The US gaming industry is a vibrant ecosystem that fuses artistry and technology to create engaging experiences. Companies ranging from indie developers to major studios design remarkable games across various platforms, including consoles, PCs, and mobile devices. The industry offers everything from blockbuster titles to innovative indie projects, with an increasing focus on virtual, augmented, and blockchain gaming. Recent trends point to a growing merger of gaming and social interactivity, creating community-focused experiences. With escalating investment and technological advancements, as well as emerging genres like Web3, the future of the gaming industry looks incredibly promising and interactive.

In the realm of gaming investments, diverse venture capitalists and corporate investors are shaping the future. Companies like Intel Capital and Y Combinator demonstrate a strong presence in Silicon Valley, while newcomers such as Yield Guild Games expand in the NYC tech hub. These 12 investors, founded between 1983 and 2023, vary in size, from small teams to major firms, reflecting their investment appetites. In 2024 alone, they collectively participated in over 1,000 deal counts, signaling robust activity and interest in the expanding gaming sector. Such engagement signifies a lucrative trajectory for venture formations.

Top 12 Gaming Investors in the US

1. Y Combinator

• Website: ycombinator.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 2005
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 802
• LinkedIn: y-combinator

Y Combinator is a prominent startup accelerator and venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2005. It provides funding and mentorship to early-stage technology companies through a structured program that includes resources like the Startup School and co-founder matching services. Y Combinator has successfully launched over 4,000 startups, making it a key player in the technology startup ecosystem. Notably, Y Combinator has invested in several gaming-related companies, including Machine Zone, which raised funds in 2008, Niantic, known for the popular game Pokémon GO, which received funding in 2012, and Twitch, a leading live streaming platform for gamers, which was funded in 2007. Additionally, Y Combinator invested in Blue Frog Gaming and Humble Bundle, further demonstrating its involvement in the gaming sector.

2. BITKRAFT Ventures

• Website: bitkraft.vc
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Denver, Colorado, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 2017
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 26
• LinkedIn: bitkraftvc

BITKRAFT Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Denver, Colorado, founded in 2017. The firm specializes in investments in gaming and emerging technologies, providing funding and support to startups in these sectors. BITKRAFT Ventures has been involved in several significant transactions within the gaming industry, including a $40 million investment in CCP Games for their Web3 game Project Awakening, and a $25 million Series C funding round for Resolution Games, aimed at creating higher quality games. They also participated in the Series A funding for The Believer Company, which focuses on developing an open-world game using original intellectual property. Their diverse portfolio and strategic focus on innovation position them as a key player in the gaming investment landscape.

3. 500 Global

• Website: 500.co
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 2010
• Headcount: 201-500
• Number of deals in 2024: 98
• LinkedIn: 500-startups

500 Global is a venture capital firm and startup accelerator founded in 2010, based in San Francisco, California. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage technology companies, providing not only funding but also mentorship and resources to help founders scale their businesses. Among their notable transactions in the gaming industry, 500 Global invested in Animoca Brands, which raised approximately $4.9 million in a post-IPO equity round in April 2016. They also participated in funding rounds for Axie Infinity, a prominent blockchain-based game, contributing to both a seed round in August 2019 and a Series A round in September 2021. Furthermore, they have invested in Tamatem Games, a mobile games publisher, showcasing their engagement with diverse gaming ventures. Overall, 500 Global's portfolio reflects a strong interest in the gaming sector, alongside their broader technology investment strategy.

4. Makers Fund

• Website: makersfund.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: United States (USA)
• Founded year: 2017
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 10
• LinkedIn: makersfund

Makers Fund is a venture capital firm founded in 2017, based in the United States, that specializes in investing in startups within the gaming and interactive entertainment sectors. The firm has been actively involved in several notable transactions in the gaming industry, including a $40 million investment in CCP Games for their Web3 game Project Awakening, a $25 million investment in Gamefam to develop games on Roblox, and multiple funding rounds for Klang Games, including a Series B round of $22.33 million for their massively multiplayer title Seed. With a total of 10 investments in 2024 alone, Makers Fund provides not only capital but also strategic guidance and access to a global network, helping visionary entrepreneurs navigate the challenges of establishing their businesses in the gaming space.

5. Intel Capital

• Website: intelcapital.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Santa Clara, California, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 1991
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 23
• LinkedIn: intelcapital

Intel Capital is a venture capital firm based in Santa Clara, California, founded in 1991. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage technology companies, with a focus on areas such as AI, cloud computing, and semiconductor technologies. Notably, Intel Capital has made significant investments in the gaming sector, including a Series D investment of $85 million in Kabam, a prominent social gaming company, in 2011. They also participated in a Series C funding round for Kabam, contributing to a total of $30 million aimed at expanding game studios and developing new social games. Additionally, Intel Capital invested in Animoca Brands, a company known for its mobile gaming and blockchain initiatives, through both Series A and Post-IPO Equity rounds. Their investment in Razer, a company that produces gaming hardware, further demonstrates their engagement in the gaming ecosystem. Through these transactions, Intel Capital not only provides funding but also strategic support and access to Intel's resources, helping gaming startups scale and innovate.

6. Galaxy Interactive

• Website: interactive.galaxy.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 2018
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 11
• LinkedIn: galaxy-interactive-team

Galaxy Interactive is a venture capital firm based in New York, founded in 2018, that specializes in investments in the interactive space, focusing on gaming, media, and technology. The firm provides capital and expertise to innovative startups, helping them grow in a competitive market. Notably, Galaxy Interactive has been involved in several significant transactions in the gaming sector, including multiple funding rounds for Mythical Games, which raised a total of $215 million across Series A and Series B rounds, culminating in a Series C round that raised $150 million. This funding supports the development of their NFT-driven game, Blankos Block Party. Additionally, Galaxy Interactive participated in a $46 million Series A funding round for N3TWORK Studios, which is focused on developing web3 gaming titles. These transactions highlight Galaxy Interactive's active engagement and investment strategy within the gaming industry.

7. SV Angel

• Website: svangel.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 2009
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 44
• LinkedIn: sv-angel

SV Angel is a venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2009. The firm specializes in early-stage and growth-stage investments in the technology sector, providing financial backing, strategic advice, and access to a vast network of industry experts. Notably, SV Angel has invested in several prominent gaming companies, including Zynga, which raised $10 million in its Series A round in 2008, and Manticore Games, which raised $15 million in Series A and $30 million in Series B funding rounds in 2017 and 2019, respectively. Additionally, they participated in the funding of Humble Bundle, which raised $4.48 million in 2011. These transactions highlight SV Angel's active role in fostering innovation within the gaming industry.

8. Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund)

• Website: av.vc
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 2023
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 258
• LinkedIn: deep-tech-fund-av-focused-fund

The Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund) is a venture capital firm based in Manchester, New Hampshire, founded in 2023. It provides accredited investors and institutions with access to professionally-managed, diversified venture portfolios, leveraging a network of over 10,000 investors to connect them with high-quality investment opportunities in the startup ecosystem. Notably, the fund has been actively involved in the gaming industry, participating in multiple funding rounds for Mythical Games, a company focused on NFT-driven gaming experiences. They contributed to Mythical Games' Series A, B, and C funding rounds, which raised significant capital for the development of their games. Additionally, the fund was involved in the Series D funding round for Build A Rocket Boy, further emphasizing their commitment to investing in the gaming sector.

9. 1Up Ventures

• Website: 1upfund.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Kirkland, Washington, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 2019
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 7
• LinkedIn: 1upfund

1Up Ventures is a venture capital firm founded in 2019, located in Kirkland, Washington, USA. The firm is dedicated to supporting independent game developers by providing both investment and community support to help studios grow and succeed in the gaming industry. In 2024 alone, they have made 7 investments, showcasing their active role in the sector. Notable transactions include participation in a $55 million Series A funding round for The Believer Company, which aims to develop an open-world game, and a $5.5 million Series A funding for SuperGaming, an Indian game development company focused on launching a battle royale game. Other investments include Stratosphere Games, Elodie Games, and Frost Giant Studios, further emphasizing their commitment to nurturing and advancing the gaming landscape.

10. Yield Guild Games

• Website: yieldguild.io
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 2020
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 15
• LinkedIn: yieldguildgames

Yield Guild Games is a corporate investor based in New York, New York, founded in 2020. As a gaming guild, they focus on web3 games, creating a platform that unites players, developers, and guilds. They offer various programs and quests aimed at empowering players and enhancing community engagement. Yield Guild Games has been involved in several notable transactions in the gaming industry, including a significant investment in Illuvium, a popular open-world web3 RPG, which raised $12 million in a Series A funding round. They also participated in funding rounds for Pixion Games, Thirdverse, and Nyan Heroes, showcasing their active role in supporting the development of innovative gaming titles. Their investments are aimed at fostering growth and collaboration within the gaming ecosystem.

11. Griffin

• Website: griffingp.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Santa Monica, California, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 2019
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 3
• LinkedIn: griffin-gaming-partners

Griffin Gaming Partners is a venture capital firm founded in 2019 and based in Santa Monica, California. The firm specializes in the gaming industry, providing investment and advisory services to startups at various stages of development. Griffin has been actively involved in significant transactions within the gaming sector, including leading a $46 million Series A funding round for N3TWORK Studios, which focuses on web3 gaming titles. They also led a $100 million Series B funding round for Second Dinner Studios, aimed at developing new gaming titles and original IP. Additionally, Griffin participated in a Series C funding round for N3TWORK, further solidifying their commitment to the gaming industry. Their clients are primarily businesses in the gaming sector seeking capital and strategic support to enhance their growth and market presence.

12. Samsung Next

• Website: samsungnext.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Mountain View, California, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 2012
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 49
• LinkedIn: samsung-next

Samsung Next is a venture capital firm founded in 2012, based in Mountain View, California. The firm invests in technology startups across various sectors, including Artificial Intelligence, Healthtech, and Consumer Services. Notably, Samsung Next has made significant investments in the gaming industry, supporting innovative companies such as Survios, which is known for its VR titles like The Walking Dead: Onslaught and Creed: Rise to Glory. Samsung Next participated in Survios' Series D funding round, contributing to a total of $16.7 million raised. Additionally, they were involved in The Sandbox's funding round, a blockchain gaming platform, showcasing their interest in the intersection of gaming and emerging technologies. Their investment in Axie Infinity further highlights their commitment to the gaming sector, as this company is a leader in the play-to-earn gaming model. Overall, Samsung Next's focus on empowering startups positions them as a key player in the technology investment landscape, including the gaming industry.

Gaming Insights: Key Investors in the US

Investor	Headquarter	Size	Founded	Deals 2024
Y Combinator	San Francisco, California, United States (USA)	51-200	2005	802
BITKRAFT Ventures	Denver, Colorado, United States (USA)	11-50	2017	26
500 Global	San Francisco, California, United States (USA)	201-500	2010	98
Makers Fund	United States (USA)	11-50	2017	10
Intel Capital	Santa Clara, California, United States (USA)	11-50	1991	23
Galaxy Interactive	New York, New York, United States (USA)	11-50	2018	11
SV Angel	San Francisco, California, United States (USA)	1-10	2009	44
Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund)	Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA)	51-200	2023	258
1Up Ventures	Kirkland, Washington, United States (USA)	1-10	2019	7
Yield Guild Games	New York, New York, United States (USA)	11-50	2020	15
Griffin	Santa Monica, California, United States (USA)	11-50	2019	3
Samsung Next	Mountain View, California, United States (USA)	51-200	2012	49

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