Tell us about Sharenanigans! What was the idea behind this?
Sharenanigans is a fun and competitive board game based on the key principles of how to invest in shares! I started creating the concept during my time at UC, when I had to pitch a problem in a lecture – the problem being a lack of knowledge in the younger generations around investing in shares. After deep diving into this problem further, I realised that although there are already a range of accessible ways to learn how to invest, what's missing are conversations around the topic in households and classrooms at a younger age.
So, after many different ideas (starting as an app), Sharenanigans was finally created - a board game that brings friends and family together to challenge each other in becoming the wealthiest at the table while growing their investment portfolio and picking up on a thing or two about real investing.
Sharenanigans doesn't claim to teach how to invest, but it offers a fun and engaging introductory experience, sparking curiosity around the subject for people to continue to go learn more. We use the same concept as, the more you swim as a child, the more comfortable you are around water. I am so passionate about making sure no one ever feels investing is out of reach for them because of any pre-conceived barriers they might have.
Why a board game? What was your inspiration for using this format?
As I was surrounded by students creating apps or SaaS (software as a service) products, I originally didn't even consider making a physical product. However, I quickly became overwhelmed with how to even begin in creating an app, with a lack of tech skills and money. That's when my mentor, Michael Durie, suggested a physical product. That day I went out and purchased a board game, covered it in paper, and started sketching what an investing game could look like.
My two other mentors, Pete Glasson and Clive Antony, then saw an opportunity to come on-board as shareholders, doing all the design work and offering me all the resources I would need to turn Sharenanigans into a product ready to sell.
The response to this change was extremely positive. Parents and teachers liked that it got kids away from technology. We were no longer faced with comments such as "good luck getting my kid off TikTok and onto your app." Parents who had also never learnt about shares were now able to play a game with their kids, sparking crucial conversations.
Where do you hope to see Sharenanigans in the next five years?
We’d like to see Sharenanigans become the board game in every family home (maybe causing one too many arguments) and in retail stores across the world. We aim to be the Monopoly for future generations, where everyone plays because it's fun, but you also pick up on key financial concepts that can be translated into real life. We are already discussing new editions, extension packs, and collaborations for future growth. Eventually, our plan is to sell Sharenanigans to another company, and I will continue to start other businesses or focus on facilitation.
What does your role of Programme Facilitator for Young Enterprise entail?
I started as a Young Enterprise workshop facilitator 4 years ago now, and it quickly became the best job I could ask for (besides Sharenanigans of course). I get to travel around New Zealand going into high schools facilitating three-day business workshops. I normally run these with around 80 year 10-11 students. In the three days, these students learn how to start a business from scratch in a team, then pitch their ideas to a panel of judges.
Similar to Sharenanigans, my purpose for these workshops is to increase self-belief in students from any background. Introducing students at a young age to creating a business ensures it becomes something they view as possible.
Any fond memories or highlights from your time at UC?
Definitely my time involved in the Entrepreneurship Centre! In my second year, I competed in the Start Up Challenge (now the Enterprise Launch Challenge), where we won the people's choice award and a scholarship to partake in the Summer Start Up Programme. The UCE Summer Start Up Programme was probably my favourite part of university. The people I met in the cohort and the speakers or mentors who supported me have continued to play a big part in my founder journey. I always felt very lucky to have found such a strong community while at university. It's a special feeling to walk into a space and know you can talk to anyone there!
Later I then became the Start Up Manager and COO of Entre and worked as the student intern for the Entrepreneurship Centre. To this day I still visit and work from there - it's hard to leave (and not just because of the free coffee and fruit bursts)!
What advice would you give a new grad looking to move into the entrepreneurship space?
Just get involved! Say yes to all opportunities that pop up outside of the lecture theatre. Thousands of students graduate with high grades, it's the extra things you get involved with during university that will help you stand out. Not to mention the connections you will make and experiences you will have. Especially in entrepreneurship when a lot of the time it is all about who you know, so challenge yourself all the time to step outside of your comfort zone. You never know where something might lead or who you will meet, I don't know where I would be if I didn't apply for anything that popped up. Nine times out of ten I would be thinking, "what's the point I won't get in" but sure enough, I would (well most of the time).
Check out Sharenanigans online and pre-order here!
