In Episode 11 of The Speakeasy, we sit down with Karim Farghaly, SVP of Business Innovation & Licensing at Bandai Namco Entertainment America, to explore what it really takes to manage, grow, and future-proof some of the most iconic IP in entertainment. Karim breaks down how Bandai Namco approaches the build-buy-partner decision, how the Zero to One fund operates as a strategic investment vehicle, and what it actually takes to keep a 40-year-old IP like Pac-Man culturally relevant.
00:00 – How connecting with fans leads to monetisation.
03:00 – What does a winning IP strategy look like with legacy franchises?
10:30 – What does a typical day look like across partnerships, licensing, and venture investing?
13:50 – How the Zero to One Fund helps Bandai Namco to keep ahead of the industry.
16:40 – Should gaming companies invest in content or technology?
19:50 – Where does the best deal flow come from in gaming?
21:40 – How to decide whether to build, buy, invest, or partner?
25:00 – What gives a company a competitive edge in gaming in 2026?
27:30 – Where is the next generation of gamers playing?
30:45 – The strategy to generating long-term success in a hit-driven entertainment and games business.
35:00 – How is the industry adapting to UGC and shifting platform models?
39:00 – Why fandom and community engagement more important than ever.
42:30 – How do legacy IPs like Pac-Man and Gundam stay relevant for decades?
44:30 – Closing thoughts.