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Highlights:
- 10% Premium on Debut: Winking Studios shares opened at a 10% premium, trading at 16.5p after its AIM listing at 15p per share.
- Successful Fundraising: The games developer raised £7.9 million, backed by major shareholder Acer Gaming, CEO Johnny Jan, and CFO Oliver Yen.
- Strategic Expansion Plans: The London listing is aimed at tapping into new investor pools and expanding its client base across Europe and the Americas.
Winking Studios (LSE:WKS), a leading game art and development firm, made a strong debut on the London Stock Exchange’s AIM market, with shares rising 10% in early trading. Priced initially at 15p per share, the stock quickly moved to 16.5p, reflecting investor confidence in the company’s growth prospects and its strategic plans following a successful fundraising round.
Solid Market Entry and Investor Support
The IPO saw Winking Studios raise £7.9 million, giving the company an initial market valuation of £66 million. The placement was well-supported by Acer Gaming, the company's majority shareholder, as well as contributions from founder and CEO Johnny Jan and finance director Oliver Yen.
“Listing on AIM marks a significant milestone in Winking Studios’ 20-year journey,” said CEO Johnny Jan. “It will act as a catalyst for us as we work towards becoming a global leader in video game art services. The London listing offers us access to a broad base of technology-savvy investors, and enhances our capacity to expand our reach in Europe and the Americas.”
Strategic Benefits of Dual Listing
Winking Studios, which also has a listing in Singapore, sees the dual listing as a strategic move to attract new investors and strengthen its international footprint. The decision to go public in London aims to leverage the city’s deep pool of technology investors, while facilitating the company’s plans for expansion into new markets.
Analysts believe the move to list on AIM will provide the company with enhanced visibility and access to capital, supporting its ambition to grow its client base and project portfolio globally.
Established Industry Presence and Clientele
Founded two decades ago, Winking Studios operates out of nine offices across Asia and has built strong relationships with some of the world’s top game developers. The company collaborates with 22 of the top 25 global game development firms, including industry giants like Ubisoft, Electronic Arts, Activision, and Tencent.
Winking Studios has played a role in major gaming franchises such as FIFA, Call of Duty, and Assassin’s Creed, solidifying its reputation as a trusted partner for video game art and development services. The company’s expertise in creating game art assets and collaborating on AAA game titles has helped it secure a leading position in the industry.
Future Growth and Expansion Plans
With its new listing on AIM, Winking Studios aims to accelerate its growth strategy and deepen its presence in key markets across Europe and the Americas. The company is focused on expanding its project pipeline and enhancing its service offerings, leveraging its strong client relationships and established expertise in video game art services.
CEO Johnny Jan emphasized the company’s commitment to driving long-term value for its shareholders and stakeholders. “Our London listing opens up new avenues for growth and innovation,” he said. “We are well-positioned to take advantage of the opportunities ahead, and our goal is to establish Winking Studios as a global leader in the video game services sector.”
Market Reaction
Following the listing, shares of Winking Studios traded at 16.5p in early sessions, marking a 10% increase from the IPO price. The positive market response reflects strong investor sentiment and confidence in the company’s strategic vision and growth potential.
Winking Studios’ successful market entry and ambitious plans for expansion signal a promising outlook for the company as it embarks on its next phase of growth, with a focus on tapping into new markets and solidifying its position in the global gaming industry.
