Speaking Engagement

Apr 24, 2025

IMGL “Smart Money Smart Founders” Panel Explores Investor-Founder Dynamics in the Gaming Sector

Today, Jeff Ifrah moderated a panel entitled “Smart Money, Smart Founders” at the 2025 International Masters of Gaming Law (IMGL) Conference in Vancouver, BC. Panelists included Joel Simkins, CEO and Founder of XST Capital Group, Ron Segev, Founding Partner of Segev LLP, and Jesse Learnmonth, Founder and CEO of Betting Startups. This timely session provided valuable insights into current market conditions, deal structures, strategies for balancing investor demands with founder autonomy, and the unique challenges and regulatory complexities of doing business in the gaming sector.

Panelists discussed the shift in entry points for gaming startups and how AI is enabling early-stage companies to achieve more with less capital. Through compelling success stories and cautionary tales, they highlighted the delicate balance between raising sufficient capital and maintaining control. To close the session, panelests emphasized critical regulatory considerations often overlooked in financing deals and provided practical guidance on finding a  balanced middle ground between investor and founder interests.

“Smart Money, Smart Founders” Panelists: (from left) Jeff Ifrah [Moderator], Ron Segev, Joel Simkins, and Jesse Learmonth