LA-based venture capital firm Griffin Gaming Partners is bolstering its leadership ranks by appointing Striker Entertainment president Russell Binder as a venture partner and IP advisor.

Griffin currently manages more than US$1 billion in assets and has funded startups including Monopoly Go! developer Scopely, Marvel Snap creator Second Dinner, social media app Discord and metaverse/VR platform Rec Room.

While continuing to run his LA-based licensing agency, Binder will now also work with Griffin co-founders Peter Levin, Phil Sanderson and Nick Tuosto to evaluate and seed high-potential companies emerging in the gaming industry, with an initial focus on software infrastructure, developers, publishers, Web3 and social platforms. In addition, Binder is well-positioned to advise developers on which of their gaming IPs are ripe for new adaptations in TV, film and consumer products. 

Since co-founding Striker 17 years ago with partner Marc Mostman, Binder has served as an executive producer on the Candy Crush game show for CBS, as well as Blumhouse’s live-action creature feature Five Nights at Freddy’s, which grossed more than US$296 million at the global box office last year. 

Beyond gaming, Binder has also developed licensing programs for a wide range of major pop culture brands, including AMC’s The Walking Dead, The Hunger Games and The Twilight Saga.