Furies Enterprise, a Mombasa-based startup with a passion for environmental education, is making waves with its innovative approach to addressing plastic waste and climate change through board games.
Founded by Valentine Gechiko (26), Veronica Nzuu (24), and Rose Njenga (24) in 2023, the enterprise is on a mission to revolutionize the way we learn about pressing environmental issues.
The team of three, comprising Ms Gechiko with a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Chemistry, Ms Nzuu with a background in Mechanical Engineering, and Ms Njenga with a degree in International Relations, were inspired by the power of visuals and gamification in facilitating learning.
Baharia Ninja
Their shared passion for tackling marine plastic pollution and raising environmental awareness led them to create Baharia Ninja, an engaging board game aimed at educating players, especially children, about the critical issues of plastic pollution and climate change.
“Our journey has been a mix of challenges and successes,” says Ms Gechiko. “From product development to community engagement, we’ve been working tirelessly to bring our vision to life.”
The flagship creation not only promises an enjoyable gaming experience but also aims to impart valuable insights into the challenges posed by plastic pollution and climate change.
“We are working on personal projects which is also hard to juggle together with running Furies full time.We are also new to the venture and running a company which is super exciting and everyday is a learning experience. We’ve seen the positive impact of our games on environmental education and are expectant of growing and making a difference.”
Business model
Priced at Sh2500 per set, the game is available for direct purchase, with additional revenue generated through hosting Baharia Ninja events in schools and organizing game nights.
“We believe in the intersection of fun and education,” explains Ms Gechiko. “By gamifying environmental education, we hope to inspire positive change and foster a deeper understanding of these critical issues.”
The game is beautifully packaged. Once opened, you will get a board, dices and a manual with game instructions.
Children and adults can play this game during their leisure time.
“It’s like going on a mission, the player who manages to save the ‘world’ first wins,” Ms Gechiko once noted while presenting the venture to tech enthusiasts during the unicorn 2023 tech week, Kenya Innovation Week held at the Edge Convention Center in Nairobi.
Future expectations
With an eye on the tech horizon, Furies Enterprise is actively exploring how emerging technologies such as 5G, AI, machine learning, and blockchain can enhance gaming experiences, personalize gameplay, and streamline operations.
“The future is bright and exciting.”We’re ready to hop on the tech train ride into the future. Choo Choo!”
The founders are also working on an app for the Baharia Ninja game.
“It is work in progress. We are still working on the market validation and doing iterations on the board game but it is definately in our goals for this year.”
As they continue to grow, Furies Enterprise remains dedicated to their mission of raising awareness and promoting understanding of environmental issues through the power of play.
The startup is yet to raise funding.
“We haven’t raised venture capital yet but we are working torwards raising in the near future,” the co-founder noted.
It’s worth noting that collaborations and partnerships are actively sought to amplify their impact and reach, with a keen focus on engaging with gaming giants like Hasbro Gaming to expand their network and influence.
“In the next two years, we aim to expand our product line, reach new markets, expand our partnership networks specifically looking at the gaming giant Hasbro gaming, create employment 75% being women and continue our commitment to environmental education.”
For Furies Enterprise, the game is just beginning, but the stakes couldn’t be higher as they strive to make a positive difference in the world, one board game at a time.