1Up Ventures

Independent game developers often face challenges finding investment and building the connections that can help their studios succeed. 1Up Ventures invests in games and content-focused studios, with a mission to build a community of talented, experienced, and creative independent game developers who can help one another become more successful.

The firm describes its approach as community-driven and focuses on supporting independent game development rather than platforms or technology-focused studios. Its team includes founder and General Partner Ed Fries, former Microsoft Vice President who built and ran the game publishing business through the launch of the first Xbox, and founding partner and community builder Kelly Wallick, founder of Indie MEGABOOTH. 1Up Ventures is based in Kirkland, Washington, and has Fund I and Fund II portfolios.