Position : Lead of Gaming Equity Investments

Reports to : Executive Director Gaming

Role Purpose : NEOM Gaming exists to establish and grow a thriving video games ecosystem within NEOM and the Kingdom. A core pillar of its strategy involves identifying, acquiring and managing strategic equity investments to support the delivery of NEOM’s gaming goals.

The Lead of Gaming Equity Investments is initially responsible for managing NEOM’s investments in the gaming space. Beyond this, the role shall drive the iteration and execution of a broader gaming investment strategy (from VC to larger M&A activity).

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES & ACTIVITIES

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES & ACTIVITIES

Investment Management

• Develop and implement a targeted strategy for gaming investments, aligning with NEOM's overall gaming vision.
• Define investment criteria focusing on established gaming companies with proven track records, strong market positions, and technologies/products/services that support NEOM's ecosystem.
• Conduct comprehensive market research to identify high-impact investment opportunities within the established gaming landscape.
• Utilize industry expertise and financial analysis to evaluate potential investments' strategic fit, financial performance, and growth potential.

Lead investment negotiations and structure transactions that secure mutually beneficial terms for NEOM and target companies

Portfolio Management

• Provide active support to portfolio companies, fostering their integration and success within NEOM's gaming ecosystem.
• Build strong relationships with portfolio company leadership to facilitate collaboration and alignment with NEOM's gaming goals.
• Actively monitor portfolio company performance against key metrics and ensure continued alignment with overall gaming strategy.
• Develop and implement strategies to maximize the return on investment (ROI) for NEOM, considering both financial and strategic benefits.

Liaise with governance, legal, finance and secretariat teams to coordinate smooth portfolio management

Relationship Building and Collaboration

• Build and maintain strong relationships with VCs, investment bankers, and other key players in the gaming investment landscape.

Collaborate effectively with internal stakeholders across NEOM, including Strategy, Business Development, and relevant sub-sectors, to ensure investment decisions support the broader gaming vision

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Proven track record in corporate M&A / investments, VC, private equity, or a related investment field.
• Track record of successful investments in established gaming companies.
• Deep understanding of the gaming industry, including market dynamics, business models, valuation methodologies, and M&A processes.
• Strong analytical and financial modeling skills with the ability to assess the financial health and growth prospects of established companies.
• Demonstrated negotiation and deal structuring expertise in the context of investments and/or established company acquisitions
• Excellent communication and relationship management skills to build trust with investment partners and portfolio company leadership.
• Strong stakeholder management skills across all levels.
• Experience managing due diligence on investment prospects
• Third party and supplier management.

Preferred 

• 10+ years of experience in corporate M&A / investments, private equity, or a related investment field, with a proven track record of successful investments in established gaming companies.
• Experience of working in Saudi Arabia or the Middle East is preferable but not essential.
• Strong analytical and financial modeling skills with the ability to assess the financial health and growth prospects of established companies.
• Demonstrated negotiation and deal structuring expertise in the context of investments and/or established company acquisitions
• Excellent communication and relationship management skills to build trust with investment partners and portfolio company leadership.
• Strong stakeholder management skills across all levels.
• Experience managing due diligence on investment prospects
• Third party and supplier management.