Chess.com Cofounder Overcomes Skepticism to Build Global Empire
In a story of perseverance and vision, the cofounder of Chess.com has spoken out about the doubters who once dismissed his plans for a global chess platform. Stuart Isett, one of the company's founders, recalled being laughed out of venture capital (VC) rooms where investors questioned whether chess could ever be more than a niche interest.
"I was told that chess would never be anything," Isett said in an interview with Fortune. "But we believed in our vision and worked tirelessly to make it a reality."
Today, Chess.com boasts an astonishing 225 million registered users worldwide, making it one of the largest online gaming communities globally. The platform offers live tournaments, online lessons, and a vast library of chess content.
Isett's journey began over two decades ago when he co-founded Chess.com with fellow entrepreneur Hikaru Nakamura. Initially, they faced significant skepticism from investors who saw chess as a niche interest with limited potential for growth.
"We were told that we were crazy to think that we could build a business around something as obscure as chess," Isett recalled. "But we knew that there was a huge opportunity to bring the game of chess to a global audience."
In the early days, Chess.com faced significant competition from established online gaming platforms. However, the company's focus on community building and user engagement helped it stand out in a crowded market.
"We built a platform that was designed to be social and engaging," Isett explained. "We created features like live streaming and online tournaments that allowed users to interact with each other in real-time."
Today, Chess.com is one of the leading online gaming platforms globally, with users from over 200 countries. The company's success has also spawned a range of spin-off businesses, including a chess-themed cafe chain and a series of live events.
Isett's story serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and vision in the face of adversity. Despite being laughed out of VC rooms, he remained committed to his goal of building a global chess community.
"I think that our success is a reminder that even the most unlikely ideas can become reality with hard work and determination," Isett said.
As Chess.com continues to grow and expand its offerings, it remains to be seen what the future holds for this pioneering online gaming platform. However, one thing is clear: Stuart Isett's vision has become a global phenomenon, leaving behind those who once doubted him.
Background
Chess.com was founded in 2007 by Stuart Isett and Hikaru Nakamura. The company initially faced significant competition from established online gaming platforms but managed to carve out a niche for itself through its focus on community building and user engagement.
Additional Perspectives
Industry experts say that Chess.com's success is a testament to the growing popularity of online gaming globally. "The rise of online gaming has created new opportunities for businesses like Chess.com to reach global audiences," said Rachel Lee, a gaming industry analyst.
Isett's story also highlights the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity. "It's not just about having a good idea; it's about being willing to take risks and face challenges head-on," he said.
Current Status
Chess.com continues to grow and expand its offerings, with plans to launch new features and events in the coming months. The company remains committed to its mission of building a global chess community and providing users with a platform for social interaction and competition.
As Isett looks back on his journey, he is proud of what Chess.com has achieved. "We've built something truly special here," he said.
*Reporting by Fortune.*
