Startup Spotlight: Nabu Board Games

Nabu Board Games, a startup based in Baghdad, Iraq, is changing the game - quite literally. The company is on a mission to expand the culture and market of board games by providing educational and entertaining activities. Their goal is to create a community of board game players in Iraq and represent the community internationally through their innovative approach.

The Nabu team identified a gap in the market for unique and engaging social activities in the city. With little to no options available for entertainment, especially for youth, they decided to turn their passion into a profitable venture. They want to bring a refreshing change to the usual routine and repetitive leisure options that people in the city used to enjoy on weekends and free time.

The company primarily focuses on creating engaging board games that bring people together, foster social connections, and promote positive values. However, the road to success wasn't easy for Nabu. When the company first started, some competitors resorted to using bootleg and counterfeit products to attract customers by selling low-quality items at a cheaper price. This approach had an adverse impact on Nabu's sales as people began to associate board games with only entertainment. But Nabu's founders remained steadfast in their commitment to creating high-quality products that served as a tool to promote a more significant message and foster a healthier social system in people's lives.

“I participated in the Female Founders Fellowship program. The program has helped me in connecting with many amazing people. It has given me great exposure to many business opportunities and opened my eyes to new ways to expand and grow in the market as a person and as a business.” - Haneen

To further their mission, Nabu is embarking on a new production line to create an Iraqi board game and distribute it globally. This move represents the company's commitment to not only creating unique and engaging games but also promoting Iraqi culture and traditions to the world.

“Starting Nabu has opened up a lot of new connections, information, and opportunities for me. The Iraqi market now is different from before.”

Nabu Board Games is more than just a startup; It represents the entrepreneurial spirit of young Iraqis who are determined to change the game and make a difference in their society.