Starform, a Seattle-based game studio founded by former King and Z2 veterans, announced it had raised $6 million in a funding round led by BITKRAFT Ventures.
The investment will help the company expand its team and reach new players for Metalstorm, the hit air-combat arena shooter with over 3 million players across the Epic Games Store, Apple App Store, and Google Play Store.
Metalstorm is coming to additional platforms in early 2025, bringing the aerial action experience to an even wider audience.
The funding round saw additional participation from BITKRAFT Ventures and Dune Ventures. Prior to this, Starform raised over $13M to date, with backing from Global Founders Capital, 1Up Ventures, PlayVentures, and various angel investors from across the industry.
Starform is a Seattle-based independent game studio led by CEO Lou Fasulo and Co-founders Taylor Daynes and Jason English, with more than 36 years of industry experience from high-profile studios Sierra Online, Z2, and King.
Those wishing to join Starform’s team can visit the studio’s careers page.
New additions to Starform team
The team’s mission is to create extraordinary gaming experiences that unite friends and foster community. Starform has recently expanded with industry veterans:
- Stefan Ramirez, Chief Operating Officer, who has held leadership roles at King, EnMasse Entertainment, and Riot Games.
- Chris Hager, Director of Production, former Production Leader at 343 Industries, Riot Games, and King.
- Jeremy Friesen, Principal Engineer formerly from the Pokemon Company and Big Fish Games.
- Jesse Roberts, Social Media Marketing, who led social media marketing initiatives at Evil Geniuses and EsportsOne.
Metalstorm is the company’s first “coffee break esport” title featuring 5v5 team-based gameplay. Players form Squadrons—also known as guilds—and engage in fast-paced battles where planes are the heroes.
Each aircraft comes with unique abilities inspired by their historical roles, enhanced with creative license to foster fun, role-based synergies and generate highlight-reel-worthy moments.
“We believe in crafting short-session experiences that unite players across platforms.
Metalstorm is all about facilitating connections—whether among friends or new acquaintances—through shared, thrilling gameplay that fits seamlessly into busy schedules.”
Lou Fasulo, CEO and Co-founder of Starform.
“Starform’s vision for accessible, cross-platform multiplayer competitive gaming is compelling.
After the launch in November 2023 and more than 3M players, Metalstorm exemplifies how deeply engaging team-based play and innovative game design can create meaningful and long-term connections among players.
Starform demonstrates a scalable business model, and we’re excited to support their journey in bringing this experience to a global audience.”
Malte Barth, Founding Partner at BITKRAFT Ventures
