Enchant introduces a zero-equity accelerator for AI and gaming companies

Enchant is now accepting applications for its three-month program, which is a new zero-equity accelerator for AI and gaming firms.

The accelerator focuses on early-stage companies at the intersection of artificial intelligence and gaming. Veterans of Sony, Supercell, EA, Ubisoft, and Playrix founded the entirely remote program, which allows each business to retain all of its capital while providing founders with weekly one-on-one meetings with industry heavyweights, hands-on development sprints, and direct access to a worldwide investor network.

Enchant supports businesses creating Web3 experiences, AI solutions, gaming industry tools, and games. In an interview with GamesBeat, Eugenii Unegovskiy, creator of Enchant, stated that the accelerator focuses on quick product iteration, real-world traction, and friendly introductions to publishers, venture capitalists, and strategic partners while eliminating office restrictions and equity grabs.

Date of personal start and rolling admittance

The day a team is accepted, the 12-week program officially begins. Founders don’t have to wait for set cohorts; they can apply whenever they’re ready. Every business starts with a milestone roadmap that includes go-to-market workshops, product deep dives, and Demo-Day preparation.

Unegovskiy stated, “Founders shouldn’t have to wait for a calendar slot.” “Day one sprints, live playtests, and build reviews alongside seasoned professionals from triple-A studios are triggered by acceptance.” Products come to market in weeks rather than months since it’s true co-building rather than classroom mentorship.

In a statement, Aakash Parameswaran, CEO of Fable Fox and a former Game Designer at Electronic Arts with expertise in Enchant, noted, “Zero-equity is a strong benefit, with an even bigger advantage being a clean cap table that helps early gaming and AI teams close future rounds faster.” “We work in the trenches to help founders stay player-first and ship games investors can trust, from improving core loops to designing live-service economies.”

Why zero-equity is important

When the dilution stakes are much higher in subsequent Seed and Series A rounds, entrepreneurs can maintain control and remain more appealing by keeping the cap-table clean early on. Additionally, it enables Enchant to focus entirely on the startup’s success, coordinating incentives around fundraising targets and product victories.

Teams that are accepted can begin working right away once applications are considered on a rolling basis. While hosting demo days for game startups at Subscrible, Unegovskiy claimed to have come to the important realization that most early-stage founders fail not because their product is subpar but rather because their business isn’t ready. They lack a monetization plan, a go-to market, and a clear understanding of their financial needs.

“That’s why I partnered with the developers of Tetris, Angry Birds, and Cut the Rope, as well as people from Supercell, Ubisoft, Sony, EA, King, Xsolla, and Oracle — many of whom I’m sure you know or have met — to introduce Enchant, a new type of accelerator for gaming and AI startups,” Unegovskiy stated.

The startup will offer targeted support to help founders advance without equity or cohorts.

In addition to providing access to tools, credits, and partner services valued at over $500,000 (cloud credits, analytics, development tools, etc.), Unegovskiy stated, “We assist with pitch training, fundraising preparation, GTM and monetization strategy, grant and UA support, legal and marketing advice.” “The model is straightforward: a small monthly fee plus a success fee if we assist a team in growing or raising money — no early dilution.”

Tim Horton, a seasoned gaming executive with over 16 years of expertise in partnerships, business development, and leadership in the international gaming sector, is a member of the team. Horton assists in streamlining processes, promoting expansion, and producing top-notch work in console porting, mobile gaming, triple-A art, and game development.

Sutton Trout’s areas of expertise are income, goal attainment, business development, strategic alliances, and leadership. He has twenty years of gaming and entertainment experience and is an action-oriented leader. He has held positions at WB Games, Sony, and Supercell. Additionally, he contributed to significant launches and intricate initiatives like Hogwarts Legacy.

Additionally, Andrey Feinberg (Kuznetsov), a former CIO at Nexters and GDEV, is part of the team. He has worked in the computer, internet, and gaming sectors for more than ten years. He is currently an independent advisor specializing in M&A, strategy, and fundraising for gaming and interactive entertainment firms, having assisted in closing more than 40 deals totaling more than $800 million.

As a six-time founder with expertise in AI and game development, Unegovskiy is among the specialists. Amir Shaked, Igor Diev, Jun Qian, Oded Lavie, Martin Hoszowski, Kevin Beardslee, Yosef Warburg, Wes Harris, Elvis Fernandes, Kevin Beardslee, Tim Gerritsen, Hovav Shoshan, Igor Bazhanov, Cipto Adiguno, Casey Dickinson, Rosario Basilotta, Aakash Parameswaran, Mariam Japaridze, and Eugene Volikov are among the other experts.

Unegovskiy stated that by not investing in the business, the company concentrates on teaming up with its founders to enhance every aspect of it, from pitch to revenue plan. If it assists a team in raising funds or expanding, it charges a success fee in addition to a fixed monthly fee. Usually, the charge is between 5 and 10% of the money raised or a portion of the increase in revenue.

Furthermore, Unegovskiy stated, “We retain the right to invest in subsequent rounds on founder-friendly terms — aligned with long-term support, not short-term ownership.” He added that advisors and mentors have a similar commitment to the startup’s success.

The company recently accepted applications, and they are beginning to see a wide range of early-stage founders from various locations, including game studios and AI tool builders. Projects that combine artistic ambition with scalable infrastructure at the nexus of gaming and AI are attracting a sizable portion of interest.

The next generation of gaming entrepreneurs, according to Unegovskiy, “will be highly technical, globally minded, and seeking business-first support without early dilution.”