valuation at approximately $10 million, an early-stage figure that reflects investor interest rather than a guarantee of future commercial performance.
The round reportedly included investment from Resilience17, the investment fund associated with Flutterwave chief executive Olugbenga Agboola, alongside other angel investors and technology entrepreneurs.
Vatar was founded by Shalom Rayhamen, Owen Rayhamen and Anderson Oriahi. The company is expected to use the funds for product development, marketing and recruitment as it works to strengthen the game and support its growing audience.
The interest surrounding Lagos Life illustrates how locally developed digital products can attract attention by drawing on familiar cultural settings and experiences. By placing players in a virtual version of Lagos, the game offers a recognisable environment for Nigerian users while giving international audiences a glimpse of life in one of Africa’s largest cities.
For the company, the next challenge will be converting viral attention into sustained user engagement and a viable business model. Early funding can provide resources for improving performance, expanding features and building the team needed to support growth.
The fundraising also adds to the wider conversation about investment in African technology ventures, where startups are seeking to build products for local audiences while exploring opportunities in international markets.