General partners Ryan You and Michael Fan on investing in projects 'that put the creative in the centre' and their hopes for the Chinese games scene
Denmu is a new investment firm with $50 million founded in 2025 by Ryan You and Michael Fan, acting as CEO and creative director respectively. They aim to provide a more efficient way to bring capital to video games, focusing on creative vision and backing 'auteurs'. Denmu's partnerships prioritize creative freedom, aiming to support developers in creating games that reflect the artist.
Denmu has $50 million to invest, with average investments ranging from $1 million to $5 million, and some projects requiring up to $10 million. The company engages in co-financing and acts as an East-West bridge, providing access to both gaming ecosystems and regional partnerships for games.
Most of Denmu's portfolio consists of Asian games, some developed by Western studios. The company's founders emphasize the importance of supporting creative vision and providing resources beyond financial backing.
