Ophir Lupu Joins Brian Sheth's Private Equity Firm Haveli
September 7, 2022 (Investorideas.com Newswire) Ophir Lupu, one of the top video game industry agents, has joined Haveli Investments, a gaming-focused private equity fund. Among the best-connected people in the industry now has the funds to influence numerous game companies.
When Lupu worked at United Talent Agency for a decade, he operated effectively as an agent in the background. Ken Levine, creator of Bioshock, and Ed Boon, creator of Mortal Kombat, are some of his clients. Upon joining Haveli, he will serve as a partner in the business.
Haveli Ambitions
Several sources close to the matter say Haveli is trying to raise 750 million, more than the $500 million that was initially reported in February.
In addition to building a large video game fund, Brian Sheth has also founded the Sheth Sangreal Foundation, which supports the resilience and wellbeing for all life on earth. That is, of course, amongst his many other philanthropic world-saving endeavors.
One source familiar with their plans said Haveli's pitch would be aimed at helping established studios retain talent and take creative risks with capital.
There have been two deals disclosed so far by the fund:
1 - Investment of $20 million in a startup, Omeda Studios
2 - Investing in Behaviour Interactive, a Montreal-based studio that has been around for decades
Game companies are merging, and investors are betting on the next big thing as money continues to pour into the industry. For example, Drake Star partners completed more than $100 billion in deals in the first half of 2022, including $3.6 billion in disclosed private placements. Investing in startups on the early end of the spectrum is a big part, but not all.
Insiders report that private equity firms are increasingly interested in the gaming industry. Joffre Capital's bid for Playtika and Carlyle's acquisition of Jagex are prime examples of this.
Lupu's Stellar Career
After leaving CAA in 2011, Lupu joined UTA. Ken Levine, the director of "BioShock" and "BioShock Infinite," and Playdead were among his gaming clients.
Moreover, Lupu helped Justin Roiland, co-creator of "Rick and Morty," set up Squanch Games with the existing talent at UTA. The company will release "High on Life," a first-person shooter for the Xbox One.
Besides selling a majority stake in "Don't Starve" developer Klei Entertainment to Tencent in 2021, Lupu also helped gaming companies negotiate and raise capital.
Cloud9, an essential League of Legends player, is an esports organization Lupu invested in as part of its investment in UTA. Additionally, Lupu expanded UTA's esports portfolio by 90 professional athletes and streamers in 2018 through the acquisition of Press X and Everyday Influencers.
Brian Sheth and Haveli Investments
With a team of investment and operating professionals headquartered in Austin, Texas, and spread across the country, Haveli Investments is a newly formed and rapidly growing investment firm.
A high level of ethics, integrity, collaboration, transparency, and loyalty is built into the culture of their investment firm.
Haveli Investments views investing as an apprenticeship business to empower individuals through training, mentoring, and ongoing growth.
Sheth is proactive in conservation and social upliftment worldwide as a businessman, philanthropist, and conservationist. He entered the business world after graduating from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania with an economics degree.
Among Forbes magazine's wealthiest entrepreneurs under 40 in 2015, he was named one of the top entrepreneurs under 40. According to Forbes, he was also listed as one of the wealthiest Americans in 2021.
Despite this, he left most of that world behind to focus on the world we all share. His most important act was to do everything in his power to save it. In addition, Sheth is heavily involved in several philanthropic endeavors.
The Sheth Sangreal Foundation's projects have uplifted more than 120,000 children and been directly involved with preserving over 50,000 miles of natural forest.
With more than 90 ongoing partnerships with like-minded organizations, governments, and local authorities, the organization has completed 430 projects worldwide, with dozens more on the way.
Ophir Lupu's recent move to Brian Sheth's Haveli Investments is exciting, and one thing is sure - These two dynamic and fascinating individuals will inspire many more articles in the future.
Disclaimer/Disclosure: Investorideas.com is a digital publisher of third party sourced news, articles and equity research as well as creates original content, including video, interviews and articles. Original content created by investorideas is protected by copyright laws other than syndication rights. Our site does not make recommendations for purchases or sale of stocks, services or products. Nothing on our sites should be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell products or securities. All investment involves risk and possible loss of investment. This site is currently compensated for news publication and distribution, social media and marketing, content creation and more. Contact each company directly regarding content and press release questions.. More disclaimer info: http://www.investorideas.com/About/Disclaimer.asp. This article is a third party guest post published content and not the content of Investorideas.com.
Please read Investorideas.com privacy policy: https://www.investorideas.com/About/Private_Policy.asp