David Helgason
Summary
David Helgason is an Icelandic entrepreneur best known as the co-founder of Unity Software, a game engine company. Born in Iceland, he, along with his co-founders, established Unity Software in Copenhagen, Denmark, in 2004. Unity's game engine has been widely used in the development of popular online and mobile games, including Pokémon Go, Among Us, and Overcooked.
In September 2020, Unity Software went public on the New York Stock Exchange, with Helgason owning a nearly 4% stake in the company. While he served as CEO of Unity Technologies from 2003 to 2014, he currently holds a position as a board member but primarily focuses on venture capital investments.
Helgason's journey began with the creation of a game that ultimately failed, but he recognized the value of their game engine for others in the industry. With a background in programming and entrepreneurship, he has dedicated his time to supporting fellow entrepreneurs and addressing global challenges.
In addition to his involvement with Unity Software, Helgason is an angel investor, board member, and climate investor. He is passionate about finding scalable solutions to the global warming crisis. Helgason pursued various areas of study at the University of Copenhagen, including physics, Arabic, psychology, and Middle Eastern studies, while simultaneously working on software projects that sparked his curiosity and inspiration.
Biography
David Helgason is an Icelandic entrepreneur known for his role as the co-founder of Unity Software. Born in Iceland, he embarked on his entrepreneurial journey in 2004 when he co-founded Unity Software, a game engine company, in Copenhagen, Denmark. Over the years, Unity's engine has been instrumental in the development of numerous popular online and mobile games, including notable titles like Pokemon Go, Among Us, and Overcooked.
Helgason served as the CEO of Unity Technologies from its inception in 2003 until October 2014. Under his leadership, the company experienced significant growth and success. In January 2021, Unity Software made its debut on the New York Stock Exchange, with Helgason retaining a nearly 4% stake in the company.
While no longer holding the CEO position, Helgason remains actively involved with Unity Software as a board member, supporting the company's leadership and contributing to its continued success. In addition to his work with Unity, he has embraced the role of a venture capital investor, focusing on supporting and nurturing startups and entrepreneurs.
Helgason's passion extends beyond entrepreneurship and investment. He is deeply concerned about the global warming crisis and actively supports scalable solutions to address climate change. As a climate investor, he seeks to make a positive impact in combating environmental challenges. Helgason is also engaged as an angel investor and serves on the boards of several companies, including Labster, Realm Inc, and Spiri, among others.
Helgason's educational background includes studying physics, Arabic, psychology, and Middle Eastern studies at the University of Copenhagen. Although he did not obtain a degree, his diverse academic pursuits provided him with a broad knowledge base and fueled his curiosity for software projects. Throughout his career, Helgason has demonstrated a strong commitment to innovation, entrepreneurship, and making a positive impact in the tech industry.
Vision
Helgason has consistently shown a deep passion for technology and entrepreneurship. As a co-founder of Unity Software, he played a pivotal role in creating a game engine that revolutionized the gaming industry. Unity's vision has always been to empower creators and democratize game development, enabling developers of all backgrounds to bring their ideas to life. Helgason's involvement in Unity reflects his belief in the power of technology to unleash creativity and innovation.
In addition to his work with Unity, Helgason has expressed concerns about global warming and the urgent need to address climate change. He has focused on supporting scalable solutions to combat the environmental crisis. This emphasis on finding sustainable and impactful solutions aligns with a broader vision of promoting a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future.
Recognition and Awards
References
- University of Copenhagen | openbusinesscouncil.org
- Unity Technologies | openbusinesscouncil.org
- David Helgason biography | Forbes
- David Helgason Linkedin profile | Linkedin
- Mobile game development with Unity | Vention
- Unity IPO Review | Gainy
- The early days of scaling $6bn Unity were a “slow-moving panic” | Sifted
- David Helgason profile | Tracxn
- E682: Unity co-founder David Helgason on creating world’s leading 2D & 3D game-making platform | This Week in startups
- David Helgason profile | Crunchbase
- Helgason steps down as Unity CEO | Nordic Game
- Unity, Epic Games' $6 billion rival in the video game creation software market, has filed for an IPO | Business Insider India
- Unity Founder, David Helgason, on the journey from young developer to democratising game development | Seedcamp
- Unity founder Helgason sets up climate change initiative Transition Labs | PC Gamer Insider
- Cloud platform Coherence wants to 'democratize' online game development | Game Developer
- Building Your Future - & The Tools You Will Need - David Helgason (Founder, Unity) #TOA17m | Tech Open Air
- David Hegalson - Founder Unity | Slush
- "There will be 8-10 Tesla-sized climate companies built in the next decade" - David Helgason, Unity | First Minute Capital
- Sit down with entrepreneur, investor and Unity billionaire David Helgason | VenturecupTV
- Unity Software soars in blockbuster NYSE debut | Reuters