What I bring to the business is a passion for football and love of the actual product that we're building.
As a product designer who frequently works with startups, I'm always fascinated by the unique journeys founders take. Recently, I had the pleasure of speaking with Roland Kesler, co-founder of FantasyGo, a South African fantasy sports platform. His story is a testament to how passion, timing, and the right team can turn a side project into a thriving business.
A Serendipitous Start
Roland's path to entrepreneurship wasn't a straight line. With a background in commerce and a love for sports, he found himself working in various roles in Cape Town's tech startup scene. But it was during the upheaval of the COVID-19 pandemic that the seeds of FantasyGo were planted.
"I got retrenched from one of my jobs, as loads of people did," Roland shared. "And then I got in touch with a former colleague from my first ever job. We started brainstorming ideas related to football and how we could start a business."
I was struck by how Roland and his co-founders turned a challenging situation into an opportunity. It's a reminder that sometimes the best ideas emerge when we're forced to think differently.
Building a Dream Team
One of the most interesting aspects of FantasyGo's story is how the founding team came together. Roland emphasised the importance of complementary skills:
"There are four co-founders, which is quite uncommon... But we all bring something unique to the table. And I don't think it would have worked if it was any combination of three of us. It certainly wouldn't have worked if it was any combination of two of us."
As someone who has seen many startup teams in action, I can't overstate how crucial this balance is. Roland's advice resonated with me:
"If I could give any corny advice, it would be to surround yourself with people who get things done. Or if you're the guy who gets things done, surround yourself with people who bring other traits to the table."
Navigating Unique Challenges
Running a fantasy sports startup comes with its own set of hurdles. Roland opened up about the complexities of operating in a heavily regulated industry:
"The gambling industry is extremely regulated. There's so many hoops to go through before you can be fully compliant."
I was impressed by how Roland and his team navigated these challenges, leveraging partnerships and expertise to ensure compliance while still focusing on building a great product.
The Secret Sauce: Community and Engagement
What sets FantasyGo apart is its focus on creating a more engaging sports experience. Roland explained:
"If I know that, okay, I've got player A, player B and player C in my fantasy team, and they're playing on the TV, I'm going to watch the game. I'm going to look specifically for those players, hoping that they score. I'll cheer when they do something well, I'll be upset when they do something bad."
This enhanced engagement is at the core of FantasyGo's appeal. I appreciate how they've tapped into the social aspect of sports fandom, creating a product that enhances rather than replaces the traditional viewing experience.
Looking to the Future
FantasyGo has ambitious plans for growth. Roland shared their vision:
"In the short to medium term, I think we want to see a lot more adoption in South Africa... Longer term, definitely global expansion, Asia, rest of Africa specifically, those are the most untapped markets."
I'm excited to see how FantasyGo evolves as they expand their reach and add new sports to their platform.
Lessons for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Roland's journey offers valuable insights for anyone looking to turn their passion into a business:
Embrace unexpected opportunities
Build a diverse, complementary team
Be prepared to navigate industry-specific challenges
Focus on enhancing user experience and community
Have a clear vision for growth, but be flexible in your approach
As our conversation wrapped up, I was left inspired by Roland's story. It's a reminder that with passion, perseverance, and the right team, it's possible to build something truly special.
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