Liverpool-based developer Ripstone Games sets a precedent with a unique £600,000 IP-backed loan, marking a first in the UK.
- NatWest extends this innovative finance option to Ripstone, reflecting a shift in funding for creative industries.
- This move supports Liverpool’s booming gaming sector, generating £220 million annually and employing 1,800 people.
- Ripstone, with 21 games since 2011, leverages intellectual property for growth and future projects.
- The deal underscores the potential of IP as valuable collateral in financing, setting a trend for other creative firms.
The gaming industry in Liverpool witnesses a significant milestone as Ripstone Games, an indie developer and publisher, secures a £600,000 loan backed by its intellectual property. Setting a new precedent in the UK’s finance landscape, NatWest has facilitated this loan, marking a shift towards recognizing intangible assets like IP as valuable collateral.
Liverpool’s gaming sector, a vibrant component of the city’s economy, contributes approximately £220 million annually and provides employment to 1,800 individuals. Ripstone, founded in 2011, has carved a niche in this thriving industry by delivering both classic and original games. The company’s repertoire includes widely recognized titles such as chess, pool, and poker, alongside innovative projects based on its proprietary intellectual property.
This strategic financial move enables Ripstone to channel funds into a robust pipeline of new projects, including fresh IP development and enhancements of established games. The infusion of capital stems from a longstanding banking relationship with NatWest, further enabling Ripstone’s organic growth and augmented creative output.
NatWest’s introduction of IP-backed lending products aims to support innovative firms lacking tangible assets to secure traditional financing. The partnership with IP valuation firm Inngot empowers the bank to assess and leverage intangible assets, providing a tailored financial solution that addresses the unique needs of creative industries.
Ripstone’s financial director, Amy Wall, highlighted the significance of this loan, emphasizing the importance of sustained funding to maintain a steady flow of ideas and projects. According to Wall, “Video games can often take several years to develop, so you need a strong pipeline of funding to launch them and start to generate revenue.”
The deal not only supports Ripstone’s growth but also signals a broader trend towards valuing intellectual property as a critical asset in the gaming industry and beyond. James Shelley of NatWest articulated the vision behind this initiative, stating, “This solution has the potential to be game-changing for the industry, enabling developers to use their valuable IP to secure lending.”
This pioneering deal highlights the emerging role of intellectual property in financing creative industries, paving the way for future growth and innovation.
