Game industry veterans Pontus Mahler and Jacques Benchetrit have raised $600,000 to launch a publishing and fundraising advisory service for game companies.
AGP will focus on M&A, fundraising, publishing, and co-development advisory for PC, console and software-as-a-service companies before expanding into mobile, co-development, and other related industry sub-verticals.
AGP raised the money to scale its services, backed by several angel investors specializing in gaming. The company will launch with six clients already onboard.
The partners have a unique blend of experience. Mahler comes from esports where he was a professional gamer in various strategy titles such as Heroes of Newerth; afterward, he led over 30 seed stage investments while at GTR.
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Benchetrit on the other hand comes from the world of London-based investment banking where he held roles at HSBC and Houlihan Lokey. He later led M&A for Zordix, a Swedish-listed video gaming serial acquirer. Their combined expertise gives AGP unique insights and abilities when it comes to client selection, information gathering and presenting, negotiations, and creative deal structuring.
“We are beyond excited to launch Agora Gaming Partners to work with some of the most talented entrepreneurs in the gaming industry,” said Mahler, managing partner, in a statement. “The combined experience of Jacques myself & our team gives our clients the tools they need to succeed in today’s competitive landscape.”
Specifically, the company will focus on publishing; the firm will act as agents and lead negotiator for PC and console publishing deals with development budgets ranging from indie to double-A (budgets up to $50 million). They will also act as facilitators for IP license negotiations.
The firm will also handle M&A. AGP will leverage its relationships and global network on behalf of established companies valued up to $100 million to find the ideal long-term partner.
And it will help with fundraising. AGP maintains an expansive global network of PEs, VCs, and strategics
with over $40 billion in collective AUM ready to be deployed in video gaming and video gaming adjacent companies.
“We have built many amazing relationships within the gaming industry – our partners and clients are our friends. AGP is our way of giving back, by providing insight, connections, and our time so that our friends can realize their ambitions,” said Benchetrit, managing director, in a statement.
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