gaming startup investment accelerators grants

You have a Gaming Start-up, you want to find funds, for your business. Let's dive into the gaming investment avenue.

Gajda Andreea

11/29/202513 min read

💡 Tip:

Seeking a Publisher

If you’re seeking a publisher, do not launch the demo or game. Instead, focus on polishing content on social media. Some publishers may accept a Steam page created without a demo or game, while others might want a Steam page with the demo or game but will look at the number of wishlists, sales, followers, etc.

To put things in perspective, £2k for an early-stage founder can be developing a basic landing page, a week's worth of Google Ads, one month's membership payment for a co-working space, initial branding and logo design services, domain registration and basic web hosting charges, and perhaps paying for a cost-effective social media marketing campaign.

Founders of gaming startups often turn to crowdfunding platforms to raise funds. Here are some popular platforms they use, many accelerators and incubators exist in this industry a sneak peek to them is here, but I do have 6000+ more of every type in the gaming industry, investors etc:

1. Gamefound: Launched in 2015 by the Awaken Realms group, Gamefound is a crowdfunding platform with a robust community of

almost 1 million backers. It facilitates campaigns for games of all kinds, including tabletop games, video games, and card games.

Screen Queensland doubles funding for local digital games sector

We are a Gaming VC investing
in Europe, Central Asia and Turkey

link

OpenVC has a larger data base with investors where you can find accurate ones, and submit your pitch deck too

Meet.Capital was born in my previous startup, when I figured out a consistent and effective way to connect with angel investors. We're here to provide you with the best investor databases and the best guidance and content for founders raising capital.

From NVDIA, GPU Grant program here

Write your te1. GameOnTableTop:

This is a crowdfunding platform specifically for creators of tabletop games. In addition to serving as a

crowdfunding portal, GameOnTableTop offers tools for eCommerce, order management, and digital fulfillment.

2. Pozible:

Based in Australia, Pozible supports crowdfunding campaigns for various projects, and it has a sizable community of gamers in

its Technology and Gaming category.

3. Kickstarter:

American platform Kickstarter is one of the most popular crowdfunding sites in the world, and its #1 category is Games.

4. Indiegogo:

is the largest international crowdfunding platform that features categories for both video games and tabletop games.

Absolutely, there are several alternative ways to fund a gaming startup:

5. Venture Capital (VC) Funding:

This involves raising money from venture capitalists who invest in startups. There are now many gaming-focused VC funds, and the number has grown significantly in recent years.

6. Angel Investors: These are individuals who provide capital for startups in exchange for ownership equity or convertible debt. They can be found through other entrepreneurs, lawyers, accountants, AngelList, angel investor networks, venture capitalists, investment bankers, and crowdfunding sites.

7. Bootstrapping:

This is when indie game developers fund their projects through self-funding3.

8. Project Funding:

Under this model, you find a game publisher who pays for the development cost of the game.

9. Grants and Tax Relief:

Some countries offer grants and tax incentives to support the gaming industry.

10. Accelerators and Incubators:

These programs provide funding, mentorship, and resources to startups in exchange for equity

Game Jams or Meetups: Organizing your game jams or meetups can help you get feedback from other gamers and potentially attract investors.

Debt Crowdfunding:

Under this model, contributors act as individual lenders and are paid back in monthly installments.
Equity Crowdfunding:

This option gives contributors shares of your company in exchange for investments.
Online Platforms:

Several online platforms connect startups with angel investors. Some of these include: AngelList

A platform that connects startups with angel investors, allowing you to search by industry, location, and other criteria.

LinkedIn:

Use the advanced search feature to find angel investors based on their job title, industry, and location.

Angel Capital Association:

The official industry alliance of over 100 of the largest angel investor groups in the United States.

Gust:
Evaluates various funding sources for startups.
Angel Groups and Angel Investment Networks:

Get involved with angel forums, angel investor networks, and angel groups The Angel Capital Association (ACA) is a professional society of accredited angel investors who make up the world’s most prolific early-stage investment class.

The association is the largest professional development organization for angel investors in the world, deploying more than $650 million in early-stage capital each year.

15. ACA provides an insider perspective that can help you make smart investment decisions. It offers knowledge sharing, best practices, and
insights from top angels to ensure smarter investment decisions.

ACA also represents and connects the most active seed-stage investors
from around the world.
ACA is involved in public policy advocacy, working in Washington DC and states with grassroots efforts to build supportive American
public policies that protect angel investors and their role in job creation.

It also provides representation to public policymakers to safeguard
angel investor rights.
ACA is not a direct funding source, but it works with incubators, universities, economic development organizations, and others to support
entrepreneurship and assist startups in their quest for knowledge about angel capital.
The association has more than 14,000 accredited investors who invest individually or through its 250+ angel groups, accredited platforms,
and family offices.
16. Crowd Supply:

This platform is also quite popular among startups.
17. StartEngine and Wefunder:

These are some of the best and easiest platforms for investing in startups.
18. iFundWomen:

This platform is specifically designed for women entrepreneurs.
19. GoFundMe:
is best for charitable causes.
20. Fundable:
offers a flat fee option.
Crunchbase is a platform that serves as a comprehensive database for startups and the investment scene. It provides information about
startup funding rounds, venture capital investments, and profiles on startups, investors, and public and private companies.
Here are some key features of Crunchbase:
21. Discover Companies: Crunchbase allows you to discover innovative companies and the people behind them.
22. Insights & Analysis: It provides insights and analysis on the latest trends in the startup and investment scene.

23. Funding Rounds: Crunchbase features funding rounds from various companies, including a curated list of $100 million-plus VC
funding rounds.
24. Find Investors: Crunchbase can help you find investors for your startup3. It provides an all-in-one business prospecting solution
powered by the leader in private-company data.
25. Networking: It allows you to identify individuals to reach out to with verified contact data.
Crunchbase is a valuable resource for anyone looking to understand the landscape of startups and investments, whether you’re an
entrepreneur seeking funding or an investor looking for the next big thing.
There are several alternatives to Crunchbase that you might find useful:
26. ZoomInfo SalesOS: This platform provides a large, accurate, and frequently refreshed database of contact and company insights.
27. Apollo

is a unified platform that ensures reps reach the right person, at the right time, with the right message.
28. Owler:
provides news alerts and is commonly compared to Crunchbase.
29. Clearbit:
provides powerful products and data APIs to help your business grow.
30. LinkedIn:
is a social network that focuses on professional networking and career development.
31. AngelList:
is a platform for startups to meet investors, candidates, and incubators.
32. Beta List:
provides an overview of upcoming internet startups, and also delivers startup-related news.
33. StartupBase:
is a community of makers and early adopters showcasing their startups and exchanging feedback.
34. Polywork:
is a professional social network that allows you to post updates about what you’re working on and what you’ve
achieved.

35. Bureau van Dijk (A Moody’s Analytics Company): Bureau van Dijk is a major publisher of business information, and specializes in
private company data combined with software for searching and analyzing companies.
36. Tracxn:

is a research platform that tracks startups, private companies, and emerging sectors.

37. PrivCo:
is the source for business and financial research on major privately-held companies.
38. DueDil:
is an online tool that combines comprehensive sources of company information to uncover business opportunities and
understand risks.
F6S is a platform that supports the global startup community. It connects founders and startups to funding, jobs, and free hosting
deals. With over 4 million members, F6S is the largest global startup network. It delivers billions in growth to startup founders and their
companies, along with corporates, governments, and programs in the global startup ecosystem.
Here are some key features of F6S:
39. Connect with Accelerators, Grants, and Contracts: F6S helps startups connect with accelerators, grants, and contracts to help them
grow.
40. Free Deals: F6S offers free deals to startups. For example, they offer a 12-month Startup Enterprise plan from Cloudflare.
41. Startup Jobs: F6S features a job board that employers can use to advertise vacancies and connect with talented professionals in a range
of industries both locally and abroad.
42. Networking: F6S provides a platform for networking among founders, startups, and investors
F6S is headquartered in the U.K. but serves the global startup community3. It’s a great resource for anyone involved in the startup
ecosystem.
Yes, there are several other alternatives to F6S. Here are some of them:

43. Gust: is a platform that helps startups connect with the largest collection of investors across the world.
44.

[Captable.io](http://captable.io/) is a free, powerful, equity management software used by over 26,000 companies to keep accurate records, plan
financing rounds, generating reports, and track changes.

45. SeedInvest:

provides investors with inside access to highly-vetted startup investment opportunities and makes investing in
startups as easy as buying a share of stock.
46. Dealroom:

is a platform that connects investors and tech companies. They operate across all investment stages, from seed
stage to late growth stage.
1. Kiva:
envisions a financially inclusive world where all people hold the power to improve their own lives.
2. REVOLUT:
is a digital banking alternative for instant payment notifications, free international money transfers and global free
spending.
3. Silicon Valley Bank:
provides financial solutions and business insights designed for growing companies.
4. Next Insurance:
Next Insurance offers small business owners insurance that’s totally different.
5. Fundbox:
leverages deep data analytics to accelerate cash flow and clear invoices for small businesses.

6. Gaming-Focused Angel Investors and Funds:

Look for angel investors and venture capital firms that specialize in gaming and e-sports
investments. Some examples include "BITKRAFT Ventures," "London Venture Partners," and "Makers Fund."
7. Gaming and E-sports Accelerators:
Joining an accelerator program that focuses on gaming startups can provide not only investment
but also valuable industry insights and connections.
Examples include "Y Combinator," "DreamHack Beyond," and "GameFounders."
8. Esports Investment Groups:
E-sports-focused investment groups and organizations like "E-sports VC," "Wisdom Gaming Group," and
"ReKTGlobal" may provide funding and support for e-sports-related startups.

Gaming Grants and Contests:
Look for gaming grants
and contests that offer cash prizes and investment opportunities. For example, the "Intel Level Up Game Developer Contest" and offers financial support to indie game developers.

Games Capital: Games Capital is a venture capital fund that focuses on
early-stage investments in gaming and interactive entertainment companies. They invest in a wide range of gaming-related businesses,
including game development studios, e-sports, and gaming technology companies.
9. VGames:
is a venture capital firm and accelerator program that specializes in the gaming industry. They provide funding,
mentorship, and resources to gaming startups, helping them grow and succeed in the gaming market.
10. Fig:
is a crowdfunding and investment platform designed specifically for video game development. It allows developers to raise
funds from both accredited and non-accredited investors, as well as from their community of gamers.

11. IGDA Foundation's Next Gen Leaders Program:

The International Game Developers Association (IGDA) Foundation offers funding
and support to diverse and underrepresented talent in the gaming industry through its Next Gen Leaders Program.
12. Play Ventures:
is a venture capital fund that focuses on early-stage investments in gaming and gaming technology
startups. They provide capital, mentorship, and a network of industry experts to help gaming companies grow.
13. Game Jolt Publishing:
is a game publishing platform that can help indie game developers secure funding and
support for their projects. They offer access to resources and potential investors in the gaming industry.
1. Execution Labs:
is an accelerator program for independent game developers. They offer funding, mentorship, and
resources to help gaming startups develop and launch their games.
14. Esports Investment Groups:

Several investment groups and organizations are specifically dedicated to e-sports startups and
opportunities. These include "E-sports VC" and "Wisdom Gaming Group."
15. Esports Accelerators:

Accelerator programs like "DreamHack Beyond" and "GameFounders" focus on e-sports startups and can provide
investment, guidance, and industry connections.
16. Blockchain and NFT Gaming Communities:

If your gaming startup involves blockchain or NFT integration, consider connecting
with blockchain and NFT gaming communities, where you can find potential investors interested in the intersection of gaming and
blockchain technology.
several well-known incubators and accelerators that specifically support gaming startups by providing funding, mentorship, resources, and
access to the gaming industry network.

Here are some prominent ones:

17. Y Combinator:

is a renowned startup accelerator that has supported many successful gaming startups. While it's not
gaming-specific, it has a track record of backing innovative game-related companies.
18. DreamHack Beyond Accelerator:

offers an accelerator program for e-sports and gaming startups. It provides
support, mentorship, and networking opportunities in the gaming and e-sports industry.
19. GameFounders:
is a gaming-focused accelerator that offers early-stage funding, mentorship, and access to a global
network of gaming experts. They help game startups develop their products and scale their businesses.
1. ReKTGlobal:

is an e-sports infrastructure company that offers investment and support to e-sports startups. They focus on
companies involved in e-sports, gaming, and entertainment.
2. Xsolla Capital:

is a venture fund that invests in gaming startups. They support companies in various stages of
development, from early-stage to growth-stage gaming businesses. Xsolla funding club

3. Betaworks Camp:

is an accelerator program that supports early-stage startups, including those in the gaming and
interactive media sectors. They provide funding and guidance to emerging companies.

4. The Venture Reality Fund (The VR Fund):

While initially focused on virtual reality, The VR Fund has expanded its scope to include
augmented reality, mixed reality, and gaming-related startups. They provide investment and resources to innovative companies.

5. IndieCade:

is an organization that supports independent game developers and offers opportunities for showcasing and
funding. They host events and conferences that can be beneficial for indie gaming startups.

6. Global Top Round (GTR):
is a game accelerator program that provides funding and mentorship to game developers
worldwide. They focus on mobile, PC, and console game projects.
7. Matter Ventures: While not gaming-specific, Matter Ventures is an accelerator that supports media startups. It can be relevant for
gaming companies that aim to innovate in media and content delivery.
8. ESAC Accelerator:

The E-sports Startups and Innovators program (ESAC) offers support and mentorship to e-sports-related startups. It
helps entrepreneurs navigate the e-sports ecosystem and secure investment.

see

A Simple Example of the Option Pool’s Effect on Share Price:
- Let’s consider the total number of shares outstanding in a Start-up= 6 million
- An Investor Investing $2 million
- Pre-money Valuation of the Company= $8 million
- So the Founder may think that the Investor is valuing the company’s stock at $1.33/ share ($ 8 million pre-money valuation/ 6 million shares= $1.33/ share)
- In reality most of the time this is not the case
- During the pre-money valuation, Investors often include a necessary Option Pool.
- Suppose this $8 Million pre-money valuation includes an Option Pool equal to 20% of the post-financing fully diluted capitalization
- This 20% option pool will reduce the Effective Pre-money valuation by $2 million
- Effective Pre-money valuation of the company would be $8 million- $2 million= $6 million
- Share Price= $6 million Effective Pre-money Valuation/ 6 million shares= $1/ share
- So including the Option Pool lowers the Pre-money valuation and simultaneously lowers the share price from $1.33/ share to $ 1/ share.
- Post Money Valuation= $6 Million Effective Pre-Money Valuation+ $ 2million Option Pool+ $2 Million Investment= $ 10 Million; (60% Effective Valuation+ 20% Options+ 20% Investment)
📋 Scenario 2: Suppose the Founder considers a 10% Option Pool instead of a 20% Option Pool
- In this case, the Effective Pre-Money Valuation of the Company would be $7 million ($8 Million Pre-money valuation- $1 million Option Pool)
- Share Price= $7 Million/ 6 million shares ~ $1.17/ share
- Post Money Valuation= $7 Million Effective Pre-Money Valuation+ $ 1million Option Pool+ $2 Million Investment= $ 10 Million; (70% Effective Valuation+ 10% Options+ 20% Investment)
- When the Option Pool size is 20%, the Share Price is $1/ share
- When the Option Pool size is 10%, the Share Price is $1.17/ Share

A Founder should determine the size of the Option Pool. If the Option Pool size is small then they should justify it. The focus should be on increasing the share price and increasing the Effective Valuation.

AWS for Start-ups

AMD FUNDING

Founder growth journey

My main tips for the various stages of the early-stage startup/ founder growth journey, step by step:
💡 Idea stage:
- talk to your target market: what are their pain points? What current solutions are they using that is not enough, or missing some features?
- identify the Problem & Market Gap.
- learn about your Competitors.
- draw up your idea on Business Model Canvas [https://lnkd.in/dptrJm3j ]
📦 MVP:
- build the MVP (a website/ software prototype/ presentation/ basic app/ Figma demo etc.)
- join an incubator to help you do that (our team at Block Dojo is currently accepting applications for the next cohort starting in Sep)
- Could you speak to your target: what features do they find most useful? Which ones do they not like? What is missing? How much would they pay?
- incorporate the feedback, reiterate into new versions, and pivot if needed.
🌱 Pre-Seed:
- have the MVP + Pitch Deck + Financial Forecast ready (for the last one, platforms like Caena come in handy)
- apply for HRMC Advance Assurance (SEIS + EIS)
- set up a small WhatsApp group for your early adopters to exchange ideas.
- create feedback loops that are easy to find, fast to fill out, and worth the time.
- set up monthly update email highlighting your early traction:

waitlist sign-ups?
product development milestones reached,
in discussions with potential partners/ distributors, etc.,
awards, grants, etc won/ awarded
scout for investors who are interested in your space (shipshape.vc allows you to find them with keywords) and engage in conversations to build early relationships.

🌿 Seed

Focus on customer acquisition: develop a go-to-market strategy, establish marketing channels, and acquire early customers. Iterate based on feedback.
Monitoring churn & Retention is crucial. They're your North Star metrics to keep you on track to find your product-market fit.
funding is most likely to come from Angel investors, crowdfunding, accelerators, or Family & Friends. Keep your cap table clean and eyes open when reviewing every Term Sheet you'll get. Do not hand out Equity lightly.

🪴 Series A