Students

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Gamr - Pace Entrepreneurship Studio Startup

Seyi Fakoya '23, co-founder
Eniola Edun, co-founder
Kunmi Adenipebi, co-founder

Interview with Lubin student Seyi Fakoya

Lubin student Seyi Fakoya '23, co-founder, Gamr — Seyi Fakoya

Tell us about your startup.

Gamr is building infrastructure for gaming and esports communities in underserved markets throughout the world. Founded by myself, Eniola Edun, and Kunmi Adenipebi, our mission is to unlock economic opportunities for all in gaming. Gamr's innovative solutions are built on inclusion, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background or location, has an equal opportunity to earn money and have fun playing games.

Initially, Gamr's focus was centered on the African continent due to the potential we perceived to exist there. However, with the assistance of the team at the Pace Entrepreneurship Studio, we were encouraged to think beyond our current boundaries, as our technology could be applied on a global scale.

How did you come up with the idea for your company?

My co-founders with whom I started a business ventured into hosting esports tournaments under a tech conference platform named Techplus. This endeavor was successfully executed for a span of five years until the advent of the pandemic lockdown in 2020. We believe that the Covid-19 pandemic acted as a significant impetus for the creation of Gamr, as it facilitated a shift towards online gaming and esports, which ultimately resulted in heightened engagement rates. At the time, we used a bunch of tools like WhatsApp to manage the community, but there was no software we knew about that could be adapted to our market to manage tournaments. My co-founders approached me to join in building the technology in 2021, and that is how Gamr was started. Amidst the pandemic, we began conducting weekly scrims for PUBGM and CODM, with a minimum of 3,000 players participating on a regular basis.

How has the Pace Entrepreneurship Studio been beneficial to your company and its growth?

Initially, Gamr's focus was centered on the African continent due to the potential we perceived to exist there. However, with the assistance of the team at the Pace Entrepreneurship Studio, we were encouraged to think beyond our current boundaries, as our technology could be applied on a global scale. We have benefitted immensely from the weekly check-ins and resources provided by the Studio, as it has offered us a wealth of valuable insights on how to build a billion-dollar company. Nofar Nistani, the inaugural Studio Program manager, in particular, has been an invaluable asset to our team.

Eniola Edun, co-founder of Gamr — Eniola Edun

What have your experiences been like with PES?

So far, my involvement with PES has largely entailed leveraging the wealth of resources that are readily available to me. I have frequently been reminded of the extensive support and resources that I, as a studio member, have at my disposal. While I admit that I may have previously underutilized these resources, I am gradually making strides towards changing this.

As a student entrepreneur, how have your classes at Pace University prepared you to start your business?

Pace University has played a pivotal role in spurring me to consider the opportunities that have been presented to me. Through the faculty and my classes, I have gained a broader perspective on the world of business and expanded my understanding of it. By analyzing case studies in entrepreneurship, delving into financial modeling, and comprehending financial statements, as well as completing group assignments that involved managing teams, I have been able to gain insight into the workings of the world and establish realistic expectations as I embark on starting a business.

What is a challenge you've had to overcome as a student entrepreneur?

Being a student entrepreneur has presented me with a host of challenges, including balancing academic excellence while managing other priorities that are often time-bound, such as assignments and case studies. Although I occasionally don’t have time for myself, I am thankful for the support and guidance provided by my professors, who consistently encourage me to strive for success amidst the chaos.

Kunmi Adenipebi, co-founder of Gamr — Kunmi Adenipebi

Do you have any words of advice for a student looking to kickstart their own business?

For students interested in launching their own business or technology startup, I strongly recommend seeking out available resources, particularly those provided by the Pace Entrepreneurship Studio. Additionally, it is essential to take full advantage of the resources offered by Pace University itself, including the library, clubs, and even fellow students, in order to ensure optimal success.

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