Level99, the market leader in interactive, social entertainment venues each with 50+ proprietary, life-sized mini-games and real-world challenges paired with chef-driven cuisine, today announced it has secured an additional $50 million growth equity commitment from Act III Holdings to fuel an accelerated national expansion. This brings the total follow-on Act III investment to $100 million joining their prior $50 million commitment at the end of 2025. The significant capital commitment reflects strong consumer demand and the proven success of Level99’s flagship locations, including the recently opened Disney Springs venue in Lake Buena Vista, Florida.
The new investment will enable Level99 to continue to rapidly expand its footprint across high-visibility markets, in addition to new locations already planned for West Hartford, Connecticut (late 2026), Paramus, New Jersey (2027), King of Prussia, Pennsylvania (2027), and Raleigh, North Carolina (2027). Following these launches, Level99 plans to open four new venues annually starting in 2027, positioning the company as a category-defining entertainment brand with a dominant national presence.
“This additional investment commitment from Act III further validates our vision and demonstrates the strength of our business model as we work to create this new category of entertainment, with Level99 as the clear quality leader,” said Matt DuPlessie, Founder and CEO of Level99. “The successful launch at Disney Springs exceeded expectations and underscores how much Level99 resonates with a broad consumer base across geographies. With the Act III team’s continued support and capital, we’re positioned to sign the best real estate in top markets and establish Level99 as the premier destination for real-world, social, active entertainment.”
Act III Holdings, which has been Level99’s sole equity partner since inception, is doubling down on its commitment to the brand. Ron Shaich, founder and former CEO of Panera Bread and current Chairman and lead investor of Cava, emphasized Act III’s confidence in Level99’s long-term potential.
“Level99 represents one of the most exciting concepts I’ve encountered in my career, and we believe it’s incredibly well-positioned to transform the entertainment landscape,” said Ron Shaich, Chairman of the Board of Level99 and Founder of Act III Holdings. “Matt and his team have created a differentiated, endlessly re-playable experience that combines the engaging mechanics of video games in the real world with the social energy of a premium hospitality venue that has already established a passionate community of consumers.”
Since opening its first location in Natick, Massachusetts in 2021, Level99 has become an award-winning entertainment destination. The company operates locations in Providence, Rhode Island (2024), Tysons, Virginia (2025), and Lake Buena Vista, Florida at Disney Springs (June 2026). Level99 earned the prestigious THEA Award for Outstanding Achievement in Attractions in its inaugural year.
Each Level99 venue spans 35,000 to 50,000 square feet and features over 30 hours of original interactive content across three challenge categories: themed Challenge Rooms where teams collaborate to earn Stars, Duels featuring Player-versus-Player competition in the open Arena, and Hunt Art, an art scavenger hunt experience. Every visitor receives a digital profile that tracks progress and achievements across visits, allowing them to climb the leaderboard, earn rewards, and unlock new content—mechanics borrowed from video games but executed in the real world.
Level99’s offering extends beyond gaming. Each venue features award-winning food and beverage programming, including signature Detroit-style pizza, wagyu burgers, handcrafted cocktails, and craft beers alongside partnerships with renowned breweries—creating a complete sensory and social experience.
About Level99 Level99 is a sprawling entertainment venue offering proprietary, real-world physical and mental interactive challenges and life-sized mini-games. Founded by location-based entertainment innovator Matt DuPlessie, the company is headquartered in Natick, Massachusetts, with additional locations in Providence, Rhode Island; Tysons, Virginia; and Orlando, Florida. Four additional venues are under development in West Hartford, Connecticut; King of Prussia, Pennsylvania; Paramus, New Jersey; and Raleigh, North Carolina. Level99 is backed by Act III Holdings. More information is available at www.level99.com.
About Act III Holdings Act III Holdings is a $2 billion evergreen investment vehicle formed by Ron Shaich, founder and former Chair and Chief Executive Officer of Panera Bread and current Chairman and lead investor of Cava. Act III holds significant investments and strategic advisory roles in Tatte Bakery, Life Alive Organic Café, Honest Greens Barcelona, and Level99, supporting the growth of tomorrow’s market-leading restaurant and entertainment companies. Act III invests in emerging restaurants, entertainment, and technology brands and helps them build a dominant position in powerful categories within their respective industries. Act III also partners with public companies to provide strategic advice and capital. Shaich and his team are known for their long-standing track record of building competitive advantage by successfully fostering innovation and thoughtfully scaling private and public companies to positions of dominance. For more information, visit www.act3holdings.com.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260722732749/en/
Media gallery
