Joystick Ventures

Joystick Ventures invests primarily in independent game developers who demonstrate unique intellectual property (IP) and strong leadership. The firm focuses on the seed and Series A stages, providing tailored support to help developers navigate the complexities of game publishing and marketing. Joystick Ventures emphasizes collaboration, ensuring that developers receive the necessary guidance while maintaining control over their creative projects.

The firm’s investment strategy includes a focus on sectors such as video games, indie games, PC and console games, and interactive entertainment. Joystick Ventures seeks to identify developers with standout IP and proven collaboration skills, providing not only financial support but also strategic publishing and marketing assistance. This approach allows developers to concentrate on creating innovative games while benefiting from industry expertise in go-to-market strategies, publisher relationships, and discoverability.

Joystick Ventures has a diverse portfolio of 11 notable companies in the gaming sector. These include:

• AntonBlast: An action-packed retro platformer with a hand-animated pixel aesthetic.
• Chicken Police: Into the Hive!: A film-noir detective adventure game focused on uncovering a conspiracy.
• Toy Tactics: A physics-based real-time strategy game where players draw formations to command toy troops.
• Hell Of An Office: A first-person platformer set in a hellish office environment.
• Lost In Play: A point-and-click adventure game about a brother and sister navigating surreal landscapes.
• Do Not Feed The Monkeys 2099: A sequel to the acclaimed game, focusing on surveillance and ethical dilemmas.
• FixFox: An open-world adventure game about a mechanic stranded on a mysterious planet.
• Big Boy Boxing: An action, slapstick, boss-rush game with humorous elements.
• Phantom Fury: A first-person action game featuring a mix of adventure and combat.
• Enter The Chronosphere: A psychedelic roguelike that combines real-time action with turn-based tactics.
• StarVaders: A deckbuilder game where players pilot a mech to defend Earth from alien invaders.

This portfolio reflects Joystick Ventures' commitment to supporting innovative and diverse gaming experiences, particularly in the indie game development space.

Ivan Carrillo: Managing Partner. Ivan has extensive experience as a CTO and venture-capital operator, having launched four companies with a combined valuation exceeding $100 million.

Dmitri Bourkovski: Managing Partner. Dmitri brings over 20 years of experience in the video game industry, having established Noviy Disk's games division and created an exclusive Nintendo distributor in Russia.

Justin Berenbaum: Principal. Justin has nearly 30 years of experience in game strategy, publishing, and international business development, previously serving as VP of Strategy at Xsolla.

Ed Lin: Principal. Ed has over 20 years of experience across publishers, studios, and startups, having launched more than 50 titles and worked on major franchises like Mortal Kombat and Uncharted.

Ernest Chung: Analyst. Ernest serves as Head Playtester and Analyst at Joystick Ventures, with over 8 years of experience in the gaming industry.

Oscar Sanchez: Controller. Oscar has a finance and regulatory background, including experience with Mexico's National Banking and Securities Commission.

Andrea Navarro: Legal. Andrea is the Head of Legal at Joystick Ventures, providing essential legal support for the firm's operations.

To pitch Joystick Ventures, founders should use the contact form available on their website. A successful pitch should include a playable build or vertical slice of the game, along with a detailed genre and platform plan. It is important to outline the team's track record, production timeline, budget, and marketing hooks.

Founders should also be prepared to discuss what Joystick Ventures can bring beyond financial support, such as guidance on go-to-market strategies and publisher relationships. While specific response times are not disclosed, it is advisable to follow up if no response is received within a reasonable timeframe.

Warm introductions are beneficial but not mandatory. Joystick Ventures is open to inbound opportunities from indie game developers looking for both funding and strategic support.

In recent months, Joystick Ventures has been actively involved in the gaming industry, with several notable developments. The firm has continued to expand its portfolio, recently adding titles such as StarVaders, which launched on PC via Steam in April 2025, and Chicken Police: Into the Hive!, which has been highlighted for its unique storytelling and gameplay.

Additionally, Joystick Ventures has been recognized for its role in supporting indie game developers, providing not only funding but also essential publishing and marketing guidance. The firm is actively seeking new game projects to join its portfolio, indicating a commitment to fostering innovation in the gaming sector.