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Joshua Lu
Games Investor, a16z GAMES FUND ONE
Joshua Lu is a prominent figure in the gaming industry, currently serving as a Partner at a16z Games, a venture capital firm under Andreessen Horowitz, where he focuses on investing in and building the future of gaming. He has been in this role since September 2022 and is also the Program Lead for SPEEDRUN, an accelerator program aimed at supporting innovative game developers.12
Professional Background
Lu has an extensive background in product management and game development, having held significant positions at several major companies:
- Director of Product Management at Meta (April 2021 - September 2022): He was the PM lead for Horizon Worlds, Meta's flagship Metaverse product, and played a crucial role in its launch.1
- Vice President at Blizzard Entertainment (December 2018 - April 2021): He led commercial initiatives for unreleased mobile and cross-platform titles, including Diablo Immortal, and was responsible for a team focused on game analytics and consumer insights.1
- Franchise/Studio GM at Zynga (2013 - 2018): Lu managed a portfolio that included the popular "Words With Friends," achieving significant revenue growth during his tenure.1
Education
Joshua Lu holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics with a focus on Diplomacy & World Affairs from Occidental College.1
Recent Ventures
In addition to his role at a16z, Lu co-founded Closing Theory Studios, which recently raised $2.3 million to develop games that bridge the gap between gaming and real-world experiences. This venture reflects his commitment to creating engaging content for non-gamers.2
Lu is recognized for his expertise in product design, growth optimization, and fundraising, making him a key player in shaping the future of gaming through strategic investments and innovative projects.12