Yet another Startup from our IDEES program to be acquired. Kynogon, an ISV specialized in “serious gaming” applications, backed by Innovacom (Fred Humbert), and Cap Decisif, has been acquired this week by Autodesk. A nice exit for two excellent VCs.

Kynapse has been used to develop more than 65 AAA game titles, including Alone in the Dark 5, Crackdown, Fable 2 and The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar. Kynapse gives characters spatial awareness, enabling them to realistically navigate digital environments.

After the acquisition of AS Infor, Polyspace, Pertinence and Seemage, we must admit it’s really hard to build independant and successfull software companies in France. I guess it’s hard to say NO to an upside opportunity. (And I hope the Priceminister acquisition will go all the way).

It also demonstrates that Microsoft partners perform better than… the others but you all  know it, right ?

PS: in 2005, I’ve wasted many hours playing with their little demo called Bodyguard here http://www.kynogon.com/products/demos/  Don’t try this at the office !