The London Games Festival takes place April 1-10, 2016 and Bates Wells Braithwaite (BWB) has been asked to organize an interactive panel discussion with industry experts on the current fundraising scene in the gaming industry. This panel will be a part of the “London Games Festival Fringe”, taking place at 17:30 on Thursday, April 7 and is free to attend.
Solicitor Gemma Boore of BWB spoke with CalvinAyre.com to educate the gaming industry on the opportunity, reveal what will be covered during the panel and to share a few insights in advance.
Becky Liggero: Thank you for joining me, Gemma. Why has BWB decided to put on this niche event for the online gambling industry?
Gemma Boore: The event will focus on the pros and cons of raising finance in both the gambling industry and the less regulated social gaming industry. There are many similarities between these two industries and, in the UK, both are expanding at an alarming rate. We’ll look at the funding sources available in the UK for games companies and the pros and cons of raising finance in each way.
BL: Sounds like a great opportunity. How does this event fit into the greater London Games Festival?
GB: The event is one of the fringe events that will be held as part of the London Games Festival, which is an annual festival for both consumers and trade specialists held on 1-10 April 2016. The festival is part of Games London a new initiative to boost investment and skills in the capital funded by £1.2 million investment from the Mayor of London.
BL: We know you’re covering tips for success during the panel, do you have any insights you can share with us in advance as a preview?
GB: In our opinion, the most important factor for start-ups and even established tech businesses looking to secure funding is to ensure that they have their house in order before they approach potential investors. Investors in the business will want to know that the company can do what it says it can do and will perform as expected. This involves putting in place key agreements with customers and suppliers before approaching an investor and, wherever possible, securing IP for the business.
BL: Great advice. What kind of speakers are you looking to secure for the event?
GB: We’re looking to have a panel of experts who can communicate their real life experiences and opinions about raising finance in the industry. Watch this space for a full announcement coming soon!
BL: Looking forward to it. Anything else you would like to add?
GB: The event is free to attend but you must register in advance to secure your spot because places are limited. Please click here for details of how to RSVP.
BL: Wonderful Gemma, thank you for taking the time to educate us on this opportunity, it’s a big issue in the industry that certainly needs addressing.
What: Show me the money! The challenges of raising capital in the games industry
When: April 7, 17:30
Where: 10 Queen Street Place, EC4R 1BE
Register: Online
