Q&A with David Razidlo of Game Haven

Take a moment to meet David Razidlo, a graduate of our very first CO.STARTERS cohort in 2022, volunteer and co-facilitator for following CO.STARTERS cohorts, and current participant of our first incubator program!

Q: Share a bit about your business and who your target customers are!  

A: Game Haven is a web app dedicated to board gaming - helping people find new games they will like, people to play with, and board gaming events near them. More than that, our goal is to help people connect with their communities and create meaningful interactions. Our target customers are any people who find fun in playing games - from very casual, social gamers all the way to very serious board gaming groups - as well as businesses who host gaming events or sell games.

Q: What do you hope to learn from and get out of the incubator program? 

A: At each stage in the development of Game Haven, there have been new challenges and risks. Now that our web app is ready for adoption, we need support in how to launch, gain traction, market our product, and scale our reach. I am excited for the Incubator program for mentorship and guidance on this new phase of our startup, to help make connections with experts, and to build my professional network in Rochester. 

Q: How has being involved in Collider programming and CO.STARTERS been of assistance to you so far in your business journey? 

A: Collider programs including CO.STARTERS have been crucial for our business development. As a solo-preneur, it has been incredibly powerful to build a network of business professionals and connect with the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Rochester. These programs have provided structured mentorship and access to experts in all aspects of building a startup, and have kept us on track with the essentials in starting a business. The feedback from other entrepreneurs has been so supportive and has been critical in helping my dream become a reality.

Q: What is your motivation for pursuing your business idea? 

A: Board games provide a way for people to connect in person - either with people they know or with complete strangers. Anyone can play games together, regardless of their backgrounds or even their languages. But it can be challenging to find people who like to play the same types of games, or find the places and dedicated times to play. The more I talk to people, the more I find that other people feel the same way. I wanted to help people make those connections and increase positive in-person interactions, and happiness* in the community. 

*As part of our Terms of Service, Game Haven claims 1% of all happiness generated by board games!