Activate Games Inc. ("Activate"), the pioneer behind the world's first active gaming experience, has announced a major step forward in its global expansion plans, with $37 million in debt financing secured from RBC Royal Bank and Export Development Canada (EDC). This funding will accelerate the company's U.S. corporate expansion, with 40 new locations planned by the end of 2025.
Activate, along with its global development partners, has been collaborating with international, national, and regional landlords to secure prime real estate for its expansion. The company plans to open new sites across North America, including key U.S. markets such as California, New York, Florida, Michigan, Ohio, Minnesota, and Colorado, as well as Canadian markets in British Columbia, Quebec, and Saskatchewan. These North American openings are in addition to planned international expansions in the Middle East and UK markets, in collaboration with development partners Majid Al Futtaim and We Do Play.
"Our vision for Activate has always been to extend well beyond the Canadian border, starting with our U.S. expansion in partnership with Breakout Games in 2019," said Adam Schmidt, Founder and CEO of Activate. "We are excited to open our first corporate site in the U.S. this summer and bring our adrenaline-pumping adventures to millions of fans over the next 18 months, providing an unforgettable entertainment experience for players of all ages."
As part of its strategic growth, Activate has appointed Dan Haroun, CPA, CA, as Global CFO. Haroun brings 15 years of executive experience in finance, real estate, strategy, and analytics across global consumer businesses, including Restaurant Brands International, Walmart Canada, and Freshii.
"Dan has been working with us as an Executive Advisor over the past year, and we are thrilled to have him join us as our CFO," said Schmidt. "His background in both corporate and franchised environments, along with his success in scaling large businesses, makes him a great fit for Activate."
Commenting on his new role, Haroun said, "I am excited to be part of the team at Activate. The platform is exactly what customers are looking for today. This business model is well-positioned to scale, and I see incredible opportunities for growth. I look forward to partnering with Adam and the team to bring Activate to communities around the world."
The $37 million debt financing from RBC and EDC will be used to fund the capital requirements for new corporate sites. "RBC and EDC understood our needs and structured these facilities to effectively enable our growth and expansion," said Haroun. "We appreciate their partnership and are excited to open new locations this summer as a result."
"EDC is pleased to support Activate Games as they expand their international footprint and bring Canadian innovation to the United States," said Guillermo Freire, EDC's Senior Vice-President, Mid-Market Group. "Canadian medium-sized businesses like Activate Games are the engine of our national trade growth, and we stand ready to support them so they can thrive in global markets."
Activate's unique blend of physical activity and gaming promotes a healthy lifestyle, offering interactive rooms where players can compete, earn stars, and track achievements. With its global headquarters in Winnipeg, Canada, Activate has grown to 30 locations across Canada, the U.S., and now the world. To join the active gaming movement, visit playactivate.com.
