Gaming Incubation and Acceleration Manager

Position : Gaming Incubation and Acceleration Manager

Reports to : Executive Director Gaming

Sector : Media

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES & ACTIVITIES

Strategic support

• Input into and iterate a strategic roadmap for Incubation & Acceleration programs aligned with NEOM's plans for the gaming sector.
• Define clear value propositions and key performance indicators (KPIs) for measuring the success of the Incubation & Acceleration programs.
• Continuously monitor and adapt the programs based on market trends and industry best practices.
• Regularly track and analyze key metrics to evaluate the program's effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.
• Present findings and recommendations to senior leadership to ensure program alignment with NEOM's vision.
• Design and recruit additional team members as necessary to deliver upon NEOM’s goals.
• Provide clear direction, motivation, and coaching to ensure team members are equipped to deliver program goals effectively.

Startup Identification & Selection:

• Establish robust processes for scouting and identifying high-potential gaming startups with innovative ideas and strong growth trajectories.
• Develop selection criteria to evaluate startup fit within NEOM's gaming ecosystem and its strategic goals.
• Oversee the due diligence process for shortlisted startups.

Incubation & Acceleration Activities:

• Design and deliver customized programs that provide startups with the necessary mentorship, resources, and infrastructure to flourish.
• Secure partnerships with industry experts, investors, and service providers to offer valuable support to startups within the program.
• Facilitate access to funding opportunities through VC, angel investors, and other investment channels.

Post-Acceleration Support:

• Develop strategies to ensure the continued success of program graduates after they transition beyond incubation/acceleration.
• Leverage and foster connections with publishers, partners, and investors for ongoing growth of start-ups after participation in a program.
• Maintain a strong alumni network to facilitate collaboration and knowledge sharing among past and current startups.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Proven experience of identifying, building and scaling gaming start-ups
• Deep understanding of gaming start-up space
• Demonstrated understanding of growth and commercialization challenges of a startup in the gaming industry
• Business experience within the gaming industry, ideally within a senior management position.
• Strong knowledge and experience regarding video game development and the gaming ecosystem
• Track record of successful operation of incubation and acceleration programs
• Strong stakeholder management skills across all levels.
• Experience building business cases for new programs/initiatives and pitching them to senior management
• Experience owning finance and P&L for an operational division, ideally for Incubation / Acceleration activities
• Third party and supplier management

Preferred

• Past experience of founding and leading gaming start-ups
• Track record of launching Incubation / Acceleration programs from the ground up
• Experience of working in Saudi Arabia or the Middle East
• An existing network contacts across other gaming Incubators / Accelerator (Speed Run, Game Founders, etc.)

Qualifications

• Degree, MSc, preferable

Relevant industry qualifications