What it really takes to make it as a founder

In this episode of iGaming Leader, Leo sits down with Max Meltzer, founder, CEO and investor, to unpack the real mindset and habits behind building in our industry.

Max charts his path from early entrepreneurship to a strategic “reset” back into employment, then leaving a top commercial role to found Strive Gaming.

He shares why founders must have the guts to fail, how prioritising health and family sharpens decisions, and what it looks like to evolve from operator to strategist as the company scales.

The conversation gets practical on fundraising, boards, hiring, and handling criticism without losing empathy, plus a powerful journalling practice that keeps him grounded as a leader and dad.

Guest Bio

Max Meltzer is an entrepreneur and investor. He is the founder and CEO of Strive Gaming, a B2B Player Account Management business that serves North America.

Customers include PointsBet, Golden Nugget (DraftKings), Four Winds Casino, Genting and beyond. Shareholders include Betsson, OpenBet, Knutsson and more.

He is also a Venture Partner of Astralis Capital, who count PrizePicks among others in their portfolio.

Max’s previous roles include CCO at Kambi and founding other businesses such as Simply Sport Management, a sports management agency launched in 2012 that still operates today.

Key Topics Discussed

00:00 – Welcoming our guest
05:00 – Early entrepreneurship
08:00 – Stigma vs strategy: going back to employement
11:00 – Health over financial milestones
16:00 – Making balance stick
17:30 – Community, sport, and boundaries
20:00 – Empathy, criticism and building thicker skin
22:30 – Coaching and journalling letters to his daughter
31:00 – Leaving Kambi and founding Strive
36:00 – Seed strategies
44:00 – Fundraising cycles, boards, and aligning investor expectations
53:00 – Only do the jobs only you can do
54:30 – Legacy and values: the father and leader Max wants to be

Memorable Quotes

“To be a success as a founder, you have to have the guts to fail. If you don’t have the guts to fail, really you shouldn’t do it.”

“No one actually cares enough about you personally. Only you care about you to that extent… Do feel like, ‘what’s everyone going to think?’ No one’s actually thinking anything.”

“Don’t prioritise financial milestones ahead of everything else. You’re a better business person when you prioritise your health and personal wellbeing.”

“Whatever happens, prioritise family. Put your values first—your boundaries are your foundation and support.”

Important Links

Connect with Max Meltzer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxmeltzer1

www.strivegaming.com

https://www.egr.global/intel/insight/strive-founders-journey-executing-on-strategy-and-the-evolving-ways-of-raising-capital/

Follow Leo Judkins on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leo-judkins/
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