The first gaming accelerator in Europe

AS FEATURED IN:

 

WE OFFER:

  • 80+ gaming gurus, CEOs and developers as mentors,
  • seed capital up to €15k (5k per founder present in Estonia) for a 9% share in your company,
  • game-targeted partnership deals,
  • game incubator with 3-months of free office space in a cool brand-new building in Tallinn
  • access to networks of gaming contacts and
  • access to gaming investment funds, VCs and angels.
  • The next batch will be in Tallinn from September to November 2013.

APPLICATION DEADLINE June 20, 2013! 

We accelerate startups that:

include result- oriented team of executioners from all countries, who

  • build games,
  • gamified apps,
  • platforms,
  • tools
  • or other game related products.
 
Apply now!

Check our program

Gaming is skyrocketing!

The Game Accelerator program is built on these four cornerstones:

  • competence,
  • partnership deals, 
  • network and
  • funding. 
Gamefounders program

Competence

Our startups have access to the competence of 60+ gaming veterans, CEOs, CFOs and developers. This cool bunch will help you with all the gaming competence you need.

Awesome mentoring sessions, numerous pitching opportunities, insightful seminars, hands-on practical workshops, one-on-one expert consultations are the opportunities you do not want to miss!

Meet the mentors

Partnership deals

Our startups are eligible for various partnership deals from the day they are accepted to the accelerator. The free or discounted deals will be valid also after your graduation.

Some examples are server space, licenses, development tools, office and conference rooms, access to publishers, game testing facilities, legal services, accounting services, banking services, interns, etc. Interested?

Meet the partners

Network

Our startups have access to the networks of our mentors, partners, and team. So let's do some basic math. Take the number of our mentors, multiply it with the average number of their linkedin contacts and you get the network available to our startups.

GameFounders builds its network around our startups to best suit the needs of the current class. So if you need a contact, we will find a way to get it.

Funding

GameFounders has a network of angels and VCs interested in gaming startups. The startups will get several opportunities to practice and present to international VCs, corporate and angel investors as our Demo Days held in Tallinn, Helsinki, London and San Francisco.

Our startups also get a moderate amount of game funding upon acceptance to the accelerator. This amount covers accommodation and other living expenses for the team while living in Estonia.

Meet our mentors.

GameFounders is proud to present 60+ gaming veterans, CEOs, CFOs and developers as mentors!

  • Grand Cru

    Markus Pasula

    CEO & Co-Founder

    Mobile Games, Social Games, Self-Publishing, Tools, Tech

    Finland

    Markus Pasula
  • Zynga

    Dali Kilani

    CTO External Publishing

    Game infrastructure, Performance, Analytics, Big Data

    USA

    Dali Kilani
  • Creative Mobile OÜ

    Vladimir Funtikov

    co-founder

    mobile game design, business models, promotion and publishing, funding

    Estonia

    Vladimir Funtikov
  • Alchemist Accelerator

    Ravi Belani

    Managing Partner

    Venture Capital & Private Equity

    USA

    Ravi Belani
  • Context Digital Media

    Thom Kozik

    CEO

    computer games

    USA

    Thom Kozik
  • Visceral Games

    Dmitry Andreev

    Senior Rendering Engineer

    computer games

    USA

    Dmitry Andreev
  • Aalto Venture Garage

    Mika Tammenkoski

    entrepreneur

    wireless

    Finland

    Mika Tammenkoski
  • V7 Entertainment

    Mike Cornford

    Director, Business Development

    Business Development, Strategy, Communication, Client and Partner Relations

    Canada

    Mike Cornford
  • Orb Games

    Andriy Sharanevych

    Developer and Publisher

    Online and Mobile Games

    Ukraine

  • Non-Stop Games

    Juha Paananen

    CEO & Co-Founder

    wireless

    Singapore

    Juha Paananen
  • Quinke Networks

    Achim Quinke

    Managing Director

    computer games

    Germany

    Achim Quinke
  • Hogeschool voor de Kunsten, Utrecht

    Micah Hrehovcsik

    Lead Game Designer & Theorist

    Game Design, Creative Design Strategies

    Netherlands

    Micah Hrehovcsik
  • Burger Games

    Ville Vuorela

    Game Designer

    Game Design, Writing, Concept Pitching

    Finland

    Ville Vuorela
  • publification.com

    Yrjö Ojasaar

    CEO

    monetisation, venture capital, angel funding

    Estonia

    Yrjö Ojasaar
  • Epic Games

    Waylon Brinck

    Art Director

    computer games

    Poland

    Waylon Brinck
  • Nortal

    Siim Puskai

    Visual team manager

    community building, game mechanics, MMO, educational games, UX

    Estonia

    Siim Puskai
  • Festival of Games

    Seth van der Meer

    Chairman of the board

    Building Startups, Pitching, Playtesting, Designing for young target groups (-12 years)

    Netherlands

    Seth van der Meer
  • Grand Cru

    Roope Kangas

    Co-Founder

    computer games

    Finland

    Roope Kangas
  • Business Models Inc

    Patrick Van Der Pijl

    CEO

    Business Modeling, Visualization, Storytelling, Strategy

    Netherlands

    Patrick Van Der Pijl
  • BitMinion

    Moo Yu

    Game Developer

    computer games

    UK

    Moo Yu
  • ZeroTurnaround

    Mirko Adari

    Product Engineer

    computer software

    Estonia

  • Big Boat Interactive

    Mike Arkin

    Captain

    startup game production, financial modeling

    USA

    Mike Arkin
  • Candycane Apps

    Michael Bevin

    co-founder

    Puzzle games, Gameplay, iOS, Android, C++ "

    Estonia

  • Egmont

    Maz Spork

    Head of Project Office and Innovation

    computer games

    Denmark

    Maz Spork
  • Raylight S.r.l.

    Massimiliano Di Monda

    CEO

    computer games

    Italy

    Massimiliano Di Monda
  • Tiny Speck

    Märt Lume

    Creative Production Manager

    game design, technical spec, game balance, online collaboration tools

    Canada

    Märt Lume
  • Creative Mobile OÜ

    Marianna Krjakvina

    CMO

    Marketing, Monetization and Game Design

    Estonia

    Marianna Krjakvina
  • Infinite Dreams

    Marek Wyszynski

    Vice President & Co-Founder

    computer games

    Poland

  • Knowit Estonia OÜ

    Kaspar Loog

    Founder and CEO

    computer software

    Estonia

    Kaspar Loog
  • Guild Software, Inc.

    John Bergman

    Founder and CEO

    computer games

    USA

  • WNB Project Ltd.

    Ivar Siimar

    Partner

    Venture Capital & Private Equity

    Estonia

    Ivar Siimar
  • Interactive Entertainment Consultant

    Scott Foe

    Game Producer

    Entrepreneurship, Fund Raising, Creative Monetization

    USA

    Scott Foe
  • Sabarasa Inc.

    Javier Otaegui

    CEO

    computer games

    Argentina

  • Vivid Games S.A.

    Remigiusz Koscielny

    President, CEO

    publishing, design and UI, production, leadership

    Poland

    Remigiusz Koscielny
  • Fortumo

    Rain Rannu

    Founder

    payment solutions

    Estonia

    Rain Rannu
  • Traindom

    Peep Laja

    Founder

    marketing

    USA

    Peep Laja
  • Realeyes

    Mihkel Jäätma

    Managing Director

    IT

    UK

    Mihkel Jäätma
  • Kwestr

    Frank Yu

    CEO and Co-Founder

    computer games

    China

    Frank Yu
  • Casualing

    Ian McGee

    VP Product & co-founder

    computer games

    USA

    Ian McGee
  • Creative Spark Studios

    Frederik Hermund

    Owner

    Flash Game Development

    Denmark

    Frederik Hermund
  • GameOn GmbH

    Daniel Sczepansky

    CEO

    computer software

    Germany

  • Flirtic.com

    Andres Susi

    CEO

    internet

    Estonia

    Andres Susi
  • MunkyFun

    Cory Bloyd

    Senior Software Engineer

    mobile games, mid-core market, technical issues

    USA

    Cory Bloyd
  • Rate Solutions Ltd

    Andrei Korobeinik

    CEO

    development, usability, customer acquisition

    Estonia

    Andrei Korobeinik
  • Tribe Studios

    Elina Arponen

    Chieftain

    online gaming, customer demographics, teambuilding, fundraising

    Finland

    Elina Arponen
  • Mooncascade

    Priit Salumaa

    Co-founder, Mobile Software Engineer

    mobile software

    Estonia

    Priit Salumaa
  • Playtest Games and Marketing

    Edvin Aedma

    CEO & game design teacher

    indie games

    Estonia

    Edvin Aedma
  • Ringtail Studios

    Anton Iljin

    CEO

    Art outsourcing management, art production for games

    Estonia

    Anton Iljin
  • Nordic Game

    Erik Robertson

    Managing Director

    computer games

    Sweden

    Erik Robertson
  • Ascension Media Group

    Nick Perret

    partner

    Venture capital for the creative industries

    UK

  • AudioCatch

    Kyn Chaturvedi

    Co-founder

    Game Design, Game Production, Studio Management

    USA

    Kyn Chaturvedi
  • Chat Republic Games

    Andreas von Koskull

    CEO

    Metrics, Distribution, Service orientated games, Mobile

    Finland

    Andreas von Koskull
  • Kreinn

    Frank Laurens Jansen

    partner

    finance

    Netherlands

    Frank Laurens Jansen
  • Games Capital

    Fred Hasson

    chair

    Venture capital

    UK

    Fred Hasson
  • Corona Labs

    David Rangel

    COO

    mobile software

    USA

    David Rangel
  • Highwinds Game Delivery Network

    Jay Moore

    Vice President

    marketing

    USA

    Jay Moore
  • PlayerDuel

    Yaniv Presler

    CEO

    gaming software

    USA

    Yaniv Presler
  • W3i

    Ben Sipe

    Mobile Games Producer

    User Acquisition & Monetization

    USA

    Ben Sipe
  • Grand Cru

    Thorbjörn Warin

    Marketing & Business Development Director

    marketing

    Finland

    Thorbjörn Warin
  • Perimeter Partners

    Jason Della Rocca

    Senior Consultant

    computer games

    Canada

    Jason Della Rocca
  • Blitz Games Studios

    Neil Holmes

    Developer Relations Manager

    game development

    UK

    Neil Holmes
  • PlayerDuel

    Nir Markus

    CTO

    tools to game developers

    USA

    Nir Markus
  • Bounding Box

    Marcus Landén

    founder

    pitching, computer games, entrepreneurship

    Sweden

    Marcus Landén
  • Prodeo Consulting

    Luc Bourcier

    Partner

    Videogames & Media Publishing & Distribution

    France

    Luc Bourcier
  • Applifier

    Jussi Laakkonen

    CEO, founder

    computer games

    Finland

    Jussi Laakkonen
  • 6waves/ Lolapps

    Brian Rue

    Former Co-founder/CTO

    metrics, scalability, virality, FB APIs

    USA

    Brian Rue
  • Kanttarelli

    Jani Karlsson

    co-founder

    Mobile Solutions

    Finland

    Jani Karlsson
  • Boomzap Entertainment

    Allan Simonsen

    co-founder

    virtual studio management

    Singapore

    Allan Simonsen
  • Unity Technologies

    Oleg Pridiuk

    Technology Evangelist

    Unity

    Lithuania

    Oleg Pridiuk
  • Research In Motion (RIM)

    Anders Jeppsson

    Global Head of Gaming Category

    gaming

    Sweden

    Anders Jeppsson
  • Facebook

    Andreas van de Castel

    Manager Gaming Partnerships Northern Europe & CEE

    Social, Mobile Games, Marketing

    Germany

    Andreas van de Castel
  • Bizup

    Matteo Monari

    co-founder

    SEO, online marketing

    Italy

    Matteo Monari

Admire our partners

GameFounders is supported by partners, who also believe in the gaming industry

Our partners offer their services to startups for free or at a considerable discount:

  • Microsoft gives the startups access to software development tools and BizSpark program

  • Startup Estonia program welcomes all gaming startups to Estonia

  • Google is committed to helping build vibrant startup ecosystems and to supporting future entrepreneurs. This beta program provides Google products to developers to help startups launch and scale their big ideas more quickly

  • Nokia is our hardware partner providing the startups kickass phones

  • Unity provides GameFounders startups access to the newest software

  • Highwinds Game Delivery Network powers GameFounders' startups' digital game downloads

  • BDA Consulting designs business models for startups

  • Advisio helps realise funding opportunities

  • Tehnopol science park provides us office space and development support

  • British Council supports the startups with UK mentors and network

  • Festival of Games helps our startups Pitch & Match.

  • W3i provides GameFounders startups with monetization and user acquisition solutions

  • Softlayer provides GameFounders' teams with hosting, mentoring and marketing

  • Corona Labs provides our startups with Corona SDK Pro licenses

  • Tallink is GameFounders' travel partner

  • Nordic Game provides the startups access to the nordic gaming scene

  • Sorianen is our legal partner helping us with all contracting issues

  • Audiocatch provides GameFounders' startups discounted audio production services for music, sound effects, and voice over

  • EMT lets the GameFounders teams call their teammates and loved ones

  • Fortumo helps our startups with assistance in setting up in-game payments

  • PlayerDuel provides GameFounders teams the possibility to make their games playable with friends

  • Transfluent provides fast translation into 60 languages!

Meet our team

These are the people helping our startups every day.

 
  • Kadri Ugand

    Kadri Ugand

    skype: kadrix

    tel: +3725255504

    kadri@gamefounders.com

    Co-founder. Kadri manages the everyday life of the game accelerator, expands the mentor network, partnership deals and connects the startups to suitable mentors.

  • Lauri Antalainen

    Lauri Antalainen

    skype: antalainen

    tel: +3725026333

    lauri@gamefounders.com

    Co- founder. Lauri supports the business development of the startups, advises on strategic as well as operational issues.

  • Paul Bragiel

    Paul Bragiel

    paul@gamefounders.com



    Co- founder. Paul is our team member in the US connecting GameFounders to the key players.

  • Kati Vuks

    Kati Vuks

    skype: kati.vuks

    tel: +37253405338

    kati@gamefounders.com

    Co-ordinator. Kati takes care of everything.

  • Sven Illing

    Sven Illing

    skype: contactsven

    tel: +3725251686

    sven@gamefounders.com

    Co-founder. Sven is expanding the gaming and investor network around GameFounders.

  • Antti Ylimutka

    Antti Ylimutka

    antti@gamefounders.com



    Antti from the Finnish accelerator Startup Sauna is the guy connecting GameFounders to the Nordic gaming hub in Finland.

  • Andrei Korobeinik

    Andrei Korobeinik

    andrei@gamefounders.com

     

     


    Lead Angel. Andrei is leading the angel investor group behind GameFounders.

Answers to faq:

  • I have an idea for a game and an awesome powerpoint. Can I get in?

    No. We are looking for teams who have already launched, i.e have a beta or first release. But hey, you still have a little time to make it before the applications deadline. And besides, we prefer Keynote.

  • We have launched a game and it has thousands of downloads per day but we have not earned a dime yet. Can we apply?

    YES. You are exactly the kind of team we are looking for and can help to monetize your game.

  • Do you prefer some kind of games, like mobile, social, web, tv, etc.?

    We consider all games and game-related services. This being said, it is more likely at the moment for mobile games to get investments.

  • We are a bunch of friends building a game. Do we have to have a company when we apply?

    No, but you must be willing to create a company and make it a business, not a hobby. We will assist you in setting up a company.

  • Who decides which companies get in?

     

    The startups are chosen by an international panel of experts, including our mentors, investors and the management team.

  • Our game is not that easy to explain on an application form. Do you decide only based on the application?

    Our selection process includes a number of levels, including application, Skype interview, personal interview and evaluation panel.

  • Do I have to move to Estonia for the duration of the program and stay there with my business afterwards?

    Yes, you have to move your team to Estonia for the program, this is the way we can best accelerate your development. After the program we can help you decide the best way forward. Investors and clients make their own demands on the best location for your company.

  • How many companies do you take in?

     

    We accept up to 10 per round.

  • When does the program run?

    Our third batch runs from September to November 2013.

  • How much investment do we get?

     

    You get €5k per founder, up to a maximum of €15k. This money is more than enough to get your team through the 3 months in Estonia and the program. However, the money is probably not enough to also finance your subcontracting and business development costs, thus should definitely not be your primary reason to apply. The most important investment comes in a form of mentors, knowledge and contacts to publishers and investors.

  • How much equity do you take?

     

    We take 9% of equity.

  • What happens when we arrive?

     

    We will provide you with a "starter pack" that will help you to get settled. The starter pack includes a few goodies plus information about Tallinn and Estonia, transportation, accommodation, best places for eating, working out, leisure and everything else you need to know to feel yourself comfortable in a new environment.

  • How can we establish a company in Estonia?

     

    It is very easy to establish a limited company in Estonia; it only takes a couple of clicks.:) Don't worry, we will help you to get this settled in the very first days of your stay here.

  • How can we find accommodation in Tallinn?

     

    We really do not want you to be wasting your valuable time looking for a place to stay at, thus all that kind of stuff has been taken care of. In case you have any special requirements, please let us know in advance.

  • Is it safe in Estonia? Should I bring my own food?

     

    Duuh…you from the US?!  :)

We write the blog

October 12. 2012

Footbaaaallllll!!!

What a funny coincidence- GameFounders has an Estonian team, a Hungarian team and a team from Argentina creating a football manager game. So what do these startups all have in common? A football match between Estonia and Hungary of course!

On October 12 the GameFounders gang went to see the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification match between Estonia and Hungary. This time the Hungarian hölös-mölös power beat the Estonians 1:0. Good job!

Just to be clear for any future GameFounders participants, it's not all fun and games (football)- the other picture is made at 7PM on the same Friday evening- work work work.

Picture 1: Ezequiel, Vladimir and Pablo watching Estonia get beat at football.
Picture 2: 2 hours before the game the startups are still working at the office.