Why did you get involved in esports? What was your entry point and what is your current role?: We got drawn into the world of Esports through our Valari gaming pillow product, which we believe can play a role in improving the comfort and enjoyment of professional & casual gamers.
Why did you decide to become a member of ESTA?: We would like to be involved more in the esports ecosystem, we would like to network with other businesses in gaming and esports and we would like to learn more about esports.
Tell us 3 fun/unexpected facts you would like us to mention when we introduce you?: The Valari was inspired by Nadim using his wife's nursing pillow. We launched on Kickstarter. The company was founded in Beirut, Lebanon in the middle of one of the biggest economic and political disasters in history.
What is your expertise/niche and how do you see that changing relative to the esports industry? What are you doing now? Where are you making an impact?: Our niche is comfort and ergonomics in gaming. We started by launching our gaming pillow but we see this expanding into a range of gaming peripherals and accessories designed with comfort in mind. We believe this will have a beneficial impact on the comfort and posture of gamers.
Since you’ve entered the esports industry, what has been the biggest industry change or trend that you’ve seen? Have you felt the impact of this change?: We just entered the space so too soon for us to comment on this.
What is your favorite esports title, genre, and/or esports passion?: Fortnite
We are all about making a real connection – not talk about just business – what’s the most FUN or craziest thing that happened to you this past year?: Our trip to Twitchcon in San Diego was a really fun and interesting experience.
Tell us about a situation that you can look back on and say that it defined, or really influenced you as you are now or doing what you are doing now? A “fork in the road” moment?: Probably really early on in our development of the Valari pillow we made a decision to launch on Kickstarter. While Kickstarter certainly has its challenges, and it certainly wasn't easy, it was definitely the right decision as we managed to prove the concept in a significant way and draw the interest of our current investor.
Has there been a moment in your life or career when you realized that you have reached a certain level of satisfaction with your position or status? If you became an influencer in your space has this happened?: Not yet.
What lies ahead for you? What is your biggest goal for the year ahead?: To grow The Valari into a brand synonymous with comfortable gaming.
What is your parting advice for the industry?: I cannot really give meaningful advice on the esports industry as we are still learning and discovering it ourselves.