GammaTime, which claims to be “the first premium microdrama streaming platform built specifically for American audiences” has raised $14 million in seed funding.
GammaTime, which aims to be “the Netflix of premium short-form storytelling” was founded by former Miramax CEO Bill Block, Slava Mudrykh (CRO, former Google Gaming), and Alex Montalvo, who serves as chief content officer (former Quibi). The round was led by vgames and Pitango, with investments from entrepreneurs Alexis Ohanian, Kris Jenner, Kim Kardashian, and Traverse Ventures.
Announcing its funding, GammaTime said it “represents the sophisticated evolution of short-form entertainment, combining proven global audience demand with Hollywood-calibre storytelling and deep mobile engagement expertise”.
The platform, which launched this month on iOS and Android devices, currently features around 20 vertical originals spanning suspense thriller, romantic melodramas and true crime. The slate will also feature original microdramas written by Anthony E. Zuiker, the creator of the global television franchise CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. The first titles from Zuiker are called The Temptress and Lust Cop.
He said: “Partnering with GammaTime is every writer’s dream realised. The team empowers creators with an always-green light, a culture of trust, and the freedom to deliver film after film without compromise. At GammaTime, interference is replaced with innovation, and creativity is maximised at every turn. The vertical short represents not just the next chapter in cinema, but a revolution in how audiences consume story.”
Staking its claim, GammaTime said global microdrama revenues surged 8000% year-over-year in 2024, with the US leading in consumer spending, “yet no premium domestic platform has emerged to serve this massive audience”.
Block said: “While early microdrama apps proved the storytelling format works, they’ve barely scratched the surface of what’s possible. We are a demand driven, technologically determined content app where the next billion consumers will discover premium stories to satisfy their appetite. Combine that interest with our creative talent and Slava Mudrykh’s experts and we are well positioned to win in this category.”
Mudrykh added: “We’re bringing the same data-driven sophistication to storytelling that top mobile games use for player engagement. Every story is tested and optimised before full production. It’s not about replacing creativity—it’s about amplifying it by aligning with what audiences truly crave.”
Gad Huldai, general partner at Pitango, said: “The global rise of microdramas is one of the most exciting shifts in media since streaming began. Bill, Slava, and Alex are perfectly positioned to lead this category, combining storytelling mastery with mobile-native innovation.”
GammaTime said that its content strategy leverages predictive AI and rigorous testing protocols. This data-driven approach “ensures only the most engaging concepts enter production, maximising creative resources while minimising development waste”.
The platform has launched with a freemium model, allowing viewers to watch content before committing to full access. This approach taps into proven user behaviour on mobile while building sustainable revenue through engaged audience conversion.
