Stockholm-based technology company Studio555 has raised €4 million in Seed funding to launch a playable app that merges interior design with gaming, allegedly creating an entirely new creative category.
The round was co-led by HOF Capital, a US-based fund, and Failup Ventures, a VC firm with offices in New York and Helsinki. The funding round also includes participation from gaming industry figurres Timo Soininen (Co-founder of Small Giant Games), Mikko Kodisoja (Co-founder of Supercell), and Riccardo Zacconi (Co-founder of King).
Joel Roos, Co-founder and CEO of Studio555, said: “At Studio555, we’re reimagining interior design as something anyone can explore: open-ended, playful, and personal. We’re building an experience we always wished existed: a space where creativity is hands-on, social, and free from rigid rules. This funding is a major step forward in setting an entirely new category for creative expression.”
Studio555 was founded in 2023 by a Swedish-Finnish team at the intersection of gaming and design. The founding team includes Joel Roos (CEO), a serial entrepreneur with over 15 years of experience in the interiors and design industry, alongside Stina Larsson (CTO) and Axel Ullberger (CPO), former leads at King who reportedly played a key role in the global success of Candy Crush Saga.
The team brings together experience from companies like King, EA, and Rovio, as well as from leading Nordic design studios – combining expertise in UX, game development, and design.
Stina Larsson, Co-founder and CTO, said: “We know what it takes to build and scale for millions and millions of players. Now we’re applying that same solid engineering mindset – real-time tracking, live insights, and decisions backed by data – to deliver a high-performance creative platform that never compromises on speed or stability.”
The incoming app introduces a simplified and visually immersive environment where users can intuitively create, explore, and personalise interior spaces – no technical expertise or prior gaming experience is required. The result is a platform that aims to lower the barriers to entry, fosters creativity, and opens up interior design to entirely new audiences, from interior enthusiasts to casual gamers.
Axel Ullberger, Co-founder and CPO, said: “We’ve brought together top talent from tech, gaming, and UX to reimagine the design experience from the ground up. We’re bringing the magic of gaming into a space that’s never truly felt playful before. Our goal is to fully reimagine what an app for interior lovers can be.”
The playable app for interior design is set to launch in 2026.
Timo Soininen, Investor and Co-founder of Small Giant Games, added: “Studio555 brings together top-tier gaming talent and design vision. This team has built global hits before, and now they’re applying that experience to something completely fresh – think Pinterest in 3D meets TikTok, but for interiors. I’m honored to support Joel and this team with their rare mix of creativity, technical competence, and focus on execution.”
Riccardo Zacconi, Investor and Co-founder of King, concluded: “I’ve always believed in investing in people first. I’m truly excited to be part of this new venture alongside a team I’ve worked with before and deeply respect and love.“
Read the orginal article: https://www.eu-startups.com/2025/06/swedish-app-developer-studio555-raises-e4-million-for-app-that-merges-interior-design-with-gaming/
