Last week was the biggest one yet for our social enterprise. After months of relationship building, we experienced one of those amazing maturation moments that happen when you navigate startup ambiguity anchored in shared values. These entrepreneurial experiences, in particular, serve as one of the great joys in my life. This one, I’d like to share with you.
So, in April of 2014 (and for the first time), I started using my personal Twitter handle deliberately, specifically producing and interacting with content I felt reflected our culture best. Shortly after, my effort caught the eye of Dan Roberts, then Director of Business Development and Venture Screening at Tallwave Capital, Arizona’s wealthiest Venture Capital fund. Dan was targeting startups in the games/tech space.
After paying attention to my Twitter handle, Dan decided to reach out and schedule a telecon to learn more about our game development startups. Our meeting was slated for 30 minutes. Our call lasted nearly 2 hours. Discussing our team, game vision, and startup venture with Dan was exhilarating.
Shortly after our discovery call, Dan scheduled a telecon between Tallwave Capital's principal fund manager, Mr. Lehman, and me. This call was scheduled for 30 minutes and lasted nearly an hour. Greg was wise, honest, and gracious. Ultimately, Socent Studios was too early for Tallwave’s portfolio strategy. Goodwill was exchanged and our call concluded.
Dan followed up with me shortly after and shared his desire to introduce a gentleman by the name of Ben Reichert, co-founder of Game CoLab and co-creator of UAT Game Studios. As I recall, Dan was rather adamant about making this introduction.
In June 2014, I met with Ben for the first time. Almost immediately Ben and I hit it off, engaging in the discovery of shared values and mission potential. Ben’s personal journey into games, passion for Arizona’s game maker community, and commitment to social impact through game production is hard not to admire.
So, in April of 2014 (and for the first time), I started using my personal Twitter handle deliberately, specifically producing and interacting with content I felt reflected our culture best. Shortly after, my effort caught the eye of Dan Roberts, then Director of Business Development and Venture Screening at Tallwave Capital, Arizona’s wealthiest Venture Capital fund. Dan was targeting startups in the games/tech space.
After paying attention to my Twitter handle, Dan decided to reach out and schedule a telecon to learn more about our game development startups. Our meeting was slated for 30 minutes. Our call lasted nearly 2 hours. Discussing our team, game vision, and startup venture with Dan was exhilarating.
Shortly after our discovery call, Dan scheduled a telecon between Tallwave Capital's principal fund manager, Mr. Lehman, and me. This call was scheduled for 30 minutes and lasted nearly an hour. Greg was wise, honest, and gracious. Ultimately, Socent Studios was too early for Tallwave’s portfolio strategy. Goodwill was exchanged and our call concluded.
Dan followed up with me shortly after and shared his desire to introduce a gentleman by the name of Ben Reichert, co-founder of Game CoLab and co-creator of UAT Game Studios. As I recall, Dan was rather adamant about making this introduction.
In June 2014, I met with Ben for the first time. Almost immediately Ben and I hit it off, engaging in the discovery of shared values and mission potential. Ben’s personal journey into games, passion for Arizona’s game maker community, and commitment to social impact through game production is hard not to admire.
Shortly after our call, I introduced Ben to Gary Riccio, PhD, my dear friend and thought partner at Socent Studios. Ben, Gary, and I would continue to develop our relationship from opposite ends of the country over a period of several months until preexisting business matters demanded my undivided attention. As a result, Socent Studios was forced to go dark. During this period, Ben and I stayed in touch.
In August 2015, soon after resolving those matters, Ben reached out to me to find out how things were going. Ironically, I had just begun ramping up Socent Studios startup production again. I shared with Ben the evolved vision for our narrative-driven World Game For Peace in Congo, gaming community, and e-democracy for peace.
In August 2015, soon after resolving those matters, Ben reached out to me to find out how things were going. Ironically, I had just begun ramping up Socent Studios startup production again. I shared with Ben the evolved vision for our narrative-driven World Game For Peace in Congo, gaming community, and e-democracy for peace.
Circling back to some of our earlier discussions, Ben presented his ideas about introducing our World Game For Peace project to UAT Game Studios and the student development culture supporting it. Soon after this call, Ben introduced us to his colleagues at UAT Game Studios. This resulted in their invite to present our project to their game Dev. body for student production selection. We accepted with enthusiasm. I also invited my dear friend and U.S. Navy SEAL Rob Kaneiss to support our presentation of opportunity.
Following the conclusion of 15 total greenlight pitches, many of which were amazing, UAT Game Studios announced us as an official selection. Excitedly, concept production of our game vision begins next month.
During post greenlight congratulations, student game designers, and production leads emerged from the audience to express their passion for our game vision.
As we approach next month’s production launch, the UAT student Dev. team is comprised of talented young artists, programmers, modelers, animators, and level designers excited about our World Game For Peace.
As I type this, a teammate and I are traveling from Lake Havasu City to Phoenix, AZ to secure a team house for Socent Studios. Localizing our commitment, intelligence, and resources will be key for Tyler and her development team. We couldn’t be more excited about the road ahead.
And to think it all started with a tweet.
And to think it all started with a tweet.