About
Our mission is simple. Joystick Labs exists to identify the next generation of best and brightest digitally distributed video game entrepreneurs, and to seed and accelerate the development and commercial launch of their companies. We accomplish this through a unique mix of early-stage seed funding, mentorship, education, and networking. We believe that digitally distributed and social gaming represent new frontiers in the gaming industry and Joystick Labs will lead the way in identifying the next generation of innovative industry leaders.
We recognize that for many of the teams that come to Joystick Labs, this will be their first company. We are trying to remove as much of the uncertainty and risk out of this often intimidating process of launching your company as we can so that you can focus on building great games. That is why you will be provided with certain legal, accounting and financial services free of charge, as well as introduced to numerous mentors and advisors who have already created successful gaming companies.
Teams selected to participate in the Joystick Labs accelerator program will be invited to our facility in Durham, North Carolina for a 12-week accelerator program. At the program you will receive:
- Up to $18,000 in seed funding
- Full use of office space near Downtown Durham, a creative and entrepreneurial hub
- Operational support from experienced mentors and advisors from the gaming industry
- The opportunity to network with influential figures in both the gaming and investment communities
- Educational sessions led by industry experts, university professors, technology visionaries, investors and experienced entrepreneurs
- The opportunity to work side by side with other program participants in a collaborative, creative environment
- Certain complementary legal, accounting, finance and marketing services, including the initial formation and funding of your company
Joystick Labs was co-founded by game industry veteran Juan Benito, venture attorneys Glen Caplan and Justyn Kasierski of Hutchison Law Group, and veteran technology executive Lawrence Steffann.
Management
Creative Director and Co-Founder
Juan Benito started the Atomic Games studio in Raleigh, NC, and before that co-founded Red Storm Entertainment in the Triangle area in 1996, where he was Executive Producer for the original Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six. Before Red Storm, Juan designed the world's first fully 3D military submarine simulation game, Tom Clancy's SSN, while at Virtus Studios, a Triangle-area pioneer in 3D and game technologies. In addition, Juan has worked on numerous entertainment projects with companies such as Sony Computer Entertainment, Konami, Disney, Paramount Pictures, Columbia University, United Media, and has developed training systems in collaboration with the USMC, FBI, and agencies within the US Intelligence Community. He is also founder and CEO of Cooperative Entertainment, a boutique development group and consultancy, and serves as Creative Director for the Triangle Game Initiative.
Co-Founders
Glen Caplan and Justyn Kasierski have built their careers at Hutchison Law Group providing strategic business and legal advice to numerous startup and technology companies.
Lawrence Steffann brings over 30 years of experience working with start up and early stage companies, and has raised capital at all stages of development, including angel funding and institutional venture capital.
About the Research Triangle area
The Research Triangle area of North Carolina is an ideal place to launch your video game company. But don't just take our word for it; check out these links about the Triangle game community and the great quality of life in the Triangle area: