Game Changer

ABOUT THE PROGRAMME

Game Changer helps London-based business founders make significant strides in developing their business acumen as they take a product to market.

The new programme, Game Changer, is funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, part of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda.

The programme is aimed at supporting founders from underrepresented backgrounds, including but not limited to underrepresented genders, those with a disability, and those who are Black, Asian or from underrepresented ethnicities.

Game Changer will help London-based business founders make significant strides in developing their business acumen as they take a product to market.

COHORT 2023

Anna Hollinrake

Antoana Petkova

Camille Gillet

Daniel Sofoluke

Jay Shin

Michelle Brøndum

Posy Brewer

Theresa Johnson

Annabel Ashalley-Anthony

Beatka Wojciak

Cassie Hughes

Declan Talbert

Joyce Datiles - Jennifer Datiles

Nigel Twumasi

Reedah El-Saie

Venkatesh Krishna Murthy

Annabel Grace

Boo Xingying

Charlie Hasdell

Evangel Glover

Manjul Rathee

Oksana Danyliuk

Rhys Neblett

Yao Yao

Annabelle Afful

Briony O Clarke

Daniel Coppen

Gina Jackson

Pitchify

Paola Vera

Siobhan McDonell

Zara Arakelian

Game Changer FAQ

How many founders are taking part in Game Changer?

40 individuals will be chosen to take part in Game Changer. Co-founders are welcome, but both team members must commit fully to the programme if they wish to participate.

Does our business have to be based in London to take part?

Yes, all 40 businesses must be based in London. When submitting your application, we will ask you for which Borough of London you are based in.

What is the cost of participating?

Game Changer is a FREE program. We have the provision to cover local travel costs for those who otherwise could not afford to attend in-person workshops - and we can cover childcare costs for parents or carers that require it so they can attend events and meetings.

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 August to November 2023. We estimate this amount to be a minimum of 6 hours of meetings and workshops per month. A full schedule and timings of the Game Changer programme will be provided upon selection.

Will all venues be accessible?

Yes, all venues selected for in-person Game Changer events will be accessible

What if I can not attend a workshop?

Whilst we strongly suggest making time to attend each part of the Game Changer programme, all workshops will be prerecorded and made available post-event.

What are the outcomes of the programme?

Game Changer intends to rapidly up skill the participants through a course of workshops and mentoring.

Games London will run a dedicated Game Changer Finance Market for the cohort at the end of the programme. The cohort will then have the opportunity to network and discuss their work with potential and relevant business partners and investors

An outbound mission to Slush, Helsinki, will occur at the end of November. This includes the opportunity to join a special investor matchmaking event with 40 investors but participants will also be able to spend time connecting with other investors from the event's 12,000+ delegate list

The cohort will also be included in the 2024 London Games Festival programme with a guaranteed spot at the Games Finance Market where they can pitch to investors and publishers

What are the key benefits for me?

One-to-one access to experienced industry mentors and course-specific business insight sessions

The cohort structure encourages peer learning and support

Opportunities to expand your network and connect with potential investors

Opportunities for studios to showcase their developed work through a produced and polished showreel at the end of the programme, which teams can use to promote their business and work beyond the scheme

Guaranteed Games Finance Market access at the London Games Festival means presence at an event attended by 45+ investors

When will I be notified if I am successful in my application?

You will receive an email once all successful applicants have been chosen. DEADLINE EXTENDED. Applications now close on the 12:00PM 26th July 2023.

Any further questions? Contact gamechanger@games.london

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a central pillar of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda and provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ukshared-prosperity-fund-prospectus