Papaya

Skill-based Gaming Platform

Media & Entertainment Technologies
Private
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Company Overview

Snapshot

Founded in March 2016 by Oriel Bachar, Andrey Birman, and Alex Liakhovetsky, Papaya operates with 201–500 employees. The company has raised $3.5M across four funding rounds from five investors. In April 2026, a New York jury ruled that Papaya must pay $420 million to competitor Skillz.

Business overview

Papaya Gaming is a mobile gaming company specializing in developing innovative versions of popular games, transforming them into skill-based, real-money tournaments. The company's core technology leverages platforms and interfaces, particularly in mobile and DLT & Blockchain, to serve the mobile gaming industry and recreational gamers. Papaya operates within the Media & Entertainment Technologies sector, focusing on digital content engagement and entertainment.

Strategic signal

In April 2026, a New York jury found Papaya liable to pay $420 million to competitor Skillz, citing the use of bots disguised as human players. This ruling, which is awaiting a final decision on the amount from the judge, sends a strong signal to investors about the critical importance of fair play and transparency in the skill-based gaming industry, potentially setting a new standard for operational integrity and competitive practices within the sector.

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Company Intelligence Q&A

What was the outcome of the lawsuit with Skillz?
In April 2026, a New York jury ruled that Papaya must pay $420 million to its competitor Skillz, following allegations that Papaya used bots to impersonate human players in its skill-based games.
What are Papaya's plans for market expansion?
In September 2024, Papaya's Head of Marketing, Uri Pearl, discussed the company's plans to expand into the UK market, differentiating its strategy from its current operations in the U.S. market.
Has Papaya made any recent executive appointments?
In January 2024, Papaya appointed Lital Parush-David as its new VP HR.
What was Papaya's revenue performance in 2021?
In June 2021, Papaya reported revenues exceeding $150 million annually, primarily driven by only two smartphone games.
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