Position : Gaming Start-up Acceleration Lead
Reports to : Executive Director Gaming
Sector : Media
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES & ACTIVITIES
Strategic support
- Input into and iterate a strategic roadmap for Incubation & Acceleration programs aligned with NEOM's plans for the gaming sector.
- Define clear value propositions and key performance indicators (KPIs) for measuring the success of the Incubation & Acceleration programs.
- Continuously monitor and adapt the programs based on market trends and industry best practices.
- Regularly track and analyze key metrics to evaluate the program's effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.
- Present findings and recommendations to senior leadership to ensure program alignment with NEOM's vision.
- Design and recruit additional team members as necessary to deliver upon NEOM’s goals.
- Provide clear direction, motivation, and coaching to ensure team members are equipped to deliver program goals effectively.
Startup Identification & Selection:
- Establish robust processes for scouting and identifying high-potential gaming startups with innovative ideas and strong growth trajectories.
- Develop selection criteria to evaluate startup fit within NEOM's gaming ecosystem and its strategic goals.
- Oversee the due diligence process for shortlisted startups.
Incubation & Acceleration Activities:
- Design and deliver customized programs that provide startups with the necessary mentorship, resources, and infrastructure to flourish.
- Secure partnerships with industry experts, investors, and service providers to offer valuable support to startups within the program.
- Facilitate access to funding opportunities through VC, angel investors, and other investment channels.
Post-Acceleration Support:
- Develop strategies to ensure the continued success of program graduates after they transition beyond incubation/acceleration.
- Leverage and foster connections with publishers, partners, and investors for ongoing growth of start-ups after participation in a program.
- Maintain a strong alumni network to facilitate collaboration and knowledge sharing among past and current startups.
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
- Proven experience of identifying, building and scaling gaming start-ups
- Deep understanding of gaming start-up space
- Demonstrated understanding of growth and commercialization challenges of a startup in the gaming industry
- Business experience within the gaming industry, ideally within a senior management position.
- Strong knowledge and experience regarding video game development and the gaming ecosystem
- Track record of successful operation of incubation and acceleration programs
- Strong stakeholder management skills across all levels.
- Experience building business cases for new programs/initiatives and pitching them to senior management
- Experience owning finance and P&L for an operational division, ideally for Incubation / Acceleration activities
- Third party and supplier management
Preferred
- Past experience of founding and leading gaming start-ups
- Track record of launching Incubation / Acceleration programs from the ground up
- Experience of working in Saudi Arabia or the Middle East
- An existing network contacts across other gaming Incubators / Accelerator (Speed Run, Game Founders, etc.)
Qualifications
Relevant industry qualifications