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Maxim Rate
Founder & CEO at Westward Gaming Ventures
Maxim Rate is the founder and CEO of Westward Gaming Ventures, a China-based firm focused on helping independent Chinese game studios expand internationally. Here’s a detailed overview of his background and work:
Background
Maxim Rate has a diverse professional history spanning fintech, cross-border payments, and gaming investments. Before launching Westward, he worked at a Chinese cross-border payment firm, where he gained expertise in navigating international financial systems.1 His career also includes experience in PC/console game investments and mobile payments in both domestic and overseas markets.4
Westward Gaming Ventures
Founded in 2021, Westward Gaming Ventures aims to bridge the gap between Chinese indie game studios and global markets. Key aspects of the venture include:
- Fundraising: The firm planned to raise 200 million yuan ($30 million) for its debut fund, targeting investments of 2–4 million yuan per studio over three years.1
- Regulatory Navigation: Westward partners with a major Chinese financial conglomerate to enable foreign investments via a Qualified Foreign Limited Partners (QFLP) structure, addressing China’s strict gaming licensing and foreign capital regulations.1
- Studio Support: The firm assists developers with early-stage game positioning, localization, marketing, technical resources, and connections to publishers.13
Key Initiatives
- Globalization Strategy: Rate emphasizes helping studios adopt a "Japanese-inspired" approach—retaining cultural identity while adapting graphics and design for global audiences.1
- Data-Driven Expansion: Westward advises studios to avoid over-reliance on ad-driven user acquisition, instead focusing on iterative product development and compliance with privacy laws.1
- Censorship Independence: Despite Chinese institutional investments, Rate ensures studios maintain creative independence from investor influence.1
Maxim Rate’s LinkedIn profile (maxim-rate) highlights his expertise in cross-border partnerships, digital art, and fintech, aligning with Westward’s mission to democratize access to global gaming markets.24
