Methods to Secure Employment in Emerging Capital Investment Firms
In the dynamic world of venture capital (VC), several firms are making significant strides in the gaming industry. Among them are Andreessen Horowitz, Tencent Games, and NVIDIA.
Andreessen Horowitz, managing an impressive $18 billion, has ventured into gaming with investments in companies like Axie Infinity, Roblox, Zynga, and even TikTok's US operations. Tencent Games, a global gaming powerhouse known for titles like Honor of Kings and PUBG MOBILE, is another major player. NVIDIA, focusing on AI innovation relevant to gaming, collaborates with VC firms like Accel and Balderton to push the boundaries of the gaming world.
A seasoned VC professional, with 15 years of experience under his belt, offers some advice for those looking to break into the gaming VC scene. He suggests reaching out to gaming-focused VCs with new companies, seeking feedback, and learning from the experiences of established firms.
To gain a deeper understanding of the gaming industry, he recommends playing games, following developers, and reading user reviews. He also encourages studying the top studios and up-and-coming breakout titles. Building relationships with founders and offering help are other ways to earn trust in the VC world.
In addition to the mentioned VC firms, others investing in gaming include 1Up Ventures, A16z Games, Animoca Brands, BITKRAFT Ventures, Dune Ventures, Griffin Gaming Partners, GFR Fund, Hire Capital, Konvoy Ventures, Lvp, Makers Fund, MGVC, Play VC, The Games Fund, and Transcend Fund. Each of these firms has a portfolio of companies that can be studied for insights into successful investments.
The VC veteran advises against starting a career in venture capital right away. Instead, he suggests gaining industry experience first, either by working inside the industry or observing it closely. He also emphasises the importance of building relationships with founders and bringing original insights to the table.
AI is a topic causing concerns about job loss, but it's also a driving force in the gaming industry. The speaker mentions that his godson has just started college, and he has spoken at Web Summit on the topic "How to Land a VC Job."
In the VC world, being a researcher or an outsider is not enough. Building relationships with founders is crucial. The speaker believes that becoming a great VC comes from constant learning and meeting founders. He also advises against relying on a college degree to prepare for a career in venture capital.
Finally, he suggests asking for permission to list oneself as a venture scout on LinkedIn or a resume after a consistent exchange with a VC firm. He advises picking an industry one is genuinely obsessed with for success in early-stage VC. By following these tips, one can become the go-to person for VC firms looking to understand what's happening on the ground in the gaming industry.
