Ironwood Studios raises $4m in seed funding round

Pacific Drive developer Ironwood Studios has secured $4 million in a seed funding round led by Lifelike Capital.

The funds will be used to develop the studio’s upcoming project.

“As a team we are very thankful for the opportunity to keep making games and at the same time so incredibly excited for what the future of Ironwood holds,” said Ironwood Studios CEO and creative director Cassandra Dracott.

“This funding round points us towards the best version of that future and we’re thrilled to work alongside Lifelike Capital to make it a reality.”

Lifelike Capital co-founder and general partner Randy Lee added: “The moment we experienced Pacific Drive, it was clear this team has exceptional talent.”

“Their ability to build an immersive world and innovative gameplay, combined with a proven track record of shipping and launching a game, makes them a natural partner for Lifelike. We’re really excited for what they build next.”

Founded in 2019, Seattle-based Ironwood Studios released its first title, Pacific Drive, in February 2024.

By July 18, the survival driving game had sold 600,000 copies worldwide and surpassed one million sales within its first year.

In December 2024, it was announced that horror filmmaker James Wan had secured the rights to adapt Pacific Drive into a television series.

GamesIndustry.biz spoke to Ironwood’s CEO following the launch of Pacific Drive, discussing how the studio developed the game and its partnership with Kepler Interactive.