[From the industry] Aurora reveals powerhouse global contributor lineup for Next-Gen Games Accelerator

This is a press release posted in addition to our usual editorial content.

Code Coven has revealed the first wave of contributors joining Aurora, its flagship accelerator and agency for UK-based diverse game studios, and they’re a statement in themselves.

Featuring leaders across games, law, finance, HR, venture capital, and emerging tech, Aurora’s contributors are not just advisors; they’re builders of sustainable, investable studios. With their involvement, Code Coven is making one thing clear: this is no side project for diversity; this is the future of game development infrastructure.

“These contributors aren’t just ticking a box; they’re shaping the ecosystem we should have had all along. Aurora is here to rewrite how diverse studios are supported, funded, and taken seriously – from day one.”

– Tara Mustapha, Founder & CEO, Code Coven

Backed by a Global Ecosystem

While Aurora is grounded in the UK, its reach is global, bringing together contributors and investors across continents to create real-world opportunities for underrepresented founders.

Shred Capital – a Canadian early-stage venture capital firm that backs mission-driven innovation across various sectors. Shred Capital has opened its pitch panel sessions to Aurora participants and is contributing to the robust Business Development curriculum, helping UK studios build bridges to international capital.

“At Shred Capital, we have always believed that great games can come from anyone, anywhere… they just need a chance to flourish (and the capital).  We are delighted to be working with Tara and her team!” – Matt Toner, Managing Partner at Shred Capital

Legal Partner: Lee & Thompson LLP

As Aurora’s official Legal Partner, Lee & Thompson – the UK’s leading law firm in games and entertainment – is generously supporting studios with the legal tools they need to scale sustainably. Through workshops, direct mentorship, and their foundational module on Key Legal Considerations for Game Studios, they’re helping founders build lasting, rights-secure businesses from day one.

Featured Contributors

• Dhosjan Greenaway-Dalini, Founder and CEO at Bia Innovate, brings over 20 years of strategic finance expertise to Aurora’s curriculum. She shares her knowledge on forecasting and financial literacy for Founders, Due Diligence, and Talking to Non-Game Investors.

“Supporting diverse founders and innovators to bring exceptional ideas to market has long been core to my mission.  I am delighted to join the Aurora and Code Coven team in this powerful initiative, focused on effecting meaningful change within the games industry.”

• Julian Ward (Partner) and Lois Child (Associate) at Lee & Thompson, the UK’s leading law firm in games and entertainment, deliver legal fundamentals across IP, contracts, and publishing.

“We are delighted to be working with Code Coven as we are passionate about gaming. The Aurora program in particular is an important step forward in promoting and accelerating diversity in the games industry. Greater diversity is not just the right thing to do, it fosters greater creativity and innovation which are fundamental aspects of gaming and can only be a benefit to the industry as well as those within it.”

• Dana Ramnarine, COO at Rhum.HR, Leads Rhum.HR, a boutique recruitment, human resources, and leadership development consultancy supporting creative teams in games, VFX, animation and tech around the globe.

“I’m thrilled to support the Aurora program at Code Coven because it champions diverse talent and creates space for the next generation of industry leaders to innovate and shape the future of the games industry with authenticity and impact.”

• Alex Nicholson, COO at Uwu Biz, a boutique games industry consultancy focusing on business, operations and fractional C-suite type things for post-success, breakout games.

“I’m excited to help Code Coven and shape Aurora. These developers are the next generation of the industry, and it’s a perfect opportunity to contribute to something meaningful and challenge structural inequality in the games industry. “

A Different Kind of Accelerator

Backed by the British Film Institute (BFI) and National Lottery funding, Aurora offers something rare:

• A dual-track model: business education and active deal support via an in-house agency
• A cohort of up to six studios at a time, with direct mentorship from contributors and industry partners
• A pipeline of real-world partnerships — with publishers, platforms, and global investors

Apply Now

Aurora operates on a rolling admissions basis, with the next cohort scheduled for Q4 2025. Studios must be UK-registered and demonstrate at least 50% marginalised gender leadership.

Not demo-ready yet? That’s OK. Even if you’re still early, apply now to show interest and begin a conversation — we’re here to help studios get it right from the start.

Apply or learn more: codecoven.co/aurora