Top tips for TIGA members from leading North East investors – Dr. Alex Buchan & Jonathan Gold

By February 20, 2014 TIGA News

Ahead of our Strategy of Games Biz event in Newcastle on the 25th of February, we spoke to two leading North East investors who will be attending, to find out what they look for in a games business as well as some top tips for any TIGA members seeking investment.

Dr. Alex Buchan, Northstar Ventures 

Please introduce yourself and describe what North Star Ventures focuses on:

I am an investment manager at Northstar Ventures, investing the Finance for Business North East Accelerator and Proof of Concept funds. These funds are venture capital funds focused on technology businesses in the North East, investing between £50k and £750k.

What are the top three pieces of advice you would give to game studios looking to grow their business by raising finance?

  • Make sure you have a scalable business proposition
  • Ensure your team can deliver
  • Understand your finances 

Which types of games companies are you interested in meeting at the TIGA event on Tuesday 25th Feb?

I’m looking for companies with their own IP and also those developing multiplayer online games.

Jonathan Gold, Director of Rivers Capital Partners

Please introduce yourself and describe what Rivers Capital focuses on:

I’m a director of Rivers Capital Partners and the Fund Manager of the North East Angel Fund. (More information and Jonathan’s bio can be found here). More info/bio at

Rivers Capital Partners manages the £7.5 million North East Angel Fund that typically invests between £10,000 to £150,000 in a variety of mechanisms (such as loan to equity) into SMEs in the region.

Rivers Capital Partners is The Entrepreneurs’ Fund Manager, because all our partners have all been on the other side of the table, successful raising finance and exiting business.

What are the top 3 pieces of advice you would give to game studios looking to grow their business by raising finance? 

  • When speaking to potential financers sell the business proposition not just the product
  • Be sure to explain your plans for monetisation and user acquisition
  • Ensure that you research the potential investor to understand their particular needs.

Which types of games companies are you interested in meeting at the TIGA event on Tuesday 25th Feb?

I’m looking for high growth, scalable and North East based companies, or those that are willing to relocate to the region.

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