Lately, I've had the privilege of investing in a few teams brimming with gaming industry veterans, and let me tell you, the difference is night and day. The way these teams operate - their iteration cycle, their creativity - it's not something you see in your average startup. And here's the kicker: every single team member is hands-on, prototyping and testing ideas like they're racking up high scores. It's a whole new game, and these players are here to win.

Why gaming veterans are changing the game in startups

The startup world is no stranger to innovation, but the infusion of gaming vets is like a turbo boost to creativity and speed. In gaming, iterating and prototyping are part of the daily grind. Fail fast, learn fast, and improve even faster—that's the motto that drives them. Now, apply that to a startup environment, and you've got a recipe for breakthroughs that regular teams might take months or even years to achieve.

The power of prototyping

What's truly remarkable about these gaming-turned-startup teams is their commitment to prototyping. It's not just the domain of the product developers; everyone gets their hands dirty. This culture of collective creativity and rapid experimentation leads to a dynamic where ideas are not just suggested but brought to life, tested, and evolved in real time. It's an approach that can make all the difference in the fast-paced startup ecosystem.

From the gaming console to the startup office

Investing in teams with gaming veterans has been an eye-opener. Their backgrounds in an industry where iteration and user engagement are paramount have equipped them with unique skills and mindsets. They tackle problems with a gamer's persistence and a developer's technical savvy, a combo that's proving to be incredibly effective in the startup world.

The transition from gaming to startups isn't just about changing industries; it's about bringing a whole new level of play to the field. These veterans understand that, in both worlds, success is about engaging your audience, iterating based on feedback, and always pushing the boundaries of what's possible.

Leveling up the Finnish startup ecosystem

The Finnish startup scene has always had potential, but with gaming veterans entering the fray, we're starting to see what happens when you mix traditional startup grit with gamer creativity and speed. It's a fusion that's setting the stage for unprecedented innovation and growth. As someone who's been investing in these hybrid teams, I can attest to their unique ability to disrupt and redefine industries.

The lesson here? Never underestimate the power of a good game plan, especially when it's executed by those who've mastered the art of winning in virtual worlds.

The Finnish startup ecosystem is ripe for this kind of innovation, and I'm here for it, ready to support the next round of game-changers. Also, I do prefer pitching on Call of Duty instead of Zoom.