Accelerator

Games London is launching a brand new, free accelerator programme for London-based games studios in 2020. This new programme is a long-term scheme to help talent in the city make significant strides in a short period of time, leading towards London Games Festival and its Game Finance Market. We’re building on our well-established Pitch Bootcamp events which over the course of three years trained 45 companies.

By offering industry insight, practical training and strategy planning on investment, the programme will ultimately set studios up for accelerated growth and lasting success in their business.

Applications are now open – the application form can be found here. The first round deadline is 2 October. The programme is open to the founders of London-based games companies that are working on their debut or second game and are looking towards investment or publishing. Our programme will help guide participants through that process and advise teams on funding models, investor types, publisher deals and associated topics like accounting, legal issues, tax relief and more.

The programme

Be part of a cohort of games companies all on the journey to grow their business. We’ll keep you united via a private Discord channel and provide plenty of ways to share and support each other
Monthly masterclasses with experts
Monthly group meetings with studio leaders to learn from
Pitching advice and coaching sessions
One-to-one mentoring hours from a pool of experts and successful games studio leaders
Networking and pitching opportunities – as the accelerator continues we will use our contact book of investors to start matching participants with potential and relevant business partners
Inclusion in the 2021 London Games Festival programme: all accelerator participants are guaranteed a spot at the Games Finance Market 2021 and will be part of a festival showcase

Accelerator FAQ

How many studios will be selected for the programme?

The Games London Accelerator will select between five to eight companies to participate, with the final number based on our application and assessment results.

Can more than one team member take part?

We are designing this first cohort for founders. If you are co-founders of the studio, both/all can participate in the programme - but we expect that you both participate equally across all elements and events of the programme.

Does our studio have to be physically based in London to qualify?

This programme is for London studios - but we appreciate the flexibility of this definition, and the increasingly high chance games teams do not start with an office space. You CAN be a predominantly remote work/distributed team, but the company's incorporation address should be within London or Greater London OR a significant proportion of your team or leadership must be based in the city.

What is the cost for participating?

It's completely FREE.

What is the format? How will the classes run?

Typically, any accelerator will encourage lots of face to face networking and participation. However the first Games London Accelerator will be run online, with masterclasses and mentor sessions taking place virtually through webinars and roundtable meetings. A group Discord will also be set up to encourage regular contact and discussion between participants, mentors and Games London staff. We may look to host the small groups in person in early 2021, but will follow current guidances closely throughout. We are hoping to run both live and online events at the 2021 London Games Festival and hope the cohort will have met in person by then or during the festival. Any developments would naturally be discussed with the group first before any decision is made.

How much time do I need to commit to the programme?

We ask that the selected candidates commit to the full programme of masterclasses and mentoring, running from October 2020 to March 2021. We estimate this to amount to a minimum of 60 minutes meeting time each week. A full schedule of the Accelerator programme will be provided upon selection.

What are the outcomes from the programme?

Networking and pitching opportunities - as the accelerator continues we will use our contact book of investors to start matching participants with potential and relevant business partners. The cohort will also be included in the 2021 London Games Festival programme with a guaranteed spot at the Games Finance Market and a dedicated showcase.

What are the key benefits for me?

• We offer one to one access to experienced industry mentors and course specific business insight sessions • The cohort structure encourages peer learning and support • The duration and intensity of the programme gives studios the chance to really develop their business • We'll provide opportunities to expand your network and connect with potential investors • We'll provide opportunities for studios to showcase their developed work at the London Games Festival • Guaranteed Games Finance Market access means presence at an event attended by 45+ investors

How do I apply?

Get started by filling out the application form.

Got further questions? Contact matthew.charlton@games.london

Become a Games London Accelerator Mentor

Games London is looking for business leaders ready to mentor startups for its upcoming 2020/2021 Accelerator programme

This is a great opportunity for those in the sector who have a deep understanding and knowledge of the games sector and who are now in a position where they can pass on their valued experience to promising early stage founders, ready to learn and take their studio to the next level.

If you’d like to become a mentor, please contact Matt Charlton for more info matthew.charlton@games.london