Chi Nwogu
GameFlo – SEED Spring 2024
Published September 11, 2024
As part of our ‘Meet Our Founders’ series today, we introduce Chi Nwogu, CEO of GameFlo based in Chapel Hill, NC. GameFlo is a gaming company on a mission to nurture imagination and make learning fun. We are the future of inclusive gaming.
Q: How will your NC IDEA grant funds advance your company?
A: Funding will provide fuel for marketing PICKUP Basketball at Target and growth within mass retail. We are exited to scale our manufacturing to reduce costs, while maintaining a high quality product. We also hope to grow our team as we hit upcoming milestones.
Q: When did you know you wanted to take an entrepreneurial path?
A: My first job as an entrepreneur came at the age of 9 delivering newspapers. I quickly learned the importance of consistency and exceeding customer expectations. There is no substitute for hard work, and entrepreneurship requires putting in long hours while no one is watching.
Q: What have you enjoyed most about starting your own company?
A: I am big on vision. Seeing the plans we’ve had for GameFlo from day 1 take shape, at their right time, has been rewarding beyond description. Going from our first paper prototype to our current product has taken years of playtesting and iteration. It’s not always easy, but the reward is knowing that we’re building towards something that will stand the test of time.
Q: What other passions do you have besides your business?
A: I am passionate about mentorship. A lot of people poured into me, and I view mentorship as an extension of my purpose in life. I am also passionate about music, having played the bass guitar since the age of 12. Not many things bring me more joy than a live band.
While visiting Chapel Hill, Chi recommends:
- Eat at Vimala’s Curryblossom Cafe – amazing family-owned Indian food restaurant on Franklin Street.
Support GameFlo and Chi by:
- Buy a copy of our card game PICKUP Basketball, especially as a gift for loved ones or friends.
