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.
Log in to access full profile ›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, after determining that Papaya used bots disguised as human players. The final amount is subject to a judge's decision.
- 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.
- What was a significant marketing achievement for Papaya?
- In July 2025, Papaya's "Papaya Swing" campaign secured two gold awards at the Creative Circle Awards in the UK, outperforming other industry participants.
- When did Papaya appoint a new VP of HR?
- In January 2024, Papaya appointed Lital Parush-David as its new VP HR.