ZBD is a financial technology company specializing in integrating Bitcoin payment infrastructure into the gaming industry. Founded in 2019 and headquartered in Hoboken, New Jersey, ZBD aims to revolutionize gaming by enabling real-money economies through Bitcoin and the Lightning Network. Their suite of tools and services allows game developers to seamlessly incorporate Bitcoin payments, enhancing user engagement and monetization.
Key Strategic Focus
ZBD's core objective is to bridge the gap between digital economies and real-world value by providing developers with APIs, SDKs, and other tools to integrate Bitcoin payments into games and applications. This strategic focus targets the gaming industry, aiming to increase user engagement through real-money rewards delivered instantly via the Lightning Network.
Financials and Funding
As of July 2025, ZBD has raised a total of $35 million in funding over three rounds. The latest funding round occurred on July 19, 2022, amounting to $35 million. Notable investors include Kingsway Capital, Lakestar, Initial Capital, Global Founders Capital, Square Enix, The Raine Group, Backed VC, Digital Currency Group (DCG), and Play Ventures.
Technological Platform and Innovation
ZBD's technological platform is centered around the Lightning Network, enabling instant and low-cost Bitcoin transactions. Their proprietary technologies include a Rewards SDK, API, and Bots designed to facilitate seamless Bitcoin integration into games and applications. This innovation allows for programmable payments and micropayments, fostering new forms of player engagement such as 'play-to-earn' models.
Leadership Team
- Simon Cowell: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
- André Neves: Co-Founder & Chief Technology Officer (CTO)
- Christian Moss: Co-Founder & Head of R&D
- Ben Cousens: Chief Strategy Officer (CSO)
- Paul Stubbs: Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
- Katie Pask: Chief Marketing Officer (CMO)
In September 2023, Katie Pask was appointed as Chief Marketing Officer to lead global marketing initiatives.
Competitor Profile
ZBD operates in the intersection of fintech and gaming, facing competition from companies that offer similar Bitcoin payment solutions and gaming monetization platforms. Key competitors include:
- BitPay: Provides Bitcoin payment processing solutions for various industries, including gaming.
- OpenNode: Offers Bitcoin payment infrastructure with a focus on scalability and ease of integration.
- Lightning Labs: Develops solutions for the Lightning Network, enabling faster Bitcoin transactions.
The market is characterized by rapid technological advancements and a growing interest in integrating cryptocurrencies into digital experiences.
Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships
ZBD has established significant partnerships to enhance its market position and innovation capacity:
- AdInMo: Enables players to earn Bitcoin through ad views, offering advertisers access to a tech-savvy audience.
- Rewards Bunny: Provides Bitcoin rewards with purchases, expanding ZBD's reach into retail and loyalty programs.
- Fumb Games: Collaborated to release Bitcoin Keno, a mobile game that allows players to win real Bitcoin, showcasing ZBD's payment technology integration.
Operational Insights
ZBD's fully remote operational model allows it to attract talent globally, fostering a culture of innovation and agility. This approach enables the company to adapt quickly to market changes and technological advancements, maintaining a competitive edge in the rapidly evolving fintech and gaming industries.
Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions
ZBD is poised to capitalize on the growing intersection of gaming and cryptocurrency by expanding its suite of developer tools and forming strategic partnerships. Future directions include enhancing the scalability of its platform, exploring new markets, and continuing to innovate in the integration of Bitcoin payments into digital experiences.
Contact Information
- Website: zbd.gg
- LinkedIn: ZBD LinkedIn Page
ZBD's commitment to innovation, security, and community positions it as a leader in integrating Bitcoin payments into the gaming industry.
