Business Sweden organized a trip to the U.S. for four startups that looked for investments. One of the companies accepted was Localize Direct, a Helsingborg-based startup focusing on translation and localizations for game developers. Their specialized tool and service helps both big and small game developers to be playable on all languages – both local game developers such as Playdead’s Limbo, as well as big players such as Rocksteady’s Batman Arkham City.
Christoffer Nilsson is the CEO of Localize Direct. He has over 20 years experience in the video-games industry and has managed the development of 20+ commercial video game projects. Prior to founding Localize Direct, Christoffer set up and established a development studio for Eidos. We talked with him about how it was to meet potential investors from the U.S.
You where over in the U.S. to meet investors. Whom did you meet?
“We met a variety of people in NY and SF involved in investing, this included VC:s such as Insight Partners, Greycroft Partners, Allegis Capital as well as various angle investment organisations, lawyers and startup incubators. We also visited Toca Boca, a Swedish company that has established an office in the US. As far as pitches we did both individual pitches to VC as well as organized events with audiences. I did 12 pitches in total during the week.”
What are some key take-aways?
“Make your pitch personal – about you and/or your team. If you can deliver it as an interesting and engaging story then this is very effective. We met with and had some great advice from David Rose.”
He also recommends anyone doing VC pitching having a look at David Rose’s TED talk.
What did you want to get out of the tour, and did you get what you wanted?
“A check with lots of numbers had been great! Now, that didn’t happen – at least not yet. What I did get out of it was a much better understanding of how to effectively present and pitch as well as a deeper understanding of the US investment community. I also made many new contacts and friends. All in all it was a great experience and very well organised by the helpful people at Business Sweden.”
How come you got accepted – how did you apply and was the process difficult?
“You basically submitted a business plan. We were a group of four startups that got accepted and since we did the same meetings they wanted a group looking for somewhat similar investment and at about the same stage in their life cycle. Also all the entrepreneurs were experienced and had started and made exits previously.”
Thanks to Christoffer for sharing some insights, and we wish him best of luck with future plans to raise money!
