2024 was your debut year with Xanada Investments. Looking back, what are the key highlights or moments that defined this first year for the fund?

2024 marked the beginning of an ambitious journey for Xanada Investments – a year where we laid a strong foundation for what’s to come. While the real work lies ahead, I can confidently say that we’ve set the stage.

The highlight was undoubtedly our successful allocation of $9 million across 8 impactful projects, selected from a pool of 350 submissions. Each startup impressed us with its scalability, strong team, and ability to deliver real results – qualities we value as the cornerstone of every successful partnership.

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Another defining moment was the debut of the Xanada Startup Contest. It was a platform not just to identify potential investments. We actively participated in major industry events like iGB LaunchPad, SiGMA Pitch, and SBC First Pitch – events we couldn’t pass up. As a newcomer, we not only made our presence known but also earned recognition, securing awards and forging valuable connections.

Beyond numbers, the year was about building a community – a network of partners, founders, and investors who believe in driving transformative change.This is just the start of an exciting journey.

What inspired you to launch the Xanada Startup Contest, and how would you evaluate its impact in 2024?

It’s no secret that many startups are in need of investment. But the real question is, do they have the expertise, networks, and strategic foundation to actually make that investment work? This was one of the key insights that led us to create the Xanada Startup Contest. It wasn’t about running a competition with just a single winner; it was about creating a transparent process: a live showcase of how startups grow, pivot, and adapt in real-time.

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Too often, what happens behind the scenes stays hidden, but we wanted to change that. The results speak for themselves. With 250 applications pouring in, representing a diverse range of ideas from around the globe, we witnessed firsthand the depth of creativity within the startup ecosystem. And through a rigorous selection process, we identified and elevated one standout winner – FTDx. The real impact of the contest lies in its ability to challenge founders to think bigger and execute better. That’s what makes the Xanada Startup Contest more than just a competition.

Many associate investment funds with slow decision-making processes. Yet Xanada Investments has been incredibly dynamic. What’s your secret to keeping up this pace in the previous year?

The secret lies in creating frameworks that balance precision with speed. We’ve developed rigorous evaluation processes that combine both quantitative and qualitative metrics to assess startups effectively without losing momentum.

But beyond frameworks, it’s about having a team with the right mindset. At Xanada Investments, we embrace adaptability and foster collaboration. Our team operates with the energy and agility of a startup, and that allows us to move quickly, even in an industry often seen as traditional and slow.

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You partnered with 8 startups this year. What caught your attention in these projects, and what’s your strategy for picking the “perfect match” for Xanada Investments?

At Xanada Investments, our focus has always been on backing projects that bring something unique to the table. What sets us apart is not just what we look for, but how we see it. For us, it starts with the people – the founders. Their vision, resilience, and ability to execute are what capture our attention first. These are individuals who truly understand their markets, are ready to pivot when challenges arise, and have the determination to turn ideas into reality.

Among the projects we’ve backed this year, Promofy is revolutionizing user retention with AI-driven gamification, delivering personalized engagement at scale. Gamixter is helping operators optimize player interaction with real-time engagement tools, creating more immersive gaming experiences. Bettorify, focused on the rapidly growing Asian market, provides localized white-label and turnkey solutions, enabling operators to navigate regional complexities with ease.

These are just a few examples of the startups we support. Each project we invest in plays a role in building a stronger, more dynamic iGaming landscape. And we’re only getting started.

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With 11 award nominations and 2 wins already, success is clearly part of Xanada’s DNA. But how do you define success beyond the numbers?

For us, success isn’t measured by the number of awards. Of course, we are talking about  financial returns, about impact, although we deeply appreciate the recognition – it’s always rewarding to see our efforts acknowledged on such a level. These awards are proof that we’re on the right track, but they are only part of the story.

But are we helping startups achieve their goals? Are we setting new benchmarks in the iGaming industry? The true measure of success lies in the growth of the projects we support and the people behind them. When we see startups flourishing, scaling their businesses, and turning ideas into impactful solutions, that’s the ultimate reward.

Another key indicator of success for us is the relationships we cultivate. When founders and partners come to see Xanada Investments not as just an investor but as a trusted collaborator and ally, we know we’re doing something right. These connections, built on trust and mutual ambition, are the foundation of our ecosystem.

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What does the future hold for Xanada Investments in 2025? Are there any ambitious goals or projects you can share with us?

2025 is about scaling powerful results. We plan to invest in 10–12 new startups, focusing on projects with strong business fundamentals, exceptional teams, and clear strategies for growth. Our approach prioritizes opportunities with a targeted IRR of 25–40% and a MOIC of 3–5x, ensuring every investment aligns with our commitment to sustainable, measurable returns.

We’re taking the Xanada Startup Contest to the next level this year. Xanada Investments is expanding its reach and updating the evaluation process to attract a wider range of participants from diverse industries and markets. To ensure the best selection, we’re involving not only our team but also top industry experts to evaluate the entries. This will help us find and support the most promising ideas out there. With more transparency and live engagement, you’ll have the chance to see and hear these groundbreaking ideas in action. Stay tuned, big things are on the horizon!

Xanada Investments is also focused on strengthening our internal capabilities. A key priority for 2025 is to grow our team by bringing in top talent, including a dedicated analyst, to refine our data-driven approach to startup evaluation. We want to be a partner that equips startups with the tools, mentorship, and connections they need to succeed. The road ahead is ambitious, but we’re ready to seize the opportunities 2025 has in store.

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The iGaming industry is highly competitive, and standing out in a job interview requires more than just a strong resume. In an exclusive interview with Next.io, Valeriia Virchenko, Head of Talent Acquisition at PIN-UP Global, shares expert insights on what recruiters focus on, common mistakes candidates make, and how to prepare effectively for a successful interview.

Interview Mistakes That Could Cost You the Job

According to Valeriia Virchenko, some candidates unknowingly make interview mistakes that leave a lasting negative impression.

“Sometimes, candidates do unexpected things during interviews. For example, I once had an interview where a candidate applied makeup during the call. I assure you, this is not the best way to make an impression,” she recalls.

Other red flags include:

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• Poor communication skills – Struggling to engage in a constructive dialogue can be a dealbreaker.
• Being late – Punctuality is a sign of professionalism and respect for the recruiter’s time.
• Lack of basic interview etiquette – Candidates should showcase both professional qualifications and ethical behavior during an interview.

How to Make a Strong Impression in an iGaming Interview

So, what does it take to succeed in an iGaming job interview? Virchenko highlights several key preparation strategies:

✅ Research the company – Learn about its operations, values, and hiring team to establish rapport during the interview.
✅ Showcase your work – A portfolio, work samples, and references from past employers add credibility.
✅ Understand company pain points – Ask questions about the challenges the company faces and suggest potential solutions based on your experience.
✅ Adaptability & efficiency – iGaming is a fast-paced industry; candidates who demonstrate quick thinking and problem-solving skills stand out.

“We have seen highly positive cases where candidates shared their experience or proposed interesting solutions to company challenges right during the interview,” Virchenko explains.

What PIN-UP Global Looks for in Candidates

At PIN-UP Global, finding the right fit means more than assessing technical skills. Virchenko emphasizes that the company seeks candidates who align with its core values:

🔹 Industry expertise & results-driven mindset – Specialists who excel in their field and focus on delivering measurable impact.
🔹 Strong communication & teamwork – Open dialogue, constructive feedback, and collaboration are highly valued.
🔹 Agility & decision-making skills – The ability to adapt quickly, multitask, and navigate an ever-evolving environment.
🔹 Minimal bureaucracy, maximum efficiency – The company prioritizes fast decision-making and values employees who can take initiative.

“We are looking for people who understand that collaboration is the key to success,” she adds.

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Final Thoughts: How to Secure Your Dream iGaming Job

The iGaming sector is constantly evolving, and companies like PIN-UP Global seek innovative, adaptable, and results-driven professionals. By following these expert tips from Valeriia Virchenko, candidates can improve their chances of making a strong impression and securing a role in this dynamic industry.

You can read the full interview on Next.io: How to Pass an Interview in the iGaming Industry

Q: Gaming Corps has just released its latest slot game called Gates of Hellfire. Tell us how it works and what its standout features are.

The Gaming Corps team prides itself on our innovative approach to slot development, which is exactly what we’ve delivered with Gates of Hellfire.

It’s a slot that’s unlike any other. I say that because it uses a unique payment system, requiring players to battle various demon enemies on the reels to secure wins, for a maximum prize of 5,000x the player’s stake.

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We have prizes that can only be collected if the player gathers specific weapons that eliminate the enemies – and in doing so, they collect their prizes.

The objective is to land an enemy on the grid, while simultaneously landing a weapon to destroy that enemy. For example, shotguns are the weakest weapon but will kill the lowest-valued enemy.

Then, as the game progresses, players will see different weapons with different attributes that will cause various types of damage and have different radii of destruction that will affect the grid.

Gates of Hellfire offers a thrilling and groundbreaking way for players to collect prizes. To put it another way, there’s simply nothing quite like it on the market.

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Q: Where did the name Gates of Hellfire come from, and what is the thinking behind giving this slot the feel of a video game? Why will this appeal to the market?

Gates of Hellfire is a battle of Good vs Evil played out across a slot-machine grid, a sort of demonic fantasy sci-fi epic that’s a battle between Good and Evil.

We decided to have this as the theme and then the name came quickly after that.

And yes, the game is heavily influenced by shoot ’em-up video games. We took established mechanics for the millennial generation and merged them with an innovative version of a classic mechanic and themes that will induce nostalgia among our players.

We think the results will appeal to both traditional players who played video games in their youth, as well as delight a millennial generation looking for the latest and best features in their slot entertainment experiences.

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Q: Are you focusing on gamification with this slot, rather than just trying to deliver a traditional slot experience?

Collection mechanics have become immensely popular with slot players in recent years, and with Gates of Hellfire we have reimagined these mechanics to offer players something unique.

People want more nowadays, the simplicity of traditional slots doesn’t deliver enough entertainment any more. Players want to be reminded of video games or the social games they play on their phones.

Gates of Hellfire is an example of how modern slots are now influenced by video games.

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It’s got a lot of action but it’s still recognizably a slot machine, with the same functionality but different reward mechanisms that will remind the player of a video game.

Q: Does Gaming Corps believe mixing slots and video gaming will appeal to players?

We aim to give players captivating gameplay experiences they can’t find anywhere else.

You must offer features that connect with players if you want to attract them and then keep them coming back. There’s a lot of choice out there so you need something special to retain their loyalty and interest.

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That’s why we mixed things up and offer elements of more than one type of entertainment experience.

We see animations as extremely important because they build suspense and are another way of capturing the player’s attention.

Sound is an important component too, which is why we design the music and sound effects early on so they create an appropriate atmosphere.

All these elements are used to make the slower parts of the game more exciting, and the exciting parts become truly memorable.

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Q: What factors will determine whether this release is a success for Gaming Corps, and what do you aim for when you release a game onto the market?

With Gates of Hellfire and all our other slots, we’ll start gauging its impact by paying attention to the standard statistics for slots, such as player retention rate and what LTV and ROI the game offers operators.

But those aren’t the only metrics we follow. Feedback is really important to us, both from players and operators, and we’ll take that on board when we come to launch our next release.

The best thing you can do when you release any game is to have people talking about it, generating a buzz about an exciting new release.

It’s hard to achieve all the time, but we think we’ve done just that with Gates of Hellfire.

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We’re already working on sequels and further iterations for it, so things are hotting up very nicely for our latest slot game right now.

Playing with hellfire has never looked so good.