gamescom invest circle 2025

In just three years, the Gamescom Invest Circle has become the gaming industry’s flagship investment event. What started as an ambitious concept in 2023 is now the most relevant platform for connecting investors with game studios across Europe. For 2025, PIRATEx partnered with the organizers to elevate this invitation-only event into a comprehensive investment ecosystem that extends far beyond a single day at Gamescom.

The Challenge

Gaming startups and indie studios face a unique funding challenge. Traditional VCs often don’t understand gaming, while gaming publishers focus on publishing deals rather than equity investments. The industry needed a sophisticated platform that could facilitate genuine investor-studio matching while maintaining the exclusive, high-quality atmosphere that serious investors demand.

The operational challenge was equally complex: managing 135 GameTech startup applications alongside 58 investor applications, coordinating mandatory pitch training, orchestrating a pitch competition, and creating meaningful networking opportunities – all within a 3-hour window during Europe’s busiest gaming trade fair.

Our Approach

PIRATEx approached this as a complete ecosystem development project, not just event execution. We provided end-to-end strategic consulting. 

Comprehensive Project Management: From setting up the Confex venue to speaker management requiring individual 15-minute tech briefings, PIRATEx coordinated every operational detail. We managed the complex application process for both startups and investors, orchestrated mandatory pitch training sessions, and coordinated rehearsals with real investors. We also selected the jury and the startups that would be pitching at the event in the end.

Community Building & Communication: Beyond event day, we developed integrated communication strategies including social media campaigns, ambassador programs with dedicated Discord server, website content updates, and press materials. 

The impact

The pitch training program became a value-add that extended the event’s impact. Mandatory training for competition participants, combined with investor rehearsals, created a professional standard that elevated the entire industry’s presentation quality. Studios didn’t just pitch – they learned to communicate with investors effectively.