Welcome to Crown Castê, your financial literacy podcast for small businesses. We publish inspiring, insightful conversations with investors and stewards of capital.

In this episode of Crown Castê, we chat with Nick Button-Brown, award-winning angel investor and gaming industry veteran, about how building a community-centred approach to investing can transform the startup experience. Nick, recently named UKBAA Angel Investor of the Year, shares insights into his journey from game development to creating Games Angels—a network of industry veterans supporting early-stage startups in gaming (1:05).

Nick describes how Games Angels came together organically, with over 160 members invested in 29 companies, providing both capital and a unique camaraderie that goes beyond traditional investment structures. He explains the value of having an angel group rooted in shared interests and a desire to help startups succeed, fostering connections that make a difference for founders facing the highs and lows of startup life (4:42). Games Angels doesn’t operate as a formal syndicate; instead, they thrive on the individual contributions and informal networks of each member (6:00).

The episode explores Nick’s investment criteria: he looks for balanced teams, meaningful market impact, and business opportunities that offer both financial returns and personal fulfillment. He emphasizes that angel investing isn’t just about providing funds—it’s about being a coach, a confidant, and a guide for founders, especially when things get tough (10:23).

Nick and Nzube discuss trends in the gaming industry, including the evolving roles of augmented reality, multiplayer gaming as a social connector, and the impact of AI. Nick highlights the importance of monetization strategies, particularly in mobile and social media gaming, and shares his belief in the long-term potential of the metaverse, despite its recent scepticism (17:48).

For aspiring founders, Nick’s advice is to focus on building emotional connections with investors, as successful pitches often hinge on a genuine, long-term partnership (22:35). He encourages founders to approach investors openly and thoughtfully, as they will be partners for five to ten years—far beyond a simple transaction (24:04).

This episode is an insightful dive into how community-based angel investing can provide both strategic value and personal support, creating a collaborative ecosystem where startups are better equipped to succeed.

Where to Connect:

Nick Button Brown Linkedin- https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickbuttonbrown/

Games Angles Website - https://thegamesangels.com/