Michael Liebe’s Post

InvestGame's Gaming VC Funds List — I'm excited to announce our latest feature, a project the entire team has dedicated themselves to with high dedication. Explore profiles of over 60 gaming-focused funds, complete with all the necessary information to understand their nature. Offering insights into investment focus (regions/sectors), AUM, contact details, and more, our comprehensive database is a vital source for studio founders who are seeking funding or just starting in the gaming industry. Some interesting information from the list: - There are 60+ gaming-focused VC/PE funds worldwide - These funds have collectively raised over $15 billion in capital to date - We are planning to add generalist VCs actively investing in gaming and numerous corporate gaming funds, totaling 100 investors overall! Link to our short version: https://lnkd.in/evWp9qiD Our list will receive regular updates and will soon encompass generalist VCs/PEs actively investing in gaming, along with numerous gaming CVC funds. Subscribe to our Patreon Premium now for access to this list and more market intelligence! Link to complete list: https://lnkd.in/eKD3e_sw Feel free to reach out to discuss the list or any other topic related to investment in the gaming industry.

We peeled back the layers of the Web3 gaming industry through the eyes of those who fuel its growth - Venture Capitalists. Here are the highlights and learning opportunities: 🚀Venture Capitalist and Founder Insights: The Next Level of Web3 Gaming🎮 1. A Founder's Milestone: The pivotal moment your Web3 gaming project catches a VC's eye. What makes your project shine in that crucial evaluation? ✨ 2. Founders' Wisdom: Crucial advice for Web3 gaming pioneers. Learn from the trenches to sidestep common missteps on your path to funding. 🛣️ 3. Balancing Act: Navigating the tightrope between innovative disruption and the risks of emerging tech. How do VCs manage it? 🎭 4. Success Stories: Stories of standout Web3 gaming projects that made the cut. Learn what makes a project investment-worthy from a VC's perspective. 🎖️ 🔗 Details in the Discussion Here: https://lnkd.in/gseT3XWf 💡 Have thoughts or questions on the intersection of VC and Web3 gaming? Let's discuss below. 🔄 Sharing is caring! Pass this along to anyone keen on the future of gaming and investment.

🎮 Fundraising in Gaming: Challenges and Future Trends 💸 As of mid-2024, securing funding for gaming companies has become notably difficult, reflecting broader shifts in the investment landscape. According to recent data from Konvoy, the #gaming sector has seen a sharp decline in capital influx, dropping from $14 billion in 2021 and 2022 to just $2.7 billion in 2023. 💸 AI Dominance in VC Funding: : The overwhelming focus on #AI investments has diverted funds from gaming. 💸 VCs Between Funds: Many venture capital firms are currently focused on raising new funds, delaying new investments in gaming. This cautious approach stems from the need to maintain fund activity and prepare for future market conditions. 💸 Interest Rates: Higher interest rates have impacted investment decisions. 💸 Low Valuations: Reduced valuations have made fundraising more challenging. Despite these challenges, there are signs of potential recovery by 2025. 👀 Learn more about these insights and predictions for future investment trends in the gaming industry. https://lnkd.in/dEhWRpdR

The #gaming sector is in focus for corporate #investors. Since the start of February #CVC investors have backed 42 #startup funding rounds in games, gaming and #esports. #corporateinvestment #VC

https://lnkd.in/gaT_jTAw Success in Gaming Investments: The Power of Shared Vision 🎮💡 It's great to see enhanced investment coming back to supporting gaming start ups. In a recent conversation with a VC friend I asked about the critical factors they consider when investing in video game studios. While elements like an experienced team, existing brand, and robust transmedia opportunities are undoubtedly vital, he didn't mention shared vision and alignment across the team. Given the investment and the science, I felt like an oversight. As highlighted in the Games Outcome Project and echoed in The New York Times article "What Google Learned From Its Quest to Build the Perfect Team," research consistently underscores the significance of shared vision in achieving exceptional outcomes. It's not merely about having a talented team or a renowned brand; it's about having a group of individuals unified by a common purpose and aligned in their objectives. The insights shared in "Ask Iwata," highlighted "shared vision" as a contributing factor for the Wii's success. Coincidence given the industry's recent struggles and Nintendo's ability to stay ahead of it? Maybe. When looking at the data it becomes evident that having a shared vision cultivates a culture of collaboration, innovation, and resilience within video game development and publishing teams. It serves as the guiding force that fuels creativity, drives decision-making, and propels projects toward success. Moreover, as highlighted in this article, increased investment in video game teams signifies a recognition of the industry's potential and the value of nurturing environments where shared vision thrives.

🎮 👆 Game VC in 2024: Breaking out of the vacuum and attracting more investment from big no-game players. Yesterday, I had the opportunity to attend the PitchBook's Tech Talks session on "The State of Gaming Investments in 2024." It was exciting to be part of a discussion with such a distinguished group, including industry experts Grigory Bortnik Scott Rupp, Sikander Singh Chahal, and Eric Bellomo. >>> Here are some key takeaways from the meeting: 1. There is a growing trend of generalist investors and diverse strategic initiatives, such as those from Saudi Arabia and the Emirates, investing more in the gaming industry that will shake up the market after a period of stagnation. However, despite Saudi Arabia's substantial investment potential and large population, there is a noticeable lack of local game studios compared to regions like Finland, which has a higher concentration of game developers. This highlights an opportunity for growth and development in the gaming sector within the country. The same goes for India. The Indian gaming market is expanding, driven by a growing middle class, widespread internet connectivity, and a large English-speaking population. Mobile gaming is particularly advanced in India, but other gaming platforms are also beginning to develop. These regional developments underscore the dynamic nature of the game industry, where small studios are making significant impacts. The rise of game development hubs in Eastern Europe and the Nordics reflect a broader trend towards innovation and diversification in the global gaming market. Larian Studios is a great example of a small studio that has grown rapidly last years and recently swept up all the awards, beating out all the major players in the market. By the way, they recently opened an office in Warsaw. 2. There is a significant emphasis on game innovations, particularly with the integration of AI. AI is expected to transform aspects of gaming, such as non-playable characters (NPCs) and enhancing user experiences through advanced AI tools. There is a consensus that the gaming industry will not be dominated by a single AI solution but rather a variety of AI applications. 3. The mobile gaming sector is entering a new chapter, with LTV increasing for established players. This indicates a maturing market with higher returns on investment for successful mobile games. We are also seeing the second coming of portable devices with Steam Deck, Asus Rog Ally and others. The gaming VC sector is somewhat isolated, but there is recognition that the game industry functions as an interconnected ecosystem, suggesting a need for more openness and collaboration within the industry. ❓ What are your thoughts on the future of AI in gaming? ❓ Do you see your region emerging as a gaming hub?" #GamingIndustry #GameInvestment #GamingVC #TechInvestment #GamingTrends #MobileGaming #AIGaming #PortableGaming #Nordics #Saudi

The latest data from Konvoy shows the #gaming industry is forecast to close out 2024 with a more than $188 billion valuation, with the market value set to top $223 billion by 2029. As with other #tech sectors, however, #VC and #privateequity #funding data show a mixed bag for gaming businesses, with a lot of investment isolated among a few high-profile players—to say nothing of the “gold rush” for #AI. We break down the winners (#growth phase gaming businesses), losers (early-stage entrants), and non-equity funding opportunities that this latest #gamingindustry #investment data reveals on our blog. https://lnkd.in/e4DwejGP

I sat down with Aaron Bush at Naavik to talk through my latest thoughts on games investing. We covered a lot of ground, including spicy takes on: 1) Why most game studios shouldn't raise VC 2) The characteristics of the ones that should 3) Is gaming overinvested? 4) How to adapt to the end of the cheap money era 5) What's underhyped in gaming today 6) The impact of AI on game development 7) How to identify sources of distribution advantage 8) How startups can build moats to escape competition 9) How we invest and what we look for

Interesting analysis. “We expect that fundraising in gaming will remain challenging for the next 12 months for most companies. We believe that the broader macro environment around rates, elections, IPO markets, and lack of liquidity are putting broader pressure on the entire market around private investments. Within gaming, valuations will likely remain lower for longer yet after a few marginal rate cuts, we expect growth equity checks to unlock in 2025 (which will be welcomed news for the best operators of the trailing 24 months).”

Your Gaming Idea Could Get $750k: Apply Now for A16Z GAMES SPEEDRUN! What is A16Z GAMES SPEEDRUN (SR003)? a) The objective of A16Z GAMES SPEEDRUN is to build the future of gaming by developing groundbreaking ideas at the intersection of tech and games. b) Where, you receive $750K investment from A16Z GAMES besides this investment you will be getting mentoring and coaching from gaming industry experts. What is the selection Process? The selection process is highly selective and only top 1% startups will make it to the cohort. Who are these 1%? a) Founders who are passionate and super smart. b) They know what makes them special and how to succeed. c) They have a right team or skillset to bring their idea to life(Tech, Business, Design etc.,). d) Working on strong concept ideally with some evidence that it will work(POCs, User Data etc.,). When and where? 🗓 : July 29th - Oct 20th (12 weeks) 🌎 : Weekly events in LA, Demo Day in San Francisco Who can apply?  Early-stage founders with ANY tech-powered gaming idea (think live ops tools, Game AI, Game Streaming Platforms, User Generated Content Apps, AR/VR, Metaverse and obviously Games!) Don't miss out! Applications open April 1st - May 19th! #applynow ➡️ https://sr.a16z.com/ Learn More ➡️ https://lnkd.in/gpd2Egec #gamedev #tech #accelerator #startup #funding #speedrun #gamedevelopment #goalreify #gamesindustry #gamingnews #gamingindustry