Геймер за комп’ютером із підказками штучного інтелекту на екрані, платформа Lobby9
/ News / By

Ukrainian gaming startup Lobby9 attracts 60,000 users and joins Sam Altman’s program: innovation in gaming and new opportunities for Ukrainian technologies

Key takeaways

  • Lobby9 is an innovative Ukrainian platform that uses artificial intelligence to enhance the gaming experience.
  • In less than a year, the project has attracted over 60,000 users and received support from Sam Altman’s The Residency program.
  • The project opens up opportunities for Ukrainian companies to scale globally.
  • Key challenges include developing AI for different games, as well as acquiring and retaining users.

Table of contents

What is Lobby9 and why does it matter?

Lobby9 is not just another gaming forum or social club. It is an innovative social platform with a built-in artificial intelligence assistant, created to transform the experience of gamers around the world. Developers from Kharkiv have built a product that combines a gaming community with cutting-edge AI technologies to make gameplay more personalized, efficient, and engaging.

This compelling idea is supported by strong interest from gamers worldwide and investment backing, in particular from Sam Altman’s The Residency program.

Key features and achievements of Lobby9

Audience growth and popularity. In just 7–8 months, the Kharkiv-based team has managed to gather over 60,000 users on its waiting list. This demonstrates strong demand and interest from the global gaming community. Moreover, a large share of users comes from the US, the UK, India and Bangladesh.

Innovative AI assistant. The platform’s key advantage is its built-in AI that helps players complete levels, find hidden content and develop strategies. Solutions based on ChatGPT demonstrate a high level of personalization.

Scaling plans. An MVP has already been launched, the team is testing the platform with real players, and is planning expansion into the US, UK and Indian markets. By the end of 2026, they aim to scale further, taking user feedback and challenges into account.

Partnership programs. The team plans to partner with game retailers such as GameStop and Wellmart to make the platform more accessible and popular.

What key challenges does the Ukrainian startup face?

The virtual gaming and AI platform market is a highly competitive space that poses a number of challenges for Lobby9:

  • Developing and integrating AI for different games. The technology must take into account the specifics of each game, which requires deep expertise in both artificial intelligence and game design.
  • User acquisition and retention. Due to intense competition, the platform needs constant feature updates and truly unique capabilities.
  • Overcoming paywall barriers. It is crucial to keep the product accessible and reduce financial friction for active players.

What does the future hold for this Ukrainian startup?

The potential for scaling internationally opens up many opportunities for Lobby9. Building partnership programs, integrating with retail platforms and creating a unique gaming experience are all steps toward securing a place among the world’s leading gaming services. For Ukrainian companies, this is a chance to prove they can build technologies at a global level.

Overall, Lobby9 is an example of how a Ukrainian team can compete globally, develop innovative solutions and shape Ukraine’s image on the world stage. It serves as a source of inspiration for other startups and as proof that the country is capable of delivering real technological breakthroughs.

Practical tips for businesses and executives

  • Study the market and competition using analytics tools to stay informed about new technologies and trends.
  • Build innovative, user-centric solutions and respond quickly to feedback.
  • Invest in artificial intelligence and automation to improve efficiency.
  • Don’t be afraid to go global — this is where the best opportunities for Ukrainian technologies emerge.

Conclusion and call to action

The story of Lobby9 is a vivid example of how Ukrainian startups can succeed in high-tech industries and compete on the global stage. It proves that Ukraine is capable of creating competitive, innovative solutions and bringing them to international markets.

FAQ

What is Lobby9?

Lobby9 is an innovative AI-powered social platform for gamers, created in Ukraine to personalize the gaming experience and help players complete levels, discover hidden content and test strategies.

What are its main achievements?

In a short time, the project has attracted over 60,000 users to its waiting list and received support from Sam Altman’s The Residency program. An MVP has already been launched, and the team is planning further scaling.