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Rise and Play Podcast

146. Behold VC: Funded By Gaming Leaders For Gaming Leaders with Lína Ingvarsdóttir

Mar 4, 2025
40:18

See why 80% of the top-grossing game studios rely on the Player Insights Platform™ to ensure a game's success (before it's even released).

We are proud to announce PlaytestCloud as our key partner in 2025 and offer a FREE TRIAL here: https://start.playtestcloud.com/rise

In this new episode host Sophie Vo sits down with Sigurlína (Lína) Ingvarsdóttir, a veteran of the gaming industry and founding partner at Behold Ventures. Lína shares her incredible journey from working on AAA franchises like Star Wars Battlefront and FIFA to transitioning into venture capital and founding Behold VC.

She discusses the importance of resilience in game development, the evolving investment landscape in gaming, and what she looks for when funding early-stage game studios.

This episode covers insights for game developers, entrepreneurs, and anyone who wants to learn more about the intersection of creativity, business, and investment in games.

Resilience and Passion Still Matter in Gaming Startups:

* Investors are drawn to teams that demonstrate long-term commitment, adaptability, and passion, even when facing challenges like funding difficulties.

The Role of Intuition vs. Data in Investments:

* While investment decisions often involve commercial potential and market trends, a strong emotional connection to a project can also drive successful funding.

The Nordic Region’s Game Development Strength:

* The Nordic region continues to be a powerhouse for game innovation, producing both AAA and indie successes. Behold Ventures focuses on early-stage investments in this space.

The Journey Transitioning from Game Operator to Investor:

* Lina’s transition from game development to venture capital was fueled by her strategic mindset, experience in production, and desire to shape the industry’s future.

💡 The Future of Gaming Investments:

* Behold Ventures prioritizes multiplayer, social, and community-driven games over single-player experiences. They are cautious with VR and Web3 but remain open to groundbreaking innovations.

VCs as Partners, Not Just Funders:

* Founders should seek investors who bring more than just capital—mentorship, industry knowledge, and long-term support are key.

Resources & Links:

* Learn more about Behold Ventures:

https://behold.vc/

* Connect with Lína Ingvarsdóttir on Linkedin

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Enjoyed the episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share with fellow conscious leaders in the gaming industry!

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