Teesside University's commercial arm has made an investment in an indie games studio.
The funding, from TU Enterprise and Innovation Ltd, has been awarded to Middlesbrough-based studio Dink to help develop and release the company’s next game.
The studio was founded in 2022 and has previously worked on titles including Soulbound and the recently released Vextorial.
Luke Mills, co-founder of Dink, said: "We’re glad to see the University’s board investing in games here in the Tees Valley.
"Middlesbrough has a huge up-and-coming game development scene, and it’s great to see the University playing a key role in supporting the region.
"For us, this investment allows the studio to continue growing here in Middlesbrough, and it feels exciting to be taking this new step with the University’s backing."
Dink was previously part of Teesside University’s PowerUp incubator, which is designed to support graduates and early-stage games developers.
The company has since grown, building client partnerships and winning multiple awards.
The investment comes during Global Entrepreneurship Week, which is running from November 17 to 23.
Professor Stephen Cummings, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research and Knowledge Exchange), said: "This investment marks an important milestone for Teesside University and TU Enterprises.
"It reflects our commitment to driving innovation and growth across the Tees Valley.
"It’s inspiring to see our alumni leading the way in a vibrant digital cluster.
"Our ambition to support gaming studios and businesses across all sectors helps transform ideas into successful ventures, strengthening the local economy and enabling organisations to thrive on a global stage."
In the 2023/24 academic year, start-ups supported by Teesside University generated £118 million in turnover, placing the university seventh nationally for start-up turnover.
The university says it's Launchpad incubator supported the creation of 60 new businesses in the past year, leading to an estimated 645 jobs and attracting £3 million in external investment.
Of those businesses, 71 per cent have remained operational for three years or more, which is 30 per cent above the national average for university start-up survival rates.
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