StatrDraft is more than just a fantasy football game; it’s the result of ten years of passion, hard work, and dedication and its goddam about time we took our passion project that was meant just for us and actually bring it to the public. The journey from a small idea to an award-winning startup has and will be filled with challenges, triumphs, and a deep love for the beautiful game. In this article, we’ll take you behind the scenes of StatrDraft’s journey, from its beginnings in the backroom of a phone shop to where we are today.
The Humble Beginnings
StatrDraft started as a passion project in the backroom of a small phone shop. Jon and Jimi, two of the founders, had a vision for a fantasy football game that was different from anything else out there. We wanted to create a game that was more strategic, more engaging, and brought fans closer to the action. With little more than a love for football and a lot of determination, StatrDraft was born.
The initial idea was simple: create a fantasy football experience that felt more like managing a real team. Draft-style formats were already popular in other sports, but they were largely unheard of in football. Jon and his team wanted to bring this exciting and strategic format to football fans, giving them the opportunity to draft unique squads and compete in a way that felt authentic.
The Challenges and Triumphs
The road to building Statrdraft was far from easy. Like any startup, we faced numerous challenges along the way—limited resources, technical hurdles, and the struggle to get our name out there. We had to learn on the go, often working long hours to overcome obstacles and make the game a reality. But each challenge was met with perseverance and creativity, and every setback became an opportunity to improve.
Winning the NDRC startup sprint high-potential startup award and participating in the NDRC pre-accelerator were major milestones that gave us the boost we needed to keep going. These achievements were a testament to the hard work and belief that our small team had put into the project. They provided the validation that we were on the right path and encouraged us to push even harder.
We also had the support of Enterprise Ireland’s New Frontiers program, which helped us refine our business model and connect with mentors who believed in our vision. These programs provided not only funding but also validation that we were on the right track. The mentorship and guidance we received during this time were invaluable, helping us navigate the complexities of building a startup and turning our vision into a viable business.
Building the Community
One of the most rewarding aspects of Statrdraft’s journey has been the community that has grown around the game. From the early adopters who believed in us from the start to the new players joining every day, the Statrdraft community is what makes this all worthwhile. We’ve hosted countless drafts, watched rivalries develop, and celebrated the highs and lows of the game together. Football is about more than just the matches—it’s about the people who share the journey with you, and that’s what we’ve built with Statrdraft.
Our community has been instrumental in shaping the game. Their feedback has helped us improve features, refine gameplay, and make Statrdraft the best it can be. Whether it’s through our social media channels, our podcast, or the interaction during live drafts, the connection we have with our players is at the core of everything we do. The passion and enthusiasm of our community are what drive us to keep pushing forward.
Looking Ahead
Today, StatrDraft is poised to stand alone as a unique draft-style fantasy football game that captures the thrill, drama, and strategy of the Premier League and the Women’s Super League. But we’re not stopping here. We’re constantly working on new features, expanding our reach, and finding new ways to bring fans closer to the game they love. The journey is far from over, and we’re excited for what the future holds, right now we are building the first public edition of the game and we are always looking at ways to raise funds, donate to the cause, pick a package and let’s build the best game that ever hit the market!
We’re currently working on expanding our platform for this early edition release, improve the user experience, and add new elements that make the game even more immersive. Our goal is to continue innovating with the aim of providing football fans with a fantasy experience that’s second to none. The passion that started in the backroom of a phone shop is now driving us to reach new heights, and we can’t wait to share what’s next with our growing community.
If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to build a fantasy football platform from the ground up, we hope this glimpse behind the scenes has given you some insight. StatrDraft is a labor of love, built by football fans, for football fans. And we’re just getting started.
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