Russian internet company and game publisher Mail.Ru has opened a new $100 million investment arm called Mail.Ru Game Ventures.

The division will provide funding to game developers as well as industry expertise for partners. Chosen developers will gain access to Mail.Ru's analytics platforms and security solutions to use for their games.

It will also handle all logistical and managerial responsibilities for the developer to allow them more focus on working on their games, though it will only take a partial role if the developer prefers.

Logical next move

"Games remain one of Mail.Ru Group's top priorities. Starting a games investment division is a logical next move to facilitate business development by significantly increasing the company's potential in that segment," said Boris Dobrodeev, CEO (Russia) of Mail.Ru Group.

"Our new games investment division will expand Mail.Ru Group's investment platform allowing us to provide venture financing, as well as to increase our M&A activity."

Mail.Ru has experience in the mobile industry, having acquired Pixonic in October 2016 in a deal worth up to $30 million.