Sean Kauppinen

Investor

Smite Entertainment, SiXiTs, Revolver LTD.

Rewarding - seeing hard work rewarded and team bonds form for a common goal.

Frustrating - not every company can succeed and watching a company die is hard, but sometimes unavoidable.

Putting all of the time, money and attention into the product or technology and having nothing left to commercialize it.

1) Keep it lean as long as you can
2) Make sure the plan is working before you go past the point of no return
3) Failure is acceptable if it leads to knowledge

Sean Kauppinen is the founder and CEO of the International Digital Entertainment Agency. He has more than 15 years of management, business development and strategic communications expertise in the digital entertainment industry. His ability to bring companies together and provide strategic guidance has led to business growth for industry giants as well as start-ups. During this time, Kauppinen has launched more than 450 titles on all major gaming platforms, ranging from big budget blockbusters to value games. 

He has consulted governments on creating and growing their digital entertainment industries and has served in senior management roles with start-ups and established companies. Kauppinen has held communications and marketing management positions with Sony Online Entertainment, Ubi Soft, bleem!, and 3dfx.

Kauppinen currently holds advisory board positions with GDC Europe, SXSW, and more than a dozen early stage companies. He also serves as the special advisor to the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences.