The European Gaming Congress (EGC) returns to Warsaw for 2024 on 15-16 October, and organizer HIPTHER is proud to introduce the conference’s esteemed Sponsors – trailblazing professionals and innovative organizations that help make the magic happen! In this Sponsors Spotlight Interview, we are proud to welcome Vladimir Malakchi, CEO and Managing Partner at Xanada Investments.
Thank you for joining us for this interview Vladimir! Let’s introduce you and Xanada Investments to our readers: What inspired you to create an investment fund with such an ideological and philosophical approach?
Thank you for having me! The idea for Xanada Investments came from my extensive experience in the industry, where I witnessed firsthand how many promising startups struggle—not just due to a lack of funding, but because they lack proper strategic support and long-term vision. Over the years, I saw how typical investment funds often limit themselves to providing capital, without addressing other crucial aspects of business growth.
This inspired me to create a fund that goes beyond the traditional investment approach. At Xanada Investments, we focus not only on financial backing but on building an ecosystem where startups can grow together, share knowledge, and support one another. Our philosophy is centered on mutual growth. Every project in our portfolio receives more than just capital; they gain access to strategic consulting, a network of industry contacts, expert resources, and development opportunities.
It’s not just about the success of one project—it’s about creating a community where every participant contributes to the overall success of the Xanada ecosystem. Our goal is to ensure that our investments not only help businesses grow but also elevate the entire industry by setting new standards and driving innovation.
Your investment philosophy focuses on mutual growth within your portfolio. Can you share an example of how your approach has fostered collaboration between different projects under the Xanada umbrella?
At Xanada Investments, we strive to build a diversified ecosystem by supporting projects of different types, sizes, and stages of development. Our current portfolio consists of five projects, all carefully selected from over 150 applications. We invest significant resources in understanding each project and offer tailored support to ensure successful partnerships.
While we maintain an individualized approach for each project, collaboration within our portfolio is key to accelerating growth. By working together, our projects are able to share insights, resources, and strategies, allowing them to achieve significant results faster. This collective effort not only strengthens each project but also enhances the overall ecosystem, ensuring mutual success.
With Xanada Investments primarily focusing on startups within the iGaming sector, what trends do you foresee shaping the future of this industry in the next 2-3 years?
The iGaming industry is going through an exciting period of change, driven by new technology and shifting player needs. One trend we see is the growing use of AI and machine learning to create more personalized gaming experiences. Startups are using AI to make gameplay and marketing more tailored to individual players. Another big focus is on player retention. With more competition, companies are using gamification, social features, and real-time engagement to keep players interested.
At the same time, there’s increasing attention on following regulations and promoting responsible gaming. As rules become stricter in different regions, startups that can stay compliant while still offering great experiences will have an advantage. The future of iGaming will belong to those who can innovate responsibly while meeting players’ changing needs.
You emphasize the importance of a strong team and leadership in your investment criteria. What are the top qualities you look for in a startup’s leadership team when considering an investment?
No matter how great the idea or technology, at the end of the day, it’s the people behind the project who make the difference. We invest in people—their experience, potential, and vision. The leadership team is the backbone of any startup, and we believe that a strong team is key to a project’s success. We look for resilience and adaptability—qualities that help a team navigate challenges and pivot when necessary in today’s fast-changing market.
We also value experience—leaders who know their industry well and understand how to manage its complexities. They must be hands-on and not afraid to get involved in every aspect of their business. Integrity is crucial, along with a collaborative mindset, both with us as investors and within the broader ecosystem of startups. These are the qualities that set successful teams apart.
Beyond financial support, Xanada offers strategic consulting to its startups. Can you elaborate on the specific types of support that have the most impact on helping these companies scale?
At Xanada Investments, we understand that successful startups require the right guidance and strategic support to scale effectively. We provide comprehensive consulting services that encompass various aspects of business growth. Our strong network of top industry experts also offers insights in key areas such as marketing, sales, and business development.
This community of experts plays a crucial role in our support system, helping startups analyze their current challenges and develop tailored strategies for growth. We work closely with our startups to create robust business strategies that integrate all critical components, ensuring a cohesive approach to scaling.
You’ve expressed plans to invest in 10-15 projects within the next year. How do you prioritize which projects to invest in, and what excites you most about this upcoming batch of investments?
As we look ahead, our goal is to invest in 10-15 projects that will help us build a diverse ecosystem, driving deep, foundational growth for each company. We believe that a robust ecosystem made up of various types of businesses enhances our collective strength, allowing us to offer a range of innovative solutions. We are particularly focused on finding startups in game development, casino operations, and player retention strategies.
What excites me most about this upcoming batch of investments is the talent and creativity we are seeing in these areas. We are actively seeking startups that provide relevant solutions to the iGaming industry, addressing specific pain points and offering viable business models. By concentrating on these critical areas, we are positioning ourselves at the forefront of industry innovation and ensuring our portfolio companies have the resources they need to scale effectively.
You recently launched the Xanada Startup Contest. What were the key drivers behind this initiative, and what do you hope to achieve by giving startups this platform?
The Xanada Startup Contest was created in response to the challenges many startups face in today’s market. We observed that while there are numerous startups with incredible potential, they often struggle due to a lack of resources and proper guidance. This competition was designed to bridge that gap by offering a solution that goes beyond just financial support.
What makes our contest unique is that it provides more than funding—it offers a platform for continuous learning and development. We want to ensure that startups not only receive capital but also the tools, mentorship, and strategic insights they need to maximize their potential. The contest also gives visibility to deserving startups that might otherwise go unnoticed, helping them connect with industry leaders and gain the consulting support they need to scale effectively. Our goal is to create a lasting impact by empowering startups to succeed in the long term.
Given the challenges faced by startups in securing both funding and guidance, what advice would you offer to early-stage entrepreneurs looking to break into the iGaming sector?
My biggest piece of advice is to focus on building a strong team and a clear, scalable business model. Investors are not just looking for great ideas—they want to see that your startup can execute and grow. Be prepared with detailed financial projections and a solid understanding of your market. Finally, seek out mentors and advisors who have experience in the industry. The right guidance can make all the difference in navigating the complexities of the iGaming space.
As an investor and former gaming executive, what do you believe is the biggest challenge currently facing the iGaming industry, and how is Xanada Investments positioning itself to address these challenges?
One of the biggest challenges in the iGaming industry is player retention. With so many options available, keeping players engaged long-term is becoming increasingly difficult. At Xanada Investments, we’re positioning ourselves to tackle this by investing in startups that focus on innovative engagement strategies, such as real-time personalization, gamification, and social elements that enhance the player experience. Additionally, we’re helping our portfolio companies optimize their operations and user acquisition channels to stay competitive in this fast-paced industry.
Vladimir Malakchi will be speaking in an exclusive Fireside Chat with HIPTHER’s Co-Founder Zoltan Tuendik at the European Gaming Congress, “Mythbusting Investment in iGaming: Missed Opportunities and Xanada Investments’ Vision for Startup Success”.
Join us in Warsaw and meet Vladimir in person:
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