Dutch Game developer Twirlbound Secures Strategic Investment to Fuel Ambitious Growth
Breda, The Netherlands - September 19th - Twirlbound, a Dutch game development studio based in Breda, has successfully secured an equity investment deal with ForsVC and Brabant Development Agency (BOM). The investment will bolster the studio's core team and accelerate development of their next generation of colourful open‑world action‑adventure experiences. Besides, the investment underlines the growing potential of the Breda gaming ecosystem.
Founded in 2013 by high‑school friends Marc Peyré and Matthijs van de Laar, Twirlbound has grown from a team of university graduates into the award‑winning studio it is today. Their breakthrough came with the release of Pine, a richly crafted open‑world adventure that launched in 2019 to widespread acclaim. After Pine's worldwide success, the team worked on and recently released The Knightling, showcasing their growing skill set and expertise at crafting games in this ever-growing genre.
"With this investment, Twirlbound can cement its position as a small but powerful developer while relying less on external parties to reach success.", says Matthijs van de Laar, CEO and Creative Director of the studio. "We have an amazing team that is extremely excited to continue crafting worlds filled with vibrant colours, intricate gameplay, and playful interactions, delivering interesting stories to players all across the world."
Investment Partnership
ForsVC, a dynamic fund dedicated to advancing game studios across the region, joins hands with BOM, the foremost development and investment agency in the Noord-Brabant province of The Netherlands, to nurture Twirlbound's unique artistry and ambition. ForsVC brings focused expertise in growing innovative game studios, complementing Twirlbound's creative strengths. BOM lends its deep-rooted regional impact, proven track record in early-stage support, and strategic insights into scaling startups in Brabant's innovation ecosystem
Both partners signal their confidence in Twirlbound's vision to deliver joyful world-building experiences that resonate with global audiences.
"At ForsVC, we are impressed by Twirlbound's capacity to deliver story-rich open-world experiences as an indie team," says Michiel Houwen of ForsVC. "Their creativity, combined with their technical approach, will enable them to efficiently deliver even richer and more interactive experiences in the years ahead."
"The investment in Twirlbound directly contributes to positioning Breda as an international game hub. It helps retain knowledge and talent in the region, creating a robust ecosystem where game companies can thrive and crossovers become possible with other sectors such as HTSM, medtech, and defense", Remie Bastiaansen, senior investment manager at the Brabant Development Agency (BOM).
About the partners
Twirlbound
Founded on August 6, 2013, Twirlbound has been driven by interdisciplinary passion and a playful work ethos. With a team of about 16, the studio thrives on creative collaboration, resourcefulness, and a respectful, balanced approach to game development.
Pine, their debut game, earned multiple accolades including Unity Awards and Dutch Game Bakery Awards, cementing their reputation for vibrant storytelling
The Knightling, the studio's second big open world action adventure title, reimagines the action‑adventure formula using a shield as both tool and narrative device, delivering fluid movement and whimsical charm
About ForsVC
ForsVC is a vibrant 18-million-euro fund based in Belgium, dedicated to catalysing the growth of Game Studios and Game Tech companies in Belgium and neighbouring countries. Founded by Howest, Cronos Group, and BNP Paribas Fortis, the fund is committed to nurturing innovation and fostering the gaming ecosystem in the region.
About Brabant Development Agency (BOM)
Entrepreneurship is the driver of innovation – from sustainable food sources to a healthy future, climate-neutral energy, and developing promising key technologies. The Brabant Development Agency (BOM) ensures that startups playing a role in these fields receive the right support and funding to get off to a flying start and grow into scaleups, and that companies that aspire to go global can actually do so. BOM is an executive body of the Province of Brabant and the Ministry of Economic Affairs.
For media inquiries
Twirlbound - [email protected]