Ophir Lupu recently moved to Haveli Investments, a gaming-focused private equity fund headed by philanthropist Brian Sheth. He will play a pivotal role at the company and assume a partner role upon arrival.
Gaming on the Rise
The gaming industry has exceptional market share, interest, and talent. For example, Drake Star Partners completed more than $100 billion in deals in the first half of 2022, including a disclosed private placement of $3.6 billion. As such, the gaming industry is increasingly attracting private equity firms.
Popular culture has long been dominated by gaming. But the recent upswing in talent, creativity and financial interest has created a massive demand for gaming-focused investment strategies. And Haveli is perfectly poised to take that rich pool of creativity and provide the financial and structural support to help it bloom.
Gaming Fund
According to SEC (News - Alert) filings, Haveli has secured $317 million from a $500 million gaming fund. So, in addition to building a video game fund, Brian Sheth has considerable investment credentials.
A dozen or so well-established studios will be the target of Haveli's pitch. Therefore, it is necessary to help them retain talent and take risks in the creative process.
The fund invested $20 million in start-up Omeda Studios in its first transaction. Second, Behaviour Interactive, a studio based in Montreal for decades, was infused with new capital.
Who Is Ophir Lupu?
Lupu joined UTA in 2011 after leaving CAA. His clients included Ken Levine, the director of "BioShock" and "BioShock Infinite (News - Alert)," as well as Playdead.
Additionally, Lupu helped gaming companies negotiate, raise capital, and sell a majority stake in Klei Entertainment to Tencent in 2021.
Among Lupu's investments in UTA is Cloud9 (News - Alert), an essential League of Legends player. Lupu also acquired Press X and Everyday Influencers in 2018, expanding UTA's esports portfolio by 90 professional athletes and streamers.
Who Is Brian Sheth?
Brian Sheth is a businessman, philanthropist, and conservationist who contributes worldwide to conservation and social upliftment. After obtaining an economics degree from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, he entered the business world.
He was named one of Forbes magazine's wealthiest entrepreneurs under 40 in 2015. As of 2021, Forbes ranked him among the wealthiest Americans.
However, he left most of this world behind to focus on our shared world. The Sheth Sangreal Foundation's projects have impacted over 120,000 children, and over 50,000 miles of natural forest have been preserved.
It's Game on For Haveli
Haveli Investments is a rapidly growing investment firm with a team of investment and operating professionals based in Austin, Texas.
Halevi Investments strives to empower individuals through training, mentoring, and ongoing growth to ensure ethical practices, integrity, collaboration, transparency, and loyalty.
Haveli is undoubtedly playing a significant role in the future of young and creative game makers and designers!
