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1Up Ventures: Venture capital fund exclusively investing in independent game developers and studios, focused on gaming IP, tools, and infrastructure.
Key people at 1Up Ventures.
1Up Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm based in Kirkland, Washington, that exclusively invests in independent video game developers, gaming studios, and gaming infrastructure platforms. The firm manages over $80 million in total assets across two primary fund vehicles, which includes a $50 million second fund successfully raised in 2022. Operating as a partnership-driven investment vehicle, the organization provides seed and Series A capital to creators of original intellectual property across mobile, console, and PC platforms. The fund typically writes initial investment checks ranging from $250,000 to $1 million and maintains ongoing involvement through subsequent financing rounds. The firm has built an extensive portfolio of more than 67 gaming companies, backing notable independent studios such as Frost Giant Studios, Singularity 6, Torpor Games, and Galaxy Grove. 1Up Ventures was founded in 2019 by former Microsoft and Xbox executive Ed Fries.
Key people at 1Up Ventures.
1Up Ventures is a venture capital firm and community focused on investing in and supporting independent game developers. Their mission centers on building a diverse and inclusive network of talented, experienced, and creative indie game creators, fostering collaboration to enhance mutual success. They primarily invest at the seed and Series A stages, providing capital and community support to early-stage gaming startups. By combining investment with community-building, 1Up Ventures aims to drive innovation and positive change within the gaming industry ecosystem[1][2][4].
Founded around 2021, 1Up Ventures was co-founded and is led by Ed Fries, a former Microsoft Vice President and one of the creators of the original Xbox game publishing business. The team also includes Kelly Wallick, founder of Indie MEGABOOTH and former IGF Chairperson, and Emily Greer, a two-time game industry founder and CEO. The firm evolved from a fund called the 1Up Fund, initially focused on supporting indie developers through community efforts, into a full venture capital firm investing in early-stage gaming companies. This origin reflects a blend of deep industry experience and a commitment to nurturing independent game development[1][2][4].
1Up Ventures rides the trend of increasing interest and investment in independent game development, a sector benefiting from democratized game creation tools and growing consumer demand for diverse gaming experiences. The timing is favorable as indie games gain mainstream attention and new monetization models emerge. By fostering a collaborative community, 1Up Ventures influences the broader ecosystem by empowering smaller studios to innovate and compete with larger publishers, contributing to a more vibrant and diverse gaming industry[1][2][4].
Looking ahead, 1Up Ventures is poised to expand its influence by continuing to back promising indie developers and deepening its community engagement. Trends such as the rise of mobile gaming, VR/AR, and blockchain-based gaming could shape their investment focus. Their unique blend of capital and community support positions them well to help indie studios navigate the evolving gaming landscape, potentially increasing their impact as a key enabler of innovation in the sector[1][2][4]. This approach ties back to their founding vision of collaboration as a catalyst for success in independent game development.
