Discover if this is a suitable investor for your startup. If they are we'll make a warm introduction for free. Otherwise, we'll connect you with matching investors.
The Games Fund is an early-stage venture capital fund founded in 2021 by veterans of the video game industry. The firm operates from two locations: New York, United States, and Limassol, Cyprus. With a fund size of $50 million, The Games Fund focuses on investing in game developers, gaming technologies, and related services. The team consists of approximately 14 professionals, including six partners, who bring extensive experience from various sectors of the gaming industry.
Since its inception, The Games Fund has built a portfolio of 23 companies, making it one of the largest gaming-focused funds in Eastern Europe and Cyprus. The firm emphasizes supporting ambitious projects from inception to growth, providing not only capital but also valuable industry experience and connections. This approach has positioned The Games Fund as a key player in the gaming investment landscape.
The Games Fund invests primarily in early-stage companies within the video game sector, specifically targeting pre-seed, seed, and seed-plus stages. The firm seeks to support developers from the inception of their ideas, emphasizing ambitious projects that demonstrate potential for growth. The fund's investment strategy includes backing game developers, gaming technologies, and related services, with a strong focus on founder-centric investments.
Investment checks typically range from $500,000 to $2 million, allowing The Games Fund to lead or co-lead rounds effectively. The firm is particularly interested in founders who possess original intellectual property (IP), ambition, and a passion for gaming. Geographic focus includes the United States, with a concentration on emerging markets in Eastern Europe and Cyprus.
The Games Fund's portfolio includes a diverse range of companies within the gaming sector. Notable portfolio companies include:
Maria Kochmola - General Partner. Maria has a background as VP at Belka Games and MyGames (MGVC), where she led over 35 gaming investments, resulting in six acquisitions.
Ilya Eremeev - General Partner and Co-Founder. Ilya has extensive experience in the gaming industry and has been instrumental in shaping the fund's investment strategy.
Ilya Karpinskiy - General Partner. Ilya brings a wealth of knowledge from his previous roles in the gaming sector, focusing on identifying promising startups.
Sergey Titov - Partner and Co-Founder. Sergey has a strong background in game development and investment, contributing to the fund's strategic direction.
Alena Patorskaya - Head of Legal. Alena oversees legal matters for the fund, ensuring compliance and protecting the interests of portfolio companies.
Roman Ilyutkin - Principal. Roman plays a key role in deal sourcing and evaluation, leveraging his industry connections to identify potential investments.
Grigory Bortnik - Venture Partner. Grigory supports the fund's investment activities and provides insights based on his extensive experience in the gaming industry.
To pitch The Games Fund, founders should send their proposals to apply@gamesfund.vc. It is essential to include a well-structured pitch deck that outlines the business model, market opportunity, and team qualifications. The firm prefers pitches that clearly articulate the unique aspects of the game or technology being developed.
Response times can vary, but founders should expect to hear back within a few weeks. Warm introductions are beneficial but not mandatory. The Games Fund values direct communication and encourages founders to reach out with their ideas.
In 2023, The Games Fund co-led a $3.25 million funding round for Hypemasters, contributing $1 million to the round alongside GEM Capital and Ludus. This investment supports the development of their mobile RTS game, 'World War Armies.'
Additionally, The Games Fund led a $5 million funding round for Red Rover Interactive, which later raised a $15 million Series A with Krafton, indicating strong follow-on interest from strategic investors.
The firm continues to expand its portfolio, actively seeking new investment opportunities in the gaming sector, with a focus on innovative and ambitious projects.
What are The Games Fund's investment criteria?
The Games Fund focuses on early-stage investments in the gaming sector, specifically targeting pre-seed, seed, and seed-plus stages. They look for ambitious projects led by founders with original IP and a strong passion for gaming.
How can I apply or pitch to The Games Fund?
Founders can pitch their ideas by sending an email to apply@gamesfund.vc. It is recommended to include a detailed pitch deck outlining the business model, market opportunity, and team background.
What makes The Games Fund different from other VCs?
The Games Fund is unique due to its deep roots in the gaming industry, with a team comprised of veterans who understand the nuances of game development. They provide not only capital but also strategic guidance and industry connections to help portfolio companies succeed.
What is the geographic scope of The Games Fund's investments?
The firm primarily invests in the United States but also has a strong focus on emerging markets in Eastern Europe and Cyprus, making it a key player in those regions.
What is the typical check size for investments?
The Games Fund typically invests between $500,000 and $2 million in early-stage companies, allowing them to lead or co-lead funding rounds effectively.
What kind of post-investment involvement can founders expect?
Founders can expect active involvement from The Games Fund post-investment, including strategic guidance, mentorship, and access to a network of industry contacts to help navigate challenges and opportunities in the gaming landscape.
All trademarks, logos and brand names are the property of their respective owners. All company, product and service names used in this website are for identification purposes only. Use of these names, trademarks, and brands does not imply endorsement.