Founders Interviews with Brian Meidell of FRVR
On this month’s edition of Founders Interviews we bring you Brian Meidell, CTO and Co-founder of FRVR.
FRVR is an instant gaming platform focused on providing easy access to enjoyable entertainment for everyone. As the global leader in creating thriving game channels outside of traditional app stores, FRVR is reshaping how games are distributed. Their goal is to make game distribution more accessible, ensuring high-quality games reach people everywhere.
First, can you tell us about your professional background and the path that led you to FRVR?
I have been creating games professionally for over 25 years. While my background is in electrical engineering, my true passion has always been in game development. I started making games in the late 90s and began working professionally in 2000. Over the years, I’ve contributed to a wide range of projects, from web games and AAA titles to game engines. In addition to game development, I have a long-standing interest in web development, which I’ve pursued for more than 27 years. My career has allowed me to combine both fields, giving me a deep appreciation for web technologies, gaming, and the broader tech industry. For the last 12 years, I’ve held leadership positions, serving as CEO of various companies. I’ve transitioned from a developer through multiple roles in development, including CTO, and most recently, I’ve returned to the CTO role.
How was FRVR born?
The very first game was made by Chris, my cofounder. He found his way to distributing games and I found it quite interesting what he was doing, and I joined him as a late joining cofounder in FRVR. As we worked together, it expanded into a much bigger vision: That games distribution would change massively and we would create a platform that would focus on distribution first, FRVR. If you are interested in the first steps of FRVR you can still find a lot of information on Chris Benjaminsen’s blog: https://blog.chrisbenjaminsen.com/. This blog includes insights into game mechanics, industry trends, and practical advice for developers. Chris often shares personal experiences, technical challenges, and lessons learned from his projects.
How is your product different from others in the market? What makes it unique?
We developed a system that allows games to run seamlessly across multiple platforms. Traditionally, games are built for specific channels, like the App Store, and while some companies have enabled games to be distributed across several app stores, FRVR goes a step further. We created a solution where you build a game once and distribute it across dozens of channels with FRVR as a publisher, opening an entire catalogue of games to new distribution opportunities. We are transforming how games are distributed by leading efforts to build successful channels beyond traditional app stores. The goal of FRVR was to make game distribution more accessible, ensuring great games are available to everyone, everywhere. Now we’re adding AI tools on top of that distribution power, to enable anyone to create games and distribute them to everyone.
What has been the most crucial moment in the history of FRVR so far?
That’s when we decided to become one of the first companies to publish games across the Facebook Instant platform, a move that has likely been the biggest growth driver for the company to date. Why? Because we can reach users directly without relying on traditional app stores, leading to substantial success. The decision to focus on instant distribution channels has been a major driver of the company’s expansion, enabling games to be accessible across numerous devices and platforms, all without the need for downloads or installations.
If you could go back in time, is there anything you’d do differently?
I would probably have waited to do acquisitions, because that’s a difficult thing to do. Proper timing and preparation are key, and rushing into such deals can add complexity to the company’s operations.
Do you have any tips or advice for an aspiring founder?
One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is to keep the company as small as possible for as long as possible. Rapid growth can expose a company to challenges that are hard to manage, often due to a lack of control or oversight. Without careful planning, expanding too quickly can lead to problems that could have been avoided with a more measured and strategic approach to growth.
What can we expect from FRVR now that you have raised a $12.5M round?
FRVR plans to use its new funding to improve its platform by enhancing its AI capabilities to create more personalized gaming experiences. Additionally, the company aims to grow its creator economy by equipping global creators with the tools they need to develop, monetize, and innovate, ultimately enriching the gaming ecosystem and driving further innovation.
Lastly, what has been the most challenging part of growing your startup? And the funnier part?
I believe that building a strong team is the most challenging aspect of running a startup. I’ve often heard that hiring is the toughest part of the journey. It can be difficult to gauge your own knowledge against that of others, which makes it essential to hire individuals who can effectively tackle specific challenges. This is why I advocate for keeping the company size as small as possible; it encourages a deeper understanding of each problem and allows for better prioritization. On the flip side, the most rewarding part also stems from the team dynamic. There’s something truly exhilarating about creating something from nothing with a talented group of people and celebrating our victories together.
*Interview by Catarina Rebola — Marketing, Communications & Events
