Exploring the Future of Entrepreneurship
In the fast-paced world of startups, the need for robust support systems and expert guidance is paramount. Pace Entrepreneurship Studio (PES) emerges as a beacon of innovation—a place where aspiring entrepreneurs find the nurturing environment they need to transform their ideas into successful ventures.
PES’ Mission
PES is more than an incubator; it’s a launchpad for tomorrow’s entrepreneurial leaders. The Studio’s mission is twofold: to foster student and alumni innovation and to expose and develop new entrepreneurial opportunities. Through its comprehensive approach, PES connects its members to a network of international leaders and business professionals. This access is invaluable for entrepreneurs as they work toward taking their startups to new heights.
Entrepreneurs receive assistance in two significant ways:
1. Establishing an Entrepreneurial Community: This involves workshops, professional sessions, training, access to resources, and mentorship. It’s a holistic approach, supporting startups at any stage, helping evaluate ideas, and turning them into viable products and companies.
2. Operational Studio Program: At the heart of PES, the Studio Program is where selected teams work closely to establish their companies. This involves comprehensive mentorship, covering essentials such as product development, team structure, technology, market validation, go-to-market strategies, and fundraising. Supporting new startups from ideation to funding and from conception to operation is PES’ imprimatur. Teaching entrepreneurs the “how” and supporting the “what” is the Studio’s blueprint for helping its startup members launch successful businesses.
Gamr: A PES Startup
An interview with co-founder Seyi Fakoya ’23*
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.
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.
PES supports new startups, from ideation to funding— from conception to operation. Our mission is to teach you the “how” and to support the “what”— providing students and alumni with a complete blueprint for establishing successful businesses.
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 they have offered us a wealth of valuable insights into how to build a billion-dollar company.
What types of experiences have you had 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.
Do you have any words of advice for students 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.
* Profile initially published on the PES website, Spring 2023
