What inspired you to launch Solitaired?
There has been a more and more emphasis on mental health and how to stay mentally strong while aging.
Many companies like Lumosity have sprung up to tackle concepts like brain training in a fun way.
We believe this category will continue to grow as more attention is placed on mental health.
We didnt want potential consumers to learn new games.
Not only would there be a learning curve, but it could hinder adoption.
Could you tell us about the different versions of games offered on Solitaired?
Right now, we offer 500 different versions of solitaire.
This includes classic solitaire, often calledKlondike, and popular variations likeSpider SolitaireandFreeCell Solitaire.
We focused on creating high quality graphics to create a good user experience.
Soon, well start offering features geared towards mentally challenging yourself.
Youve explored the link between classic games and brain training.
Could you share with us how games can be used to train the brain?
It can even help combat dementia.
Classic games like Solitaire are a great solution for this.
Why is solitaire a great game for brain training?
Solitaire is a great way to cognitively push yourself.
For example, trying to beat a solitaire game in the exact same sequence exercises your memory skills.
There are dozens of sequential moves, and to repeat this is no easy feat.
Doing so can strengthen your memory.
Solitaire, especially in a timed format, can strengthen this.
Lastly, novelty is important to strengthening your brain.
With solitaire, there are endless decks that can be dealt of varying difficulty.
Some games cant even be won.
The variability and variety of solitaire games creates a novel game play effect which is good for you cognitively.
What are some life skill sets that can be adapted from playing solitaire?
It teaches you that sometimes, to take two steps forward, you have to take a step back.
Solitaire also teaches you how to be patient in your decision making.
If youre selling your house, for example, you dont want to bite on the first offer.
Rather, you want to be patient and then make your decision.
What are some of the lessons that you learned over the years about launching and successfully scaling a business?
I see so many entrepreneurs overthink their product, only to find out its a dud.
Now, instead of building out product features, we will regularly launch painted door tests.
This is where we show a button to a feature, but have not built out the feature yet.
To succeed, learn to fail fast.
The faster you fail, the faster you learn and the faster you succeed.
You are also a Co-Founder of SOTA Partners, which invests, incubates, and advises companies.
We really like identifying new ways technology can be applied.
For example, we invested inTrasfrVR.
With intelligent tutoring technology, they use virtual reality simulations that teach manufacturing skills.
The idea is to rethink traditional education and directly teach skills needed on the job.
Have you noticed any jot down of traffic jump since COVID-19?
With people stressed, games are also a great way to take the edge off.
Is there anything else that you would like to share about Solitaired?
Solitaire interestingly is one of the most popular and oldest games in the world.
Millions of people play it today and it dates back to the 1800s!
Thank you for the interview, readers who wish to learn more should visitSolitaired.
