France-based SFR joins Intel Capital backing G-cluster, a Japan-based company providing technology for video and gaming access.
France-based telecommunications and internet corporation SFR has invested in Japan-based cloud gaming technology company G-cluster through its corporate venturing unit, SFR Développement, building on a long-standing partnership between the two.
The funding follows an investment by semiconductor manufacturer Intel’s corporate venturing unit, in November. It is understood negotiations for G-cluster’s financing, described by SFR Développement principal Marc Westermann as "significant, in the seven digits", took place around the same time as Intel’s. The stake acquired by SFR was between 10% and 20%, its usual terms, Westermann added.
G-cluster currently provides a cloud gaming service for SFR’s Neufbox internet subscription box, and its technology allows games and high quality videos to be streamed, on a wide range of devices. In addition to its cloud gaming service, G-cluster’s tech is also the basis of a video-on-demand channel in Japan.
Pierre-Emmanuel Struyven, president of SFR Développement, said: "SFR is delighted to support G-cluster since its launch. We are convinced the cloud-based solutions are in phase with the new modes of consumption. Their successes confirm the managed network’s superiority".
The announcement was made at the Cloud Gaming Europe conference in London, as the cloud gaming service was rolled out to all SFR’s television set top boxes. The service will be extended to other devices in the upcoming months.
