Laurence Escalante

Overview

An Australian angel investor and entrepreneur, Laurence Escalante has a strong background in technology and gaming sectors. He is the founder and CEO of Virtual Gaming Worlds (VGW), a company known for operating online social games including Chumba Casino and Global Poker. Under his leadership, VGW has become one of Australia's most profitable tech companies, employing over 1,000 people globally. Escalante's expertise extends beyond gaming, with experience in financial services, having worked as a technical specialist in investment advisory, superannuation, taxation, and financial planning for a decade. Escalante's investment strategy focuses on early-stage companies in technology, gaming, and financial services. His family office, Lance East Office, has been actively involved in several funding rounds, including a $12 million Series A round for financial wellness platform WeMoney in April 2025. This investment highlights his commitment to supporting innovative solutions in the financial sector. Additionally, in May 2025, Escalante led a strategic bridge funding round for Green Li-ion, an Australian clean-tech innovator transforming the battery recycling sector. This move underscores his support for sustainable technologies and global decarbonization efforts. With a diverse portfolio and a keen interest in emerging industries, Escalante continues to play a significant role in fostering innovation and growth across various sectors. His investments reflect a strategic approach aimed at driving technological advancement and addressing global challenges through sustainable solutions.