American video game developer and businessman Gabe Newell has acquired custom yacht builder Oceanco.
Gave is the president and co-founder of Valve Corporation and digital distribution platform Stream, a tech pioneer and longtime supporter of the Netherlands based yacht builder.
He has acquired Oceanco from the Barwani family which has owned the shipyard for the last 15 years and will remain active in the yachting world through their continued ownership of Turkish custom yacht builder Turquoise Yachts.
Over the Barwani’s control, the shipyard has delivered many iconic yachts — including Kaos, Bravo Eugenia, Black Pearl and Koru – and acquired new construction facilities encompassing 28 acres in the Drechtsteden area.
“With this foundation in place, it’s time for Oceanco’s next ownership,” said a statement from Oceanco.
“Gabe Newell is not entering this world as a financier or a strategist, but as a hands-on visionary who respects the sea, the craft, and above all, the people who make it possible.
“He wants Oceanco to continue on what it already does best: placing people first. This is not about buying a yacht company. It’s about plugging into a team and exploring what kind of future they can create when nothing holds them back.”
The company statement continued: “This isn’t about decks and PowerPoints. Gabe’s interest in Oceanco comes from somewhere else entirely, more personal.
This isn’t about decks and PowerPoints. Gabe’s interest in Oceanco comes from somewhere else entirely, more personal.
“A lifelong fascination with the sea. A deep respect for the people who live and work on it. And a belief that yachting is about tuning in. To the ocean. To yourself. To what really matters.”
And the company explained that Gabe is known for building companies that haven’t followed a script and instead have give smart people the space to build weird, wonderful things that changed how people play.
“That same spirit draws him to Oceanco,” continued the statement.
More collaboration
“Gabe is not here for gadgets. He is here for growth – the human kind. He wants Oceanco to push harder on what it already does best: putting people first. That means more collaboration, more autonomy, and a mindset geared toward long-term evolution – not just short-term wins.
“This isn’t about buying a yacht company. It’s about plugging into a tribe of builders, dreamers, sailors, creatives and engineers – and seeing what kind of future they can shape when no one’s holding them back. This isn’t a transaction. It’s ignition.”
