This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
Shortlisted in 2 categories at the regions first Tees Tech Awards, who are SockMonkey Studios?
A Middlesbrough based game developer, SockMonkey was founded in 2013 by Darren Cuthbert and Bob Makin, who were later joined by Darren Falcus. The Business is an award-winning studio with a heritage of working on some top-notch titles on all major platforms. Operating from the penthouse of Boho 5 in Middlesbrough the studio has built a fast-growing business which has seen staff numbers increase by 50% since 2019 and, following recent success in securing investment funding, are looking to triple their staff numbers to 50 by 2021.
Website: www.sockmonkeystudios.net
Why accessing professional services has been important
Bob Makin: “When we set up the studio we were on a steep learning curve; we knew our industry but had no experience of running a business. As alumni of Teesside University, we accessed the support packages available and built a network. We had come across The Endeavour Partnership at various events including the university’s Accelerator programme which Endeavour supports with drop-in sessions for digital start-ups.
Darren Falcus: “You don’t necessarily consider legal stuff when setting up a business but it is essential to get your legals in order; especially in a fast-growing industry like ours. We have seen our business grow rapidly and having access to a team that understands our aspirations, as well as the law, allows us to concentrate on driving towards our goals.”
Similar Values
Bob Makin: “The Tees Valley is not like anywhere else in the world. We trade throughout the globe but are proud Teessiders and will always have a HQ in the region. The team at Endeavour share our passion for the area and have a desire to support the region, like us they recruit from experience whilst having a training programme to support fresh talent growth.”
Darren Falcus: “We don’t take life too seriously at SockMonkey HQ and play games as much as we build them, but we’re incredibly serious about game development and building on our amazing team. The Endeavour Partnership seems to share this culture. We know we can rely on them for the very best professional advice and equally can enjoy some of the great social events they host.”
Growth
Bob Makin: “We get what we are doing now and are focusing on growth. I attended Digital City’s SCALE programme which gave us a direction and belief that we could take this thing further. Having recently received a £250,000 investment from the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund (NPIF) we intend to branch out and launch our own game with our own IP.
Darren Falcus: “Our staff numbers have increased significantly, with more yet to come. We are excited by what the future has in store for SockMonkey and it is comforting to know we have access to expert legal advice from a firm who know us.”
Share this post: