About the Job
NEOM Gaming exists to establish and grow a thriving video games ecosystem within NEOM and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. A core pillar of its strategy involves identifying, acquiring, and managing strategic equity investments to support the delivery of NEOM’s gaming goals. The Lead of Gaming Equity Investments is initially responsible for managing NEOM’s investments in the gaming space and will drive the iteration and execution of a broader gaming investment strategy, ranging from venture capital (VC) to larger mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activities.
Key Accountabilities & Activities
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Investment Management:
- Develop and implement a targeted strategy for gaming investments, ensuring alignment with NEOM's overall gaming vision.
- Define investment criteria focusing on established gaming companies with proven track records and technologies/products/services that support NEOM's ecosystem.
- Conduct comprehensive market research to identify high-impact investment opportunities within the gaming landscape.
- Evaluate potential investments' strategic fit, financial performance, and growth potential through industry expertise and financial analysis.
- Lead investment negotiations and structure transactions that secure mutually beneficial terms.
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Portfolio Management:
- Provide active support to portfolio companies, fostering their success within NEOM's gaming ecosystem.
- Build strong relationships with portfolio company leadership to facilitate collaboration and alignment with NEOM's gaming goals.
- Monitor portfolio company performance against key metrics to ensure alignment with the overall gaming strategy.
- Develop strategies to maximize the return on investment (ROI) for NEOM, considering both financial and strategic benefits.
- Coordinate with governance, legal, finance, and secretariat teams for smooth portfolio management.
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Relationship Building and Collaboration:
- Build and maintain strong relationships with VCs, investment bankers, and key players in the gaming investment landscape.
- Collaborate with internal stakeholders across NEOM, including Strategy and Business Development, to ensure investment decisions support the broader gaming vision.
Knowledge, Skills, and Experience
- Proven track record in corporate M&A/investments, VC, private equity, or a related investment field.
- Successful investments in established gaming companies.
- Deep understanding of the gaming industry, including market dynamics, business models, valuation methodologies, and M&A processes.
- Strong analytical and financial modeling skills to assess the financial health and growth prospects of established companies.
- Expertise in negotiation and deal structuring for investments and company acquisitions.
- Excellent communication and relationship management skills to build trust with investment partners and portfolio company leadership.
- Strong stakeholder management skills across all levels.
- Experience managing due diligence on investment prospects and third-party supplier management.
Qualifications
- Preferably 10+ years of experience in corporate M&A/investments, private equity, or a related field, with a proven track record in gaming.
- Experience working in Saudi Arabia or the Middle East is preferable but not essential.
