Freedom Holding acquired ChessBase and is investing in the development of the platform.

Kazakh investment and technology company Freedom Holding Corp. announced the acquisition of ChessBase, one of the world's largest developers of chess software, analytics, and databases.

The deal was announced on April 16, 2026. Investments in platform development are expected to amount to approximately five million euros. Funds will be directed to strengthen ChessBase's market position, including the implementation of artificial intelligence technologies and integration into the company's ecosystem.

Timur Turlov, CEO of Freedom Holding Corp.

I believe that this partnership will strengthen ChessBase's position not only among professional chess players but also open up new opportunities by providing our clients with direct access to more than 11 million users of the group in over 20 countries.

Investments will be directed toward modernizing the platform and developing its technological architecture. ChessBase's headquarters will remain in Hamburg, the core team will be retained, no staff reductions are planned — on the contrary, an expansion of the workforce is expected.

Rainer Knaak, Managing Director of ChessBase

Having an investor who genuinely loves chess is perhaps the best possible scenario. I am confident that the global chess community has many new and exciting opportunities ahead.

ChessBase was founded in 1986 in Hamburg and is considered an industry standard: its products are used by professional chess players worldwide for game analysis and preparation.

The deal reflects the company's strategy for developing its digital ecosystem and integrating new services into the SuperApp, strengthening Freedom Holding's position at the intersection of financial and technological solutions.

Source: ChessBase