We’re excited to announce our investment in Nilo, a groundbreaking game engine that enables rapid game creation using Generative AI and natural language processing. Nilo quickly generates 3D objects, applies physics through voice commands, and revolutionizes how games are made, empowering you to share these immersive 3D experiences directly from your browser via its native AI sandbox.

We believe this company is set to transform the gaming industry, enabling the development of video games at speeds far beyond traditional methods. In less than a year, their spectacular tool has already begun to redefine game creation.

At the heart of Nilo is its visionary founder, Nuno Leiria. With over 15 years of experience building game engines—including groundbreaking work on Unreal Engine 5 and Fortnite at Epic Games. Nuno’s exceptional expertise, vision, and ambition drive this venture forward. His relentless pursuit of innovation and commitment to excellence have not only shaped an outstanding team but also attracted a group of carefully chosen investors ready to support this exciting journey.

Simultaneously, we’re witnessing the rise of a new trend—what some are calling “vibe coding” or “vibe gaming.” This innovative approach empowers creators to design, build, and iterate on their ideas without needing to be technical experts, thanks to the power of generative AI. Nilo is a perfect example of this shift, breaking down traditional barriers and making game development both accessible and dynamic.

We’re also proud to be co-investing with top-tier investors like a16z and Flex Capital, as well as business angels like Logan Kilpatrick, Senior Product Manager at Google Deepmind and ex-OpenAI.

At Next Tier Ventures, we invest in visionary AI founders. Want to be one of them?