Tesoro XP Secures $5.4 Million in Seed Funding for Gamers' Rewards Revolution

Tesoro XP: Pioneering a New Era in Gaming Rewards

Tesoro XP is making significant strides toward transforming the gaming landscape, having recently secured $5.4 million in seed funding. The company, set to launch in 2026, is developing an innovative rewards platform designed specifically to empower retailers to fund in-game currency for free-to-play gamers. This initiative aims to bridge the gap between traditional retail marketing and the immersive virtual economies of popular games.

Founded by industry veterans Sami Khan, Tim Mahler, and Beau Button, Tesoro XP emerges as a response to the frustrations faced by the 220 million free-to-play gamers in the U.S. Today, only 15% of players generate a staggering 65% of the gaming revenue on platforms like the App Store. This skewed model often leaves lower-income players and younger audiences feeling excluded from virtual economies.

In a gaming world where virtual currency is immensely profitable yet typically inaccessible, Tesoro XP's mission is ambitious. The platform allows players to earn in-game currency through everyday purchases. Gamers can now unlock premium items that were previously out of reach, all while retailers engage meaningfully in the gaming ecosystem. By leveraging marketing budgets, Tesoro serves to benefit both gamers who desire access and retailers eager to align with this passionate consumer base.

According to co-founder Sami Khan, "Players feel increasingly left out of rich gaming experiences when they're unable to access the latest in-game items. With Tesoro, retailers will drive engagement without the traditional pay-to-play barriers. Our model ensures that retailers only pay when purchases are verified, creating a performance-driven system that benefits everyone involved."

The interest from major game studios and national retail brands speaks volumes about the potential impact of Tesoro's platform. With industry leaders like Treasury and TK MediaTech Ventures backing them, the company is poised to integrate retail offers directly into games, thereby marrying entertainment with tangible purchasing behavior.

Jeff Cruttenden, a founding partner at Treasury and a new member of Tesoro's Board, stated, "Gamers represent one of the most engaged consumer segments globally. Tesoro’s innovative model aligns the interests of retailers, publishers, and players in a groundbreaking way."

Also enthusiastic about this upcoming venture, Jim Ward from TK MediaTech Ventures remarked, "This model captures the essence of where media, technology, and consumer behavior intersect. By redefining interactions between players, publishers, and retailers, we foresee Tesoro's significant contribution to the future of gaming."

The influx of capital will speed up Tesoro's roadmap, especially in building its developer SDK, expanding the publisher portal, and establishing stronger ties with merchant partners. As the game industry accelerates toward integrated customer experiences, Tesoro XP is preparing for a landmark launch in Q1 2026.

With Tesoro XP’s arrival, a new era of gaming accessibility and engagement is on the horizon. Players will no longer be sidelined due to their ability to pay; instead, they will enjoy a more inclusive gaming experience while retailers capitalize on newfound loyalty and customer interaction. As the gaming world eagerly awaits the launch, Tesoro XP stands ready to redefine how rewards are distributed and monetized in one of the most dynamic industries today.