Klaas Kersting

Klaas Kersting is the co-founder and CEO of Phoenix Games. He was also the co-founder and CEO of Flaregames. He is a board member of GameInfluencer. He is a serial entrepreneur and investor and offers a wealth of industry knowledge to young studios looking to make a name for themselves in the world of gaming. He has experience founding successful game companies such as Gameforge and Flaregames, as well as board positions at Supercell and Wooga.

Founder & CEO at Phoenix Games | Gaming Industry Executive & Investor Karlsruhe, Baden-Württemberg, Germany

Summary

Seasoned gaming industry executive and entrepreneur with a proven track record of building and scaling successful companies. Expertise in free-to-play games, mobile gaming, and strategic investments. Founded and led multiple gaming companies from startup to significant market presence, with demonstrated success in both creative and financial outcomes. Active investor in early-stage to Series A startups across games, tech, and e-commerce sectors.

Professional Experience

Phoenix Games | Global Family of Games Companies Founder & CEO | Apr 2019 – Present

• Led strategic vision and operations for a gaming company focused on acquiring and enhancing game studios
• Develop and implement innovative approaches to empower game founders through resources, expertise, and operational support
• Foster autonomous creative environments while providing strategic guidance for portfolio companies
• Drive shared value creation through targeted acquisitions and studio enhancement initiatives

Kersting Holding GmbH Owner | Mar 2007 – Present

• Manage a portfolio of 40+ early-stage to Series A investments in consumer Internet and Entertainment companies
• Notable investments include Supercell (acquired by Softbank), Dailydeal (acquired by Google), Vertical Media (acquired by Axel Springer)
• Focus on identifying and nurturing high-potential companies in gaming and digital entertainment sectors

Flaregames Founder & CEO | Nov 2010 – Nov 2018

• Founded and led mobile game publishing company focused on free-to-play games
• Developed strategic partnerships with global mobile game developers
• Oversaw development and publication of  high-quality mobile gaming portfolio
• Built and managed internal game development teams

Gameforge AG CEO & Founder | Dec 2003 – Mar 2010

• Founded and scaled the company from 2 to 500+ employees
• Grew revenue from zero to $150M+ annually
• Established the company as a leader in MMORPG development and publishing
• Built a comprehensive free-to-play gaming platform

Klaas Kersting’s investments

1. Aggero
   • Deal Date: January 5, 2022
   • Deal Type: Early Stage VC
   • Industry: Business/Productivity Software
   • Status: Generating Revenue
2. Kasaz
   • Deal Date: October 5, 2020
   • Industry: Real Estate Services (B2C)
   • Status: Generating Revenue
3. Supertab
   • Deal Date: June 19, 2020
   • Industry: Financial Software
   • Status: Generating Revenue
4. Legendary Play
   • Deal Date: October 10, 2019
   • Industry: Entertainment Software
   • Status: Generating Revenue
5. Crit Crew
   • Deal Date: April 25, 2019
   • Industry: Multimedia and Design Software
   • Status: Generating Revenue
6. Loots
   • Deal Date: February 4, 2019
   • Industry: Entertainment Software
   • Status: Generating Revenue
7. Sviper
   • Deal Date: November 17, 2017
   • Industry: Entertainment Software
   • Status: Generating Revenue
8. Neufund
   • Deal Date: November 9, 2017
   • Industry: Financial Software
   • Status: Out of Business
9. GameInfluencer
   • Deal Date: April 24, 2017
   • Deal Type: Angel (individual)
   • Industry: Media and Information Services (B2B)
   • Status: Generating Revenue
10. Stocard
    • Deal Date: March 18, 2016
    • Deal Type: Later Stage VC
    • Industry: Financial Software
    • Status: Generating Revenue

Skills

• Online Gaming
• Gaming Industry Leadership
• Monetization
• Strategic Investment
• Company Building & Scaling
• M&A
• Business Development
• Free-to-Play Gaming

Contact Information

Corporate Office

• Karlsruhe
• Germany

– LinkedIn Connections: 500

– Professional Followers: 3,800