Tesoro XP, a platform that links everyday retail spending to in-game currency, has raised $5.4 million in seed funding to accelerate the development of its rewards ecosystem and grow its partner network. The funding round was co-led by Treasury and TK MediaTech Ventures. As part of the investment, Treasury founding partner and Acorns co-founder Jeff Cruttenden joined Tesoro’s board, while TK MediaTech’s Jim Ward will participate as an observer.
The company plans to use the funding to expand its software development kit (SDK), enhance publisher tools, and grow its network of merchants and game publishers ahead of a planned launch in the first quarter of 2026. Tesoro XP allows game developers to integrate retail-backed rewards into their titles, enabling players to earn in-game currency through verified purchases at participating retailers. Retailers only pay when purchases are confirmed, making the model performance-driven.
Founding Team and Vision
Tesoro XP was founded by CEO Sami Khan, CTO and president Beau Button, and Tim Mahler, who previously worked together at Atlas Reality. The team aims to address gaps in current in-game monetization models. Khan explained that players often feel excluded when they cannot access new in-game items, while publishers look to monetize virtual currency without concern for the funding source. Tesoro XP bridges this gap by connecting existing retail marketing budgets to gaming in a trackable, performance-based system.
According to Khan, the platform represents a new revenue approach for free-to-play games while also offering brands a marketing solution outside of traditional closed-loop campaigns. This positions Tesoro XP as an intermediary between game publishers, players, and retail brands, providing benefits for all parties involved.
Expanding SDKs and Publisher Tools
The platform’s planned updates include enhancements to its SDK and publisher tools, designed to simplify the integration of retail-backed rewards into games. By streamlining the technical side for developers and publishers, Tesoro XP aims to make it easier for games to adopt its system, ultimately increasing player engagement and monetization potential. The expansion of its merchant and publisher network will also create additional opportunities for retail partnerships within the gaming space.
Looking Ahead to 2026
With the seed funding secured and partnerships growing, Tesoro XP is preparing for its official launch in Q1 2026. The company is focused on scaling its team and platform capabilities to support the integration of its rewards system across multiple games and retail partners. By doing so, Tesoro XP hopes to provide a new, measurable way for players, publishers, and brands to interact within the gaming ecosystem.
Source: PocketGamer
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Tesoro XP?
Tesoro XP is a platform that allows players to earn in-game currency by making purchases at participating retailers. The system integrates with games through an SDK and publisher tools, enabling a performance-based rewards model.
How does Tesoro XP make money?
Tesoro XP charges retailers only when purchases are verified, creating a performance-driven model. Game publishers benefit by integrating rewards without upfront costs, while retailers gain measurable marketing results.
Who are the founders of Tesoro XP?
The platform was founded by CEO Sami Khan, CTO and president Beau Button, and Tim Mahler, all of whom previously worked together at Atlas Reality.
When will Tesoro XP launch?
Tesoro XP is planning a launch in the first quarter of 2026, following expansion of its SDK, publisher tools, and partner network.
What type of games can integrate Tesoro XP?
The platform is primarily designed for free-to-play games that use in-game currency, but it can be integrated into a variety of gaming experiences that support virtual rewards.
How does Tesoro XP connect retail and gaming?
Tesoro XP links existing retail marketing budgets to in-game rewards. Players earn currency through verified purchases, giving brands a trackable way to engage with the gaming audience.
