Former Surgeon Turns Video Game Entrepreneur, Secures $17 Million in Funding
Max Fu, a former gastrointestinal surgeon from Australia, has successfully transitioned from medicine to the world of video game development, securing over $17 million in venture capital funding for his latest project, Nyan Heroes.
Raised by Chinese parents who were both scientists with doctoral degrees, Fu initially pursued a combined medical school and undergraduate program in Australia, fulfilling his family’s aspirations for him to become a doctor. However, after completing his education and residency, Fu began to question his career choice due to the lack of work-life balance and a persistent interest in creative arts.
At the age of 28, Fu made the bold decision to leave medicine and pursue a career in creative content. This move was met with mixed reactions from friends, colleagues, and family members. Undeterred, Fu used his savings to support a year of transition, during which he began learning and working in filmmaking, starting with unpaid projects.
Fu’s risk paid off as he quickly gained paying clients and founded a successful media agency. The company grew to employ 50 people, allowing Fu to enjoy greater creative freedom compared to his structured medical practice. Despite initial skepticism from his parents, Fu’s entrepreneurial success began to speak for itself.
Building on his experience in marketing and content creation, Fu pivoted once again to found 9 Lives Interactive, a video game company. The company’s flagship project, Nyan Heroes, integrates blockchain technology and has caught the attention of investors, resulting in over $17 million in venture capital funding.
Fu’s journey from medicine to video game development exemplifies the concept of having multiple career lives, a philosophy he embraces and attributes to his love for cats. While he does not regret the time spent in medicine, Fu values the freedom and fulfillment his current path provides.
Today, Fu maintains a good relationship with his parents, who have come to accept his unconventional career path. His story serves as an inspiration to those considering a major career change, demonstrating that success can be found in unexpected places with determination and a willingness to take risks.
