Oleksandr Briukhovetskyi, RedCore: “Our main thesis is that we invest smart and act together”
Shows & conferences - 3 December, 2025
During day two of SiGMA Central Europe, Focus Gaming News had the opportunity to speak with Oleksandr Briukhovetskyi, Investment Portfolio Manager at RedCore, who shared insights into the company's investment strategy and their presence at the event.
Briukhovetskyi noted the "amazing" atmosphere at their stand, which garnered significant attention. RedCore’s primary objective at the conference was to connect with startups, aiming to build out their future strategy. He explained that RedCore approaches investment not merely as a venture arm, but as a "powerful [entity] that can both drive great growth to the companies that are applying to us as well as the overall Red Group as a whole." Their core philosophy, he said, is: "We invest smart and act together."
RedCore focuses its investment efforts across three distinct niches: igaming, MarTech, and AI plus Web3. The company is actively seeking innovative technology firms that can enhance services for operators, effectively blending new tech into existing frameworks. Briukhovetskyi highlighted a particular interest in companies that could benefit from RedCore's expertise and potentially become a "first kind of customer." Examples provided included smart data analytics systems operating tokenisation within the group, but a strong emphasis was placed on "AI startups that are focusing on marketing retention," which he described as "something that's really hyped and on the market right now that every operator is looking for those companies."
When evaluating potential investments, RedCore employs a detailed scoring framework based on four main criteria. Firstly, synergy is paramount, assessing how well a company aligns with RedCore's core business and how both entities can mutually benefit. Secondly, they scrutinise the market potential – its size, the company's evaluation of it, and their strategy for market penetration. Thirdly, the financial health of the company is crucial, including its planning for utilising investment funds and generating revenue. Lastly, and deemed "one of the most important," is the team itself, specifically their exceptional industry experience and their full dedication and commitment to the project.
Regarding the application process, RedCore welcomes both face-to-face pitches, like those received directly at their SiGMA booth, and online applications through their website. Briukhovetskyi noted that in-person interactions offer a unique understanding of the "chemistry" with a project and how founders "operate in an uncomfortable environment" such as pitching to investors. Online applications typically lead to virtual meetings for pitches and Q&A sessions.
Briukhovetskyi also outlined common pitfalls that could impede a company's application. A primary issue is "weak preparation," often manifested through a poorly structured pitch deck or investor data room, missing crucial elements such as future P&L projections for the next three financial years, or incorrectly estimated market sizes. Another frequent mistake applicants make is "overestimating the project," giving it a higher valuation than it realistically commands from an investor's perspective.