10 Top Gaming Angel Investors You Should Know About
Securing funding for your gaming startup is a major step. Our list of 10 active angel investors can help you connect with the right people for your round.
Rho Editorial Team
For gaming startups, angel investor funding provides more than just initial capital; it offers early validation for your idea and access to valuable industry experience.
Examples of angel investors with an interest in the gaming industry include Charlie Cheever, Trevor McFedries, Rick Thompson, and Doug Higgins, who have been notable backers of various startups.
If you’re raising or have just closed a round, Rho’s platform gives you FDIC-insured accounts, corporate cards with up to 2% cashback, and automated bill pay.
You also get spend controls and real-time accounting integrations to manage your new capital effectively.
For founders raising capital in the video game industry, connecting with the right investors is a crucial step. Knowing the key individuals can help you find partners who truly understand your vision.
Angel investors are different from venture capital firms, often writing the first checks and providing hands-on support. They invest their personal capital and can bring valuable industry experience.
To help with your search, we've curated this guide to some of the top angel investors in gaming. Our goal is to help you quickly identify people who may be a good fit for your startup.
Just raised or about to? Set up your financial stack with Rho in minutes. Rho provides business banking, corporate cards, accounting integrations and more—built for startup teams moving fast.
Top Gaming Angel Investors By Stage
Most angel investors in gaming tend to invest at the pre-seed and seed stages, where their capital and experience can have a significant impact. Knowing who is active at this level helps you connect with people who understand early-stage opportunities.
Pre-seed Angel Investors in Gaming
Pre-seed is the earliest funding stage, often used to validate an idea and build a minimum viable product. Some investors active at this stage include Charlie Cheever, Trevor McFedries, and Sebastien de Halleux.
Seed Stage Angel Investors in Gaming
Seed funding helps a startup grow its team, refine its product, and gain initial market traction. For gaming startups at this stage, investors like Rick Thompson, Eric Hippeau, and Phil Sanderson are worth looking into.
Series A Angel Investors in Gaming
Series A funding is for companies with a proven product and user base, focused on scaling operations and optimizing their business model. You might find that investors such as Mark Terbeek, Doug Higgins, and Mark Dyne participate in Series A rounds for gaming companies.
Series B Angel Investors in Gaming
Series B rounds are designed to help companies expand their market reach and scale significantly beyond their initial success. Notable investors who have participated in Series B gaming rounds include Doug Higgins and Charlie Cheever.
Keep in mind that many investors aren't limited to a single stage. Some of the most active angels invest across the entire startup lifecycle, from pre-seed to later rounds.
Here's a closer look at some of the most active angel investors in gaming. We've gathered key information on their investment stages, sectors of interest, and location to help you identify the right partners for your company.
1. Charlie Cheever
Charlie Cheever is an active angel investor based in Palo Alto who invests across a wide range of stages. He participates in rounds from pre-seed all the way to Series B, showing a willingness to support companies throughout their growth.
He has a clear interest in Games, AI, and SMB Software, with a typical investment sweet spot of around $100K. With a portfolio of over 50 companies, he has backed notable startups like the AI company Etched.ai.
Founders building in his key sectors, particularly at the pre-seed or seed stage, may find him to be a good match. His history of participating in later rounds also indicates he can be a valuable long-term partner as you scale.
- Investment stages: Pre-seed, Seed, Series A, Series B
- Sectors of focus: Games, AI, SMB Software, Real Estate/PropTech
- Geographical presence: Palo Alto, California
- Investment range: $10K - $500K, with a sweet spot of $100K
- Portfolio size: Over 50 investments
You can find more information about Charlie Cheever on his website or LinkedIn.
2. Trevor McFedries
Trevor McFedries is an angel investor, founder, and CEO based in Los Angeles. As a founder himself, he brings a unique operator's perspective to his investments, with a background in building companies at the intersection of culture and technology.
He shows a clear interest in forward-thinking sectors like Games, AI, and Web3, and he invests across multiple stages from pre-seed to Series B. His portfolio includes companies like The Fabricant, a digital fashion house, which aligns with his focus on new forms of social and digital interaction.
Founders building companies in gaming, social networks, and Web3 may find him to be a particularly good fit. His experience suggests he can be a valuable partner for startups looking to define new categories in tech and entertainment.
- Investment stages: Pre-seed, Seed, Series A, Series B
- Sectors of focus: Games, Web3/Crypto, AI, Social Networks
- Geographical presence: Los Angeles, California
- Investment range: $5K - $50K, with a sweet spot of $25K
- Portfolio size: Over 16 investments
- Notable investments: The Fabricant, Mad Realities, DIMO
You can find more information about Trevor McFedries on his website or LinkedIn.
3. Rick Thompson
Rick Thompson is a California-based investor and a partner at Signia Venture Partners. He is well-known for his activity in the gaming and eSports sectors, often participating in foundational funding rounds.
He concentrates his investments at the seed stage, with a typical check size around $800K. His portfolio includes prominent gaming companies like Cloud9 and Super Evil Mega Corp, showing his commitment to the industry.
Founders building companies in gaming, eSports, or consumer health may find him to be a good partner. His focus on the seed stage and substantial investment size make him a strong candidate for teams needing significant early capital.
- Investment stage: Seed
- Sectors of focus: Games, Gaming/eSports, Education, Consumer Health
- Geographical presence: California
- Investment range: $250K - $2.5M, with a sweet spot of $800K
- Notable investments: Cloud9, Super Evil Mega Corp
- Portfolio size: Over 19 investments
You can find more information about Rick Thompson on his LinkedIn or the firm's website.
4. Doug Higgins
Doug Higgins is a partner at Sapphire Ventures, a VC firm based in Redwood City. He primarily invests in later-stage companies, participating in Series A and Series B rounds with significant capital.
His investment activity shows a strong interest in the gaming, eSports, and media sectors. With a portfolio including Manticore Games and PlayVS, he backs companies that are ready for major growth, often with check sizes starting at $10M.
He is a good match for founders who have already established their product and are seeking substantial funding to scale. If your company is preparing for a Series A or B round, he could be a relevant investor to connect with.
- Investment stages: Series A, Series B
- Sectors of focus: Games, Gaming/eSports, Media/Content, Entertainment & Sports
- Geographical presence: Redwood City, California
- Investment range: $10.0M - $100.0M, with a sweet spot of $25.0M
- Notable investments: Manticore Games, PlayVS, Phoenix Labs
- Portfolio size: Over 30 investments
You can find more information about Doug Higgins on his LinkedIn or the firm's website.
5. Eric Hippeau
Eric Hippeau is a managing partner at Lerer Hippeau, a prominent venture capital firm based in New York. He is well-regarded for his deep experience in media and technology, often backing companies at their earliest stages.
He primarily invests at the seed and Series A stages, with a focus on sectors like games, media, and social commerce. His typical investment of around $1.5M indicates he can be a significant financial partner in a round, and his portfolio includes companies like Halp and RebelMouse.
Founders building companies in the gaming, media, or social commerce spaces may find him to be a strong fit. He is a good match for teams raising a seed or Series A round, particularly those looking for an experienced partner to help them grow.
- Investment stages: Seed, Series A
- Sectors of focus: Games, Media/Content, Social Commerce, Advertising
- Geographical presence: New York, New York
- Investment range: $100K - $3.0M, with a sweet spot of $1.5M
- Portfolio size: Over 16 investments
- Notable investments: Halp, RebelMouse, Goldenset Collective
You can find more information about Eric Hippeau on his LinkedIn or the firm's website.
6. Mark Terbeek
Mark Terbeek is a partner at Greycroft, a venture capital firm, and invests from West Hollywood, California. He is known for participating in significant funding rounds for growth-stage companies.
His investment activity shows a strong preference for the Series A stage, with a focus on sectors like SMB Software, Cloud Infrastructure, and Games. With a substantial sweet spot of $25M, he backs companies that are ready to scale, as seen in his involvement with companies like Icertis and Leena AI.
Mark is a good match for founders who have already found product-market fit and are seeking a large Series A to fuel major growth. If your company operates in his key sectors and is ready for that next step, he could be a valuable partner.
- Investment stage: Series A
- Sectors of focus: SMB Software, Cloud Infrastructure, Games, Media/Content
- Geographical presence: West Hollywood, California
- Investment range: $500K - $50.0M, with a sweet spot of $25.0M
- Portfolio size: Over 38 investments
- Notable investments: Icertis, Leena AI, Prezent AI
You can find more information about Mark Terbeek on his LinkedIn or the firm's website.
7. Mark Dyne
Mark Dyne is an investor based in Los Angeles and a partner at the venture capital firm Morpheus. He invests across multiple stages, participating in rounds from Seed to Series B.
His investment approach shows a broad interest in sectors like Games, FinTech, and Hardware. He also supports companies through multiple growth phases, as seen with his investment in Bestow from its seed round through Series C.
He may be a good match for founders building in his areas of interest who are looking for a long-term financial partner. His ability to invest from the earliest stages through to growth rounds makes him a versatile investor for a growing company.
- Investment stages: Seed, Series A, Series B
- Sectors of focus: FinTech, Games, Hardware, Data Services, SMB Software
- Geographical presence: Los Angeles, California
- Investment range: $100K - $5.0M, with a sweet spot of $1.5M
- Notable investments: RapidDeploy, Bestow
- Portfolio size: Over 6 investments
You can find more information about Mark Dyne on his LinkedIn or the firm's website.
8. Phil Sanderson
Phil Sanderson is an investor and partner at Griffin Gaming Partners, operating out of San Francisco. He has a strong reputation for investing in both the gaming and health technology sectors.
He concentrates his investments at the Seed and Series A stages, with a typical check size around $1M. His portfolio includes gaming companies like Harmony Games and Phoenix Labs, which highlights his interest in entertainment software.
Founders building companies in gaming, eSports, or digital health may find him to be a good fit. He is a strong match for teams raising a seed or Series A round that need a partner with industry experience.
- Investment stages: Seed, Series A
- Sectors of focus: Games, Gaming/eSports, Digital Health, SMB Software
- Geographical presence: San Francisco, California
- Investment range: $100K - $10.0M, with a sweet spot of $1M
- Notable investments: Harmony Games, WinZO, Phoenix Labs
- Portfolio size: Over 44 investments
You can find more information about Phil Sanderson on his LinkedIn or the firm's website.
9. Sebastien de Halleux
Sebastien de Halleux is a founding partner at Graph Ventures and an active angel investor based in San Francisco. He is particularly well-known for his operational experience in the gaming industry, having co-founded Playfish, which was acquired by Electronic Arts (EA).
His investment activity shows a broad interest in sectors like Games, FinTech, and Robotics, with a focus on pre-seed and seed stages. His background as a founder and operator suggests he can offer practical guidance to early-stage teams.
He is a strong potential match for founders building companies in his areas of interest, especially in gaming. Teams looking for a partner who has direct experience building and scaling a company may find his perspective valuable.
- Investment stages: Pre-seed, Seed, Series A
- Sectors of focus: Games, FinTech, Robotics, Impact, ClimateTech/CleanTech
- Geographical presence: San Francisco, California
- Investment range: $100K - $250K, with a sweet spot of $150K
- Portfolio size: Over 31 investments
- Notable experience: Co-founder & COO of Playfish (acquired by EA)
You can find more information about Sebastien de Halleux on his LinkedIn or the firm's website.
10. Jeff Pomeranz
Jeff Pomeranz is a Managing Director at Right Side Capital Management, an investment firm based in San Francisco. He is an active investor in very early-stage companies, focusing his efforts on the pre-seed and seed rounds.
A key characteristic of his investment approach is its breadth, covering a wide array of sectors including Games, Consumer Health, and ClimateTech. He concentrates on the pre-seed and seed stages, and his portfolio includes his participation in the seed round for TradingView.
He is a good match for founders at the earliest stages of their journey who are looking for an investor with a broad industry perspective. His focus on pre-seed and seed rounds makes him a relevant contact for teams seeking initial capital.
- Investment stages: Pre-seed, Seed
- Sectors of focus: Games, Consumer Health, Food and Beverage, Media/Content, Social Commerce, SMB Software, ClimateTech/CleanTech, Retail, TransportationTech, Impact
- Geographical presence: San Francisco, California
- Investment range: $50K - $200K, with a sweet spot of $125K
- Notable investments: TradingView
You can find more information about Jeff Pomeranz on his LinkedIn or the firm's website.
What Startup Founders Should Look for in a Gaming Investor
Finding the right angel investor for your gaming startup goes beyond securing capital. You should look for a partner whose industry focus aligns with your vision. As our list shows, many investors have operational experience or specific interests in related fields like AI and media, which can provide valuable strategic guidance.
Notice the patterns in our list: a strong geographical presence in California tech hubs and an investment appetite that often includes more than just games. This indicates that investors appreciate how gaming intersects with other growing technology sectors.
Consider an investor's preferred stage and check size to ensure they match your current funding needs. More importantly, look for a partner who can support your long-term growth, whether through follow-on funding or industry connections. Learning how to find angel investors involves identifying this strategic fit.
Ultimately, the best partner is one who understands your specific market. Do your homework on their portfolio and background to find someone who can be more than just a name on your cap table. For a broader view, you can also explore VCs in gaming.
Raise Confidently with Rho
Fundraising requires significant time and energy, so approaching the right people from the start is critical. We hope this focused list helps you connect with relevant angel investors who understand the gaming industry.
If you’ve just raised, Rho can help you set up your financial stack in minutes. Our platform offers business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay designed for growing startups.
This setup helps you manage your new capital efficiently, so your funds go toward growth and operations. You can spend less time on manual financial admin and more time building your company.
FAQs about Gaming Angel Investors
Are there gaming angel investors outside of California?
Yes, while California is a major hub, you can find gaming investors in other tech centers. Cities like New York and Austin have growing ecosystems with angels interested in gaming and related media sectors.
Do gaming investors fund AI or Web3 startups?
Many do. Investors often see the overlap between gaming, AI, and Web3. If your technology has applications in entertainment, it can attract investors who focus on generative AI and decentralized platforms.
What is the difference between an angel investor and a VC?
Angel investors typically use their own money for early-stage investments and offer personal mentorship. VCs manage a fund of others' capital, often investing larger amounts in later funding rounds with more formal structures.
How should I approach a gaming angel investor?
Start with a warm introduction if possible. Your pitch should clearly define your game's unique appeal, target market, and revenue model. Emphasize your team's experience and passion for the project to build a strong connection.
How is a pre-revenue gaming startup valued?
Valuation at the pre-seed stage is often based on the team's track record, the market opportunity, and any early traction like a playable demo. It's more of an art than a science, reflecting future potential.
How can Rho help after I raise from an angel investor?
Once you've secured funding, Rho helps you manage it effectively. Our platform provides business banking, corporate cards, and expense management tools, allowing you to focus on building your company. Get started with Rho today.