Founder Feature: GRAV
We welcomed Team GRAV to the FORGE Ahead™ Program last month and they have been hard at work!
GRAV Mouse is the latest company to join the FORGE family. They are working on an innovative gaming mouse targeting PC Gamers. As the newest members of FORGE’s resident program, GRAV will receive mentoring, networking, and other resources to operationalize their venture and pursue outside capital.
Lets learn more about the journey of GRAV in their own words...
Our Story
Our team was born out of the Eller College of Management New Venture Development Program at the University of Arizona. Individually, we each knew that we wanted to make a difference through the function of entrepreneurship. As a team, however, we struggled to conclude how we could best fulfill that goal.
We quickly found that we shared a passion for video gaming -- both as an outlet to pass the time and spur our competitive spirits. When Newton introduced a concept for next-generation gaming and productivity mouse, we all knew we had something special. Within weeks, we had our hands on an early prototype, and we were hooked by the promise it held.
Our team committed fully to the idea and intention that we could open doors to new gaming experiences. So, we decided to craft a product creating new ways of interacting with any game, broadening the world of competitive gaming.
We've been chasing that idea ever since, and we are excited for GRAV mouse to create the same impact in a community we love!
We look forward to working closely with the FORGE at the University of Arizona, to assist with our journey and help us build the next-generation gaming mouse.
Our Mission
Empower excellence. Foster connection and do more.
Why Now?
Being lifelong gamers, we have witnessed the radical evolution of the video game industry. However, during that time, the hardware we used to play these wonderful games stagnated. We're here to push the envelope of what is possible in this space. The GRAV Mouse will revolutionize how we interact with technology, thrilling players and inviting them to rise above the status quo.
We feel that our research and understanding of consumers and the business side of the gaming industry have contributed to our ability to rally support and interest around the product. Additionally, we cited that institutional investment has grown substantially over the year within the space. Institutional support has flourished within the esports arena. The University of Arizona invested in building facilities for and supporting a competitive team.
Meet the founders!
Newton Ryan
Founder - Product Development
With a keen mind for product innovation, Newton is constantly thinking about how products and the user experience can perform differently and have a positive impact.
Gaming is a favorite pass time of Newton's with more than a decade of time in the gaming community. He's a seasoned Call of Duty Player and before building his gaming PC, spent plenty of time running the Xbox gauntlet.
Armen Demirjian
Founder - Design Specialist
Armen is a skilled designer and has a knack for crafting high-quality visual assets and product renderings that convey emotion and communicate volumes.
It all started with the Xbox 360 for Armen. Favorite games include Call of Duty, Halo Reach, and Skyrim. While he spends more time developing his mastery of the Adobe Creative Suite now, you'll want any excuse not to run up against him in a quick scope 1v1 on Nuketown!
Evan Zavitz
Founder - Comms Specialist
A skillset focused on public speaking and writing lends to Evan's capacity for crafting messaging illustrates essential values of product and brand to a range of people.
Evan believes that gaming is one of the most immersive mediums to tell stories and spark the imagination. With a love for incredible worlds and larger-than-life heroes, Evan's gaming career has ranged from the depths of Rapture to the grand possibilities of distant ring worlds.
Jack Drescher
Founder - Finance Specialist
Whether it's reading a 10K or thinking through financial strategy, Jack is adept at reading the story of numbers. He is an essential element of GRAV and supports our team immensely with a critical understanding of business functions and the delicate dance of cash flow.
Jack has been a lifelong gamer with plenty of hours spent pushing his NBA 2K career to the max! Additionally, Jack was a force on Rust and, before falling into the world of business, might have eventually been seen headlining for FaZe!