Ampverse launches in Asia

Gaming entertainment and influencer company Ampverse launched today in Southeast Asia.

Based in both Thailand and Singapore, Ampverse was founded to bring gaming talent greater opportunities to partner with brands, publishers and agencies across the region. Gaming is growing exponentially across Southeast Asia, with the number of gamers forecast to reach 400 million by 2021.

Ampverse’s co-founders— Ferdinand Gutierrez, Charlie Ballie, Matthias Beyer and Surasak Winij—bring significant experience from the gaming, media and esports industries. Gutierrez serves as CEO, having previously been SEA head of marketing for Twitch and also CEO of Havas Media Thailand.

Beyer, who is Ampverse's chief content officer, worked previously as Twitch’s regional director of content, while Winij, who was formerly country manager of Twitch Thailand, is vice president of content. All three will be based in Bangkok.

Baillie, based in Singapore, is Ampverse's chief commercial officer. He was formerly at Universal Music Group and most recently APAC managing director of adtech platform RhythmOne. Ampverse will also be supported by strategic advisors including Rob Gilby, former managing director of Walt Disney SEA.

Ampverse has three business units:

• Ampverse Influence, a portfolio of esports influencers that generate over 500 million monthly views
• Ampverse Talent, a talent-management agency representing gaming and esport talent
• Ampverse Publishing, a creative studio focused on building co-branded properties with brands.

In a statement, Gutierrez said right now there is “a real disconnect” between the size of gaming communities and the level of brand investment in them.

“Ampverse believes passionately in developing Southeast Asia gaming and esports talent, championing the growth of the ecosystem whilst at the same time helping brands navigate the space to create meaningful and innovative content that speaks directly to gamers,” he said.

Ampverse plans to roll out beyond Thailand and Singapore in the coming months.