Lil Snack
Overview
Lil Snack is a startup focused on creating "snackable" daily games that adapt to current pop culture trends, using AI tools for rapid development. Founded in 2023 by Eric Berman and Travis Chen, the company is headquartered in Los Angeles, California. They have successfully raised $3.1 million in seed funding from major investors like Lerer Hippeau, A16z Games Speedrun, Waverley Capital, and Powerhouse Capital. As of 2025, Lil Snack continues to innovate in the gaming and digital entertainment sector, leveraging the founders' extensive experience in the media and gaming industries.
Recent Developments
- January 2025: Lil Snack announced a significant milestone of surpassing 10 million games played since its inception, highlighting its growing popularity among users who engage with its games daily.
- December 2024: Partnered with Walmart to offer special bonus games during the holiday season, increasing player engagement by aligning game themes with seasonal events.
- April 2024: Secured $3.1 million in seed funding; the funds were allocated towards developing their pop culture trivia platform using AI tools for rapid and affordable game creation.
- March 2024: Launched new game modes that integrate real-time pop culture references, such as daily games inspired by trending topics like celebrity events.
- February 2024: Collaborated with Sony Pictures Entertainment to release a Wheel of Fortune-themed game, expanding their user base by tapping into established fan communities.
Company Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Founding Date | 2023 |
| Headquarters | Los Angeles, California |
| Founders | Eric Berman, Travis Chen |
| Revenue | Not publicly disclosed |
| Profits | Not publicly disclosed |
| Key Investors | Lerer Hippeau, A16z Games Speedrun, Waverley Capital, Powerhouse Capital |
| Industry | Gaming, Entertainment Software |
| Number of Employees | 9 |
Early History
Lil Snack emerged from the combined efforts of Eric Berman and Travis Chen, who, prior to founding the company, occupied significant positions in major media and gaming companies such as Hulu and Scopely. The founders initially experimented with creating lightweight games that reflected daily cultural trends, drawing inspiration from the resurgence of daily gaming sparked by platforms like The New York Times with games like Wordle. The overwhelming positive reception from their initial releases among family and friends prompted them to formalize their venture as Lil Snack in 2023.
Company Profile and Achievements
Lil Snack operates by releasing a set of new games each day, leveraging generative AI tools to keep up with the fast-paced nature of pop culture. This unique approach allows the content to remain fresh and relevant, attracting a diverse audience. Major achievements include:
- Receiving $3.1 million in seed funding within the first year of its operation, aided by a strong presentation at the A16z Games Speedrun accelerator.
- Establishing partnerships with notable brands like Sony Pictures to create collaborative gaming experiences.
- Executing a growth strategy that focuses on organic audience acquisition rather than traditional marketing spending.
- Expanding their game offerings to include episodic and collaborative content, such as the Wheel of Fortune game's daily challenges.
- Garnering significant attention and partnerships in the technology and entertainment sectors, further cementing their role as innovators in the mobile gaming space.
Current Operations and Market Position
As of 2025, Lil Snack operates with a lean team of nine employees, tasked with maintaining and developing new game content daily. The company's products are characterized by their accessibility, given they are browser-based, and tie into existing cultural phenomena, thus ensuring they are topical and engaging. In the fiercely competitive mobile gaming industry, Lil Snack distinguishes itself through its rapid content turnover and cultural relevance, thereby creating a niche in daily gaming activities. Their ongoing partnerships and collaborations with major brands like Amazon Prime enable them to offset marketing costs while expanding their reach to new audiences.
Conclusion
Lil Snack has rapidly positioned itself as a dynamic player in the gaming and entertainment industry by creating innovative and culturally relevant games that engage users daily. With their strategic use of AI tools for quick game development and a keen focus on current events, the company has successfully navigated through a highly competitive landscape. Their ability to adapt to trends and form strategic partnerships has not only sustained their growth but also set a strong foundation for future expansions. As they continue to evolve their gaming experiences, Lil Snack is poised to remain a significant contributor to the evolution of mobile entertainment games.