Philip N. Kaplan

Philip N. Kaplan is the Executive Chairman of Velocity Esports Inc., a role he has held since November 2021. He has a robust background in the gaming and entertainment sectors, with over 30 years of experience in driving enterprise growth and delivering innovative digital experiences. Kaplan co-founded Velocity Esports to create a comprehensive gaming environment that merges online and in-venue experiences, targeting primarily Gen Z and Millennials.12

Career Overview

• Velocity Esports Inc.: As Executive Chairman, Kaplan oversees the strategic direction of the company, which aims to provide a "360-degree gaming experience" through esports lounges and tournaments. The company opened its first location in Newport, Kentucky, and has since expanded to Las Vegas.25

• GameWorks, Inc.: Prior to his current role, Kaplan served as the Chairman and CEO of GameWorks from May 2018 to October 2021, where he was instrumental in revitalizing the brand and integrating esports into their business model.34

• Artemis Strategic Investment Corp.: He is also the Co-CEO and President of this NASDAQ-listed SPAC, which focuses on identifying business combination targets in various industries, including gaming and hospitality.23

• VitalStream, Inc.: Kaplan co-founded this company, which specialized in video content delivery solutions, and served as its President until its acquisition by Internap Network Services in 2007.3

Education

Kaplan earned his Bachelor of Arts in Economics with a minor in Russian Language from the University of California, Davis, graduating in 1989.13

Additional Roles

In addition to his executive positions, Kaplan has held various leadership roles across several companies, including serving as a board member for Surfline, Inc., and as a managing partner at Deer Valley Ventures, LLC.13 His extensive experience spans across technology, healthcare, and entertainment sectors, making him a notable figure in the industry.