Papaya

Company Overview

Snapshot

Founded in March 2016 by Oriel Bachar, Andrey Birman, and Alex Liakhovetsky, Papaya operates with 201–500 employees. The company has secured $3.5M in total capital across 4 funding rounds from 5 investors. In August 2021, Papaya received funding from investors including Rainfall Ventures.

Business overview

Papaya is a mobile gaming company specializing in developing skill-based, real-money tournament versions of popular games. The company's core technology leverages mobile platforms and blockchain to create engaging digital content. Papaya primarily serves the mobile gaming industry, targeting consumers and gamers within the Media & Entertainment Technologies sector.

Strategic signal

In August 2026, Papaya Gaming secured U.S. bankruptcy protection following a $719 million ruling against it in a lawsuit with Skillz. This move indicates a critical strategic shift for the company, aiming to preserve operations and protect creditors amidst significant legal challenges, signaling a period of restructuring and legal navigation for investors.

Company Intelligence Q&A

What was the outcome of the lawsuit with Skillz?

In July 2026, a New York federal court ruled that Papaya Gaming must pay Skillz $719 million, following an April jury decision that found Papaya liable for damages related to alleged use of bots in skill-based games. Papaya has stated it will appeal the decision.

What strategic action did Papaya Gaming take in response to the legal ruling?

In August 2026, Papaya Gaming won U.S. bankruptcy protection. The company stated that this supervised payment arrangement is intended to preserve its operations and protect creditors while it prepares to appeal the $719 million judgment.

Did Papaya Gaming undergo any workforce changes recently?

In July 2026, Papaya cut 30 employees as part of a restructuring effort within the Israeli gaming company.

What marketing initiatives has Papaya undertaken?

In July 2026, Papaya announced the World Solitaire Championship 2026, a nationally televised special aimed at bringing skill-based mobile entertainment to a broader audience. Additionally, in July 2025, the Papaya Swing campaign won two gold awards at the Creative Circle Awards in the UK.

What was a notable funding event for Papaya?

In August 2021, Papaya received funding from investors including Rainfall Ventures. This was part of a series of funding rounds that have contributed to the company's total capital raised of $3.5M.