The gaming console industry in the US is a dynamic sector that includes manufacturers, software developers, and content creators, providing immersive gaming experiences through consoles like PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch. Companies in this industry not only produce gaming hardware but also invest in software and services, with online gaming and virtual reality gaining traction. The industry's growth is fueled by a surge in mobile gaming, technological advancements, and social gaming trends. An interesting trend is the push towards subscription-based gaming services, allowing players greater access to a vast array of titles, often enhancing user engagement and revenue potential.

In our look at prominent gaming console investors, we reveal a mix of venture capital firms, each strategically situated across the US. Hailing from locations like California, New York, and New Hampshire, these investors range in size, with some managing over 1,000 companies while others focus on initial-stage startups. Founded between 1991 and 2023, their investment activity in 2024 saw a varied number of funding rounds, reflecting a strong commitment to the gaming industry and its evolving landscape.

Top 16 Gaming Console 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, helping entrepreneurs launch and grow their businesses through structured programs and resources like the Startup School. Y Combinator has successfully launched over 4,000 startups, making it a key player in the technology startup ecosystem. Among its notable investments, Y Combinator has funded companies such as Humble Bundle, which raised $4.48 million in 2011 and is known for its digital game distribution platform, and Niantic, which raised an undisclosed amount in 2012 and is recognized for its innovative augmented reality games. Additionally, Y Combinator has invested in Jam.gg and Mino Games, both of which are involved in the gaming sector, further solidifying its relevance in the gaming industry.

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. They specialize in investments in gaming and emerging technologies, providing funding and support to startups in these sectors. Their focus on Synthetic Reality™ positions them at the forefront of innovation in the gaming industry. Notable transactions include their investment in Bit Fry Game Studios, which is developing the Ultimate Rivals franchise, indicating their interest in gaming content that could be relevant to console gaming. They also participated in funding Tilt Five, a startup creating AR headsets for tabletop gaming, showcasing their engagement with innovative gaming technologies. Overall, BITKRAFT Ventures is actively involved in the gaming sector, making them a significant player in the investment landscape for gaming-related ventures.

3. 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 focuses on early-stage technology companies, particularly in areas such as AI, cloud computing, and semiconductor technologies. Intel Capital provides funding, strategic support, and access to Intel's extensive resources to help startups scale and innovate within the tech ecosystem. Notably, Intel Capital has invested in several companies relevant to the gaming industry, including Kabam, which raised significant funding to expand its game studios and produce original social games, and Razer, a well-known brand in gaming hardware. These investments highlight Intel Capital's engagement with the gaming sector, particularly in companies that contribute to the gaming console landscape.

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 provides capital, strategic guidance, and access to a global network to help visionary entrepreneurs establish their businesses and navigate early-stage challenges. Notable transactions include their investment in Redhill Games, which raised $18.6 million in 2021 to develop a game that competes at the AAA level, indicating a focus on high-quality gaming experiences that could be relevant for gaming consoles. Additionally, they have invested in Dream Games, which raised a total of $255 million across multiple funding rounds, showcasing their commitment to supporting innovative gaming companies. These investments highlight Makers Fund's active role in the gaming industry, making them a significant player in the ecosystem.

5. 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 funding, mentorship, and resources to help founders scale their businesses. With a global focus, 500 Global has been involved in a variety of transactions, including notable investments in the gaming sector. For instance, they participated in a post-IPO equity round for Animoca Brands, a prominent player in the gaming industry, raising approximately $4.9 million in 2016. Additionally, they were involved in a Series C funding round for TouchTen, a Jakarta-based mobile game studio, indicating their commitment to supporting gaming ventures. Their diverse portfolio and active engagement in gaming-related investments position them as a relevant player in the gaming console investment landscape.

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 within the interactive space, particularly focusing on gaming, media, and technology. They provide capital and expertise to innovative startups, helping them grow in a competitive market. Notable transactions include leading a Series A funding round for Nekcom, a US video game developer, which raised $8 million to accelerate game development and international expansion. They also participated in the funding of Tilt Five, known for its AR headset aimed at tabletop gaming, showcasing their interest in both traditional and emerging gaming technologies. Their approach emphasizes the integration of digital and physical lives through technology and social commerce, aligning with trends in the gaming console industry.

7. Sosv

• Website: sosv.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: United States (USA)
• Founded year: 1995
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 170
• LinkedIn: sosv

Sosv is a venture capital firm founded in 1995, based in the United States, that specializes in funding and supporting deep tech startups through its development programs. The firm provides venture capital investment and resources to help startups grow and succeed across various sectors, including health and climate technology. Notably, Sosv has made investments in gaming-related companies such as Arduboy, which focuses on portable gaming devices, and Last Gameboard, a company that has raised funds for a gaming console that combines traditional gaming with modern technology. These transactions highlight Sosv's commitment to supporting innovation in the gaming space, making it a significant player in the gaming console 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 founded in 2023, based in Manchester, New Hampshire. 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 participated in significant transactions within the gaming sector, including investments in Mythical Games, which has raised substantial funding across multiple rounds (Series A, B, and C) for the development of innovative gaming experiences, including the NFT-driven Blankos Block Party game. Additionally, the fund's investment in Sinn Studio Inc. further emphasizes its commitment to supporting emerging companies in the gaming and technology landscape.

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 based in Kirkland, Washington, founded in 2019. The firm is dedicated to supporting independent game developers by providing investment and community support to help studios grow and succeed in the gaming industry. They have been involved in several notable transactions, including a $3.5 million investment in Bit Fry Game Studios, which is known for its arcade-action sports gaming franchise, Ultimate Rivals. This investment highlights their interest in innovative gaming experiences that could potentially be relevant to gaming consoles. Additionally, they participated in seed funding for Omeda Studios and Lightfox Games, both of which are engaged in game development, further emphasizing their commitment to fostering growth in the gaming sector.

10. 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. They specialize 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 companies relevant to the gaming industry, including Zynga, which raised $10 million in its Series A round in 2008, and Mino Games, which raised $1 million in a Seed Round in 2011. Additionally, they participated in funding rounds for Bigscreen, a VR social productivity app, indicating their interest in innovative gaming technologies. Their mission is to foster innovation and help startups navigate the challenges of business development, making them a supportive partner for gaming-related ventures.

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 based in Santa Monica, California, founded in 2019. The firm specializes in the gaming industry, providing investment and advisory services to gaming startups at various stages of development. Griffin has been actively involved in several notable transactions, including a $100 million Series B funding round for Second Dinner Studios, which focuses on developing new gaming titles and original IP. They also led a seed funding round for Hardball Games, which is working on a multiplayer IP. Other investments include Epic League and HyperPlay, a Web3-native game launcher. These transactions highlight Griffin's commitment to fostering innovation and growth within the gaming sector, making them a significant player in the industry.

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 based in Mountain View, California, founded in 2012. 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, including a recent investment in Return Entertainment, a Finnish startup focused on cloud-native gaming technology. This investment aligns with their mission to support innovative gaming solutions. Additionally, Samsung Next has participated in funding rounds for Survios, a studio known for its VR gaming titles, which highlights their commitment to the gaming sector. Survios has raised substantial funds, including a $16.7 million Series D round, indicating Samsung Next's active role in supporting gaming content development. Overall, Samsung Next's focus on empowering startups positions them as a key player in the technology investment landscape, particularly in the gaming console context.

13. FJ Labs

• Website: fjlabs.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 2015
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 169
• LinkedIn: fj-labs

FJ Labs is a venture capital firm based in New York, founded in 2015, that specializes in investing in marketplace and network effect businesses. With a portfolio of over 1,000 companies, many achieving unicorn status, FJ Labs provides capital and strategic guidance across various industries, including e-commerce and logistics. Notably, they have invested in Eneba, a gaming marketplace that raised $8M to enhance product development and expand its market presence. Additionally, they participated in a funding round for Branch, a company developing a unique NFT-based play-to-earn game, showcasing their engagement in the gaming sector. These transactions highlight FJ Labs' interest in the gaming industry, particularly in platforms that support gaming transactions and innovative gaming experiences.

14. Okx

• Website: okx.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: United States (USA)
• Founded year: 2017
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• Number of deals in 2024: 96
• LinkedIn: okxofficial

OKX is a cryptocurrency exchange and digital asset platform founded in 2017, based in the United States. It offers a range of services including buying, selling, and trading cryptocurrencies, catering to both individual traders and institutional investors. In addition to its core business, OKX has been actively investing in the gaming industry through its venture capital arm, OKEx Blockdream Ventures. Notable transactions include a $1 million investment in Topebox, a Vietnamese game studio developing the blockchain game My DeFi Pet, and a $15 million investment in Thirdverse, a company focused on Web3 gaming. They also participated in a $21 million funding round for Big Time Studios, which is creating an action RPG that utilizes NFTs. These investments highlight OKX's strategic interest in the intersection of gaming and blockchain technology, positioning them as a significant investor in the evolving gaming console market.

15. Gaingels

• Website: gaingels.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Burlington, Vermont, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 2015
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 60
• LinkedIn: gaingels

Gaingels is a venture capital firm founded in 2015, based in Burlington, Vermont, dedicated to investing in companies with diverse leadership. The firm aims to foster diversity and inclusion in the innovation economy by providing capital and support to startups led by underrepresented groups. Gaingels has been actively involved in the gaming industry, with notable investments in companies such as Mythical Games, which raised $37 million in Series C funding, and Dorian, a women-first game platform that secured $14 million in Series A funding. These investments highlight Gaingels' commitment to supporting innovative gaming ventures while promoting diversity within the industry. Additionally, Gaingels offers scholarship programs and advisory services to enhance board diversity, further emphasizing their mission to create an inclusive environment in the tech and gaming sectors.

16. Hax

• Website: hax.co
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 2012
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 55
• LinkedIn: hax

Hax is a venture capital firm and startup incubator based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2012. The firm specializes in supporting hard tech startups by providing funding, engineering support, and access to manufacturing resources. Hax aims to accelerate the growth of early-stage companies through a collaborative environment and extensive networks. Notably, Hax has invested in several gaming-related companies, including Riot Games, which is known for its popular title League of Legends, and Arduboy, a platform for creating handheld gaming experiences. More recently, Hax has also invested in Last Gameboard, a company focused on innovative gaming solutions. These transactions highlight Hax's engagement with the gaming industry, despite their broader focus on hard tech.

Gaming Console 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
Intel Capital	Santa Clara, California, United States (USA)	11-50	1991	23
Makers Fund	United States (USA)	11-50	2017	10
500 Global	San Francisco, California, United States (USA)	201-500	2010	98
Galaxy Interactive	New York, New York, United States (USA)	11-50	2018	11
Sosv	United States (USA)	51-200	1995	170
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
SV Angel	San Francisco, California, United States (USA)	1-10	2009	44
Griffin	Santa Monica, California, United States (USA)	11-50	2019	3
Samsung Next	Mountain View, California, United States (USA)	51-200	2012	49
FJ Labs	New York, New York, United States (USA)	11-50	2015	169
Okx	United States (USA)	1001-5000	2017	96
Gaingels	Burlington, Vermont, United States (USA)	11-50	2015	60
Hax	San Francisco, California, United States (USA)	11-50	2012	55

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