Mike Dailly, best known for designing the original prototype of Grand Theft Auto – one of the most successful gaming franchises of all time, has recently invested in NextUp – a global video platform that’s disrupting the stand-up comedy market.
Alongside comedian James Acaster, Stuart Snaith (BBC Worldwide’s former Director of Comedy ) and Bruce Tuchman (former President of MGM Networks Worldwide) Dailly is joining a high profile team of investors in the relatively new company.
A self-confessed ‘comedy groupie’ Mike says of his recent investment ‘for me it was a pretty obvious thing to invest in. While Netflix does bigger names, there are SO many acts – especially in the UK that you never hear of, (or being based outside of London – never have the chance of seeing). So I love the idea of getting more comedians to join in, so I can get to see all these emerging acts that I miss, and [NextUp] fill that void nicely.’
Mike goes on to explain why NextUp stood out in a crowded investment market, saying NextUp offer ‘a pretty good pitch, good possible returns, and an obvious gap in the market’.
Dubbed “the Netflix of UK StandUp” by Engadget, NextUp co-founder Daniel Berg says of Dailly’s investment ‘We’re really chuffed to welcome Mike as an investor in NextUp. Not only is he a huge comedy fan but as one of the creators of GTA – I like to think he knows a good idea when he sees it. I’ve personally invested hundreds of glorious hours in GTA, so the fact that Mike is enjoying hours of comedy on NextUp feels beautifully serendipitous. We have great relationships with our investors and are looking forward to having Mike as part of the extended NextUp family.’
At the time of going to press, NextUp has already secured over 84% of their £300,000 target on CrowdCube. With 20 days left, the team are aiming to over-fund.
