A gaming and technology expert has been appointed to drive digital company incubation and growth in the north-east.
Michael Boniface has joined the Aberdeen-based partnership between Opportunity North East (One) and the UK’s leading tech incubator CodeBase, as head of One CodeBase.
Mr Boniface has more than 15 years’ experience in the industry including as managing director of gaming firm Reloaded Productions and vice- president of technology and operations at JP Morgan Chase. Mr Boniface established Chinese gaming giant Skymoon’s first western hemisphere studio in Edinburgh before brokering its sale to a US publisher.
One CodeBase was formed earlier this year to accelerate the growth of digital tech businesses with a combination of mentorship, access to investors and connections to partners and peers.
Sir Ian Wood, chairman of the One Digital & Entrepreneurship sector board, said: “One’s investment in the digital ecosystem, combined with Michael’s extensive industry experience and CodeBase’s proven digital incubation expertise, will enhance digital company creation and growth in the north-east of Scotland, which is fundamental to the long-term goal of a diversified and strong economy.”
Mr Boniface added: “As a former CodeBase tenant, I have experienced first-hand the benefits of having ambitious entrepreneurs, tech talent and practical business support hosted in a creative and collaborative environment, designed for the digital economy.
“We have an exciting opportunity in the region to work with the local tech community and build on existing industrial digital strengths to grow a strong cluster of digital product and service companies. Early adoption of digital solutions will also be transformational for the north-east of Scotland’s productivity and growth across all its key business sectors.”
One CodeBase will be based at a £1.3million hub, to open in spring.