Klaas Kersting

Klaas Kersting is a highly influential figure in the European gaming industry, renowned for his serial entrepreneurship and strategic investments. He first made his mark by founding Gameforge, which grew into a global online game publisher employing over 450 people at its peak. Following Gameforge, he established flaregames, a mobile game publisher that was later acquired by Phoenix Games, his current venture. His deep operational experience across these successful companies provides a unique advantage in his investment activities.

As an investor, Kersting primarily focuses on seed and early-stage companies within the gaming and digital entertainment sectors, occasionally venturing into e-commerce. His investment philosophy is deeply rooted in his operational expertise, offering not just capital but also invaluable strategic guidance and industry insights. He has a track record of backing highly successful ventures, including early investments in mobile gaming giants like Supercell and Wooga, both of which achieved significant exits. His involvement often extends beyond mere capital, as he frequently serves as a mentor and advisor, leveraging his extensive network to support portfolio companies.

Currently, Kersting leads Phoenix Games, a company dedicated to acquiring and scaling mobile game studios, demonstrating his continued commitment to growth and consolidation within the gaming market. Phoenix Games notably secured a €100 million investment from Carlyle in 2021 and a €150 million debt facility from BlackRock in 2022, underscoring his ability to attract substantial institutional capital. For his direct angel investments, his typical first check sizes generally range from approximately $250,000 to $1,000,000, reflecting his capacity to make meaningful contributions to early-stage rounds. He is particularly interested in teams with strong product vision and a clear path to market, often preferring to back founders with whom he can build a long-term, collaborative relationship.