Breaking news

GEM Capital And The Games Fund Among Most Active Gaming VC Funds

In a significant achievement, Cypriot-based GEM Capital and The Games Fund have been recognised as two of the most active gaming venture capital (VC) funds by InvestGame. Ranking 5th and 4th respectively, GEM Capital and The Games Fund have collectively finalised 19 deals over the past year, with investment values reaching $39 million and $41 million respectively.

Noteworthy Achievements and Industry Impact

GEM Capital’s recognition highlights its strong commitment to the gaming sector. The firm expressed gratitude on its LinkedIn page, emphasizing its dedication to supporting innovative gaming companies and driving the future of gaming. This accolade reflects GEM Capital’s strategic vision and robust investment activities within the gaming industry.

Similarly, Maria Kochmola, Co-founder and Managing Partner at The Games Fund, noted the past 12 months as among the busiest for investment activities. Kochmola emphasised the fund’s enthusiasm in partnering with talented teams and nurturing promising ventures within the industry.

Market Dynamics and Future Prospects

The latest InvestGame report reveals a resilient gaming industry despite challenges such as layoffs, studio closures, and volatile stock prices. In Q2 2024 alone, the industry saw 166 closed deals amounting to $4.1 billion, indicating a resurgence in investor confidence. Private investments led this growth, contributing $1 billion across 116 rounds.

The ongoing support from VC funds like GEM Capital and The Games Fund plays a crucial role in sustaining this momentum. Their active involvement not only fuels innovation but also stabilises the market by backing ventures capable of navigating and thriving amidst industry fluctuations.

Strategic Vision and Long-Term Goals

GEM Capital’s and The Games Fund’s achievements underscore a broader strategy to bolster the gaming sector through substantial financial backing and strategic partnerships. As the industry continues to evolve, the focus remains on nurturing talent, supporting innovative projects, and maintaining a robust investment pipeline.

This recognition by InvestGame serves as a testament to the foresight and strategic planning of these VC funds. It also highlights the critical role they play in shaping the future of the gaming industry, ensuring sustained growth and fostering a vibrant ecosystem for game development and innovation.

UAE Job Trends For 2025: High-Demand And Lucrative Roles Revealed

The UAE’s flourishing asset management sector, bolstered by rising investor interest, regulatory advancements, and a surge in Family Offices and Ultra High Net Worth Individuals (UHNWIs), is driving demand for banking and finance talent.

Roles in fundraising and institutional sales are particularly sought after, with professionals in these fields highly valued for their regional networks and industry expertise, according to Michael Page’s UAE 2025 Salary Guides. The comprehensive report, which includes insights from 17 industries, offers an overview of current hiring trends, salary benchmarks, and the recruitment challenges businesses face.

Banking And Finance In High Demand

The report highlights a significant need for compliance professionals, especially those with experience in Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) and Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) regulations. Chief Compliance Officers and Money Laundering Reporting Officers (MLROs) are among the most lucrative roles in the sector. Jon Ede, Regional Director UAE at Michael Page, pointed out that in 2024, the UAE’s workforce grew by 9%, and the number of new companies increased by 14.5%, showing the success of the nation’s strategic initiatives.

Sales, Marketing, And IT Growth

The sales and marketing sector has seen steady growth, especially in B2B industries like technology, real estate, energy, and logistics. Roles such as Business Development Manager, Chief Commercial Officer, and Strategic Sales Director are in demand, with a premium placed on business development, key account management, and communication skills.

The IT sector, meanwhile, continues to evolve rapidly, with high demand for positions like Head of Software Development, Full-Stack Software Engineer, Agile Product Manager, Senior DevOps Engineer, and Digital Adoption Specialist. The report underscores the significant shift in the UAE talent market for digital professionals in recent years.

Navigating The Skills Shortage

The study also highlights the growing skills shortage, with businesses grappling to find candidates with the right expertise. A staggering 37% of business leaders reported challenges in finding skilled talent, while nearly a third (30%) struggled with employee retention. Nearly half (48%) of employers also cited aligning salary expectations with candidates as a key obstacle.

Ede suggests that businesses can overcome these challenges by offering competitive packages that include benefits, career development opportunities, and workplace incentives, positioning themselves as attractive employers in the competitive UAE job market.

Uri Levine Course

Become a Speaker

Become a Speaker

Become a Partner

Subscribe for our weekly newsletter