Maarten de Koning

The games industry has been my passion and my lifelong focus. It’s a dynamic, ever-evolving space where creativity intersects with business, and the next big opportunity is always just around the corner. It’s also an arena of relentless innovation, where studios navigate the highs of success and the challenges of making their voices heard amidst fierce competition. My journey in this world has been guided by one core belief: great ideas deserve great opportunities, and the people behind those ideas deserve partners who can unlock their potential.

I’ve been fortunate to wear many hats throughout my career—as an investor, entrepreneur, game producer, video game agent, deal maker and advisor. My early roots in game development and investment management shaped my approach to building companies.

I’ve always been drawn to the process of taking a vision and turning it into something tangible, valuable, and sustainable. Founding and running my own agency taught me the importance of aligning creative aspirations with smart business strategies, a philosophy I carried forward when I merged my agency with DDM in 2013.

As a Partner at DDM, I’ve spent the past decade building bridges—connecting developers, publishers, and investors across Europe, Asia, and beyond. By leveraging my global network, I’ve helped clients navigate complex markets, secure strategic partnerships, and scale their businesses. I’m particularly proud of spearheading and supporting DDM’s Investment Services, designed to bring equity investment and M&A expertise to developers and investors alike, empowering them to thrive in an industry that’s both challenging and rewarding.

At my core, I am a person who loves building companies. I thrive on helping people and businesses finding their path to success. Whether advising startups on growth strategies, guiding game studios on the best deal, or helping investors identify the next big opportunity, my goal remains the same: to create value, inspire growth, and make an impact.

Over the years, besides my role at DDM, I’ve served as a board member and advisor to numerous startups, industry funds, and industry events. I’m also still actively involved in Mardelli, my family’s investment firm, which operates across industries and continents, reflecting my lifelong fascination with global markets and opportunities.

But no matter how diverse my experiences, gaming has always been the constant thread—a passion I share with the incredible developers, entrepreneurs, and partners I’ve been privileged to work with. Today, I continue to support the industry I love by helping studios, investors, and companies navigate the ever-changing landscape of interactive entertainment.