Based on experience, led by instinct.
A world class team and network supporting you in every stage of growth.
FOUNDERS
Phil Sanderson
Managing Director
Phil has been working with gaming entrepreneurs as a venture capitalist for the past 23 years. His investments include some of the leading game infrastructure and content companies in the world such as Discord, Phoenix Labs, Vivox, Triller, Funzio and more.
Favorite Game:Dungeons & Dragons
Favorite Game:Dungeons & Dragons
Peter Levin
Managing Director
Peter brings decades of operational experience to Griffin. Previously: President of Interactive Ventures, Games, & Digital Strategy at Lionsgate; Co-founder and CEO of Nerdist Industries (acq. by Legendary); co-teacher of USC esports course; early advisor to and investor in Rovio (Angry Birds).
Favorite Game:Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
Nick Tuosto
Managing Director
Nick, co-founder of Griffin and managing director of LionTree, has advised across gaming: Tencent (Supercell), Kabam (Netmarble), FoxNext (Scopely), AppLovin (MZ), Phoenix Labs (Garena), Roblox, Skillz (FEAC, Aarki, Exit Games), PlayStudios (Acies), AT&T (Playdemic), etc.
Favorite Game:Golf Clash
INVESTMENT TEAM
Emily Wang
Managing Director (LionTree)
Emily brings deal evaluation and execution expertise to Griffin and has advised on $5 billion+ of sell-side M&A transactions and equity financings. Previously: Managing Director at Code Advisors; formerly J.P. Morgan.
Favorite Game:Overcooked
Pierre Planche
Partner
Pierre brings deep Product Management acumen and Corp Dev experience, with background in competitive gaming. Previously various roles at Dassault Systemes, leader in 3D Tech.
Favorite Game:Call of Duty: Modern Warfare
Anthony Palma
Principal
Anthony provides entrepreneurial and technical expertise on the Griffin team. Previously: Cloud Gaming Expert for Disney; CEO of Jump; Director of Core Labs Game Accelerator.
Favorite Game:Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
Frankie Zhu
(LionTree)
Frankie brings financial analysis, valuation, and deal execution expertise on the Griffin team. He currently covers Interactive Entertainment Investment Banking at LionTree.
Favorite Game:Dota 2
James Wing
Principal
James started in entertainment finance at ICM Partners before joining Interactive Ventures at Lionsgate. He was also the liaison for Lionsgate’s investment in Immortals Gaming Club.
Favorite Game:Jak 2
Chris Quaidoo
Associate
Chris hails from the investment management industry and has led investments in Activision-Blizzard and Glu Mobile. Current Berkeley Haas MBA candidate; previously Associate at Story Ventures.
Favorite Game:Halo 2
Jonathan Bikoff
Associate (LionTree)
Jon provides analysis from a financial and valuation perspective. He currently covers Interactive Entertainment Investment Banking at LionTree.
Favorite Game:Call of Duty: Warzone
Seth Nutt
Associate (LionTree)
Seth provides analysis from a financial and valuation perspective. He currently covers Interactive Entertainment Investment Banking at LionTree.
Favorite Game:Rocket League
Varun Sharma
Associate
Varun comes from Otter Media, where he led investments in digital media brands and provided corporate development expertise at portfolio companies Rooster Teeth and Crunchyroll.
Favorite Game:Metroid Prime
Lindsay Krause
Coordinator
Lindsay brings creative and organizational expertise. Previously: Director of Program Development for The Fred Silverman Company; Development for Fox 2000; United Talent Agency.
Favorite Game:Lily's Garden
Steve Lonhart
Analyst
Steve reviews and analyzes data for the firms potential transactions. Previously he graduated from MIT with a BS in Finance.
Favorite Game:Overwatch
Hudson
Chief Morale Officer
Hudson is the leader of Griffin's pack. He is very vocal, and nothing makes him happier than a guest appearance on a Zoom call.
Favorite Game:
Tug of War
Venture Partners & Advisors
Mich Mathews-Spradlin
Advisor
Mich adds 30+ years of strategic and marketing experience as an Advisor at Griffin. Currently: Board Member at Wendy’s, Jacana, You & Mr Jones, The Bougs, Gennev and Caltech. Previously: CMO and SVP of Marketing at Microsoft.
Favorite Game:Pokémon Go
Mike Capps
Venture Partner
Mike adds 15+ years of gaming industry leadership to Griffin’s deal team as a Venture Partner. Previously: President of Epic Games; Founder of Scion Studios.
Favorite Game:Ultima IV
Tammy McDonald
Venture Partner
Tammy brings 22+ years of successful strategic & tactical leadership within the video game & tools development, esports, digital & entertainment industries. Previously: CEO Axis Game Factory, CEO Vision Scape Interactive.
Favorite Game:Astrosmash
Riz Virk
Venture Partner
Riz brings a deep entrepreneurial and investment background in gaming to Griffin's deal team as a Venture Partner. Previously: GM at DeNA; Investor in Tapjoy.
Favorite Game:Second Life
Angela Dalton
Venture Partner
Angela brings 20+ years of experience in global capital markets in the Technology, Media and Telecom sectors. Previously: Founder, CEO Signum Growth Capital; Managing Director for UBS, Evercore and Guggenheim Partners.
Favorite Game:Roblox
Daniel Engelhardt
Venture Partner
Daniel brings 15+ years of games and media experience to Griffin’s deal team as a Venture Partner. Previously: SVP of Interactive Ventures & Games at Lionsgate, also oversaw nine animated film & television projects there.
Favorite Game:Spider-Man
Vic Bassey
Venture Partner
Vic adds extensive knowledge of the African games industry to Griffin's team. Currently: Founder of Batch54 and GamesIndustryAfrica.com, Business Development Manager at Raw Fury. Previously: PC Games Partnerships at Tobii AB.
Favorite Game:Bloodborne