Meet Nadim Makarem & Hilal Kanafani of The Valari

Esports Connected With Megan Van Petten

Why did you get involved in esports? What was your entry point and what is your current role?: We got drawn into the world of Esports through our Valari gaming pillow product, which we believe can play a role in improving the comfort and enjoyment of professional & casual gamers

Why did you decide to become a member of ESTA?: We would like to be involved more in the Esports ecosystem, we would like to network with other businesses in gaming and Esports and we would like to learn more about Esports.

Tell us 3 fun/unexpected facts you would like us to mention when we introduce you?: The Valari was inspired by Nadim using his wife's nursing pillow. We launched on Kickstarter. The company was founded in Beirut, Lebanon in the middle of one of the bigges economic and political disasters in history.

What is your expertise/niche and how do you see that changing relative to the esports industry? What are you doing now? Where are you making an impact?: Our niche is comfort and ergonomics in gaming. We started by launching our gaming pillow but we see this expanding into a range of gaming peripherals and accessories designed with comfort in mind. We believe this will have beneficial impact on the comfort and posture of gamers.

Since you’ve entered the esports industry, what has been the biggest industry change or trend that you’ve seen? Have you felt the impact of this change?: We just entered the space so too soon for us to comment on this

We are all about making a real connection - not talk about just business - what’s the most FUN or craziest thing that happened to you this past year?: Our trip to Twitchcon in San Diego was a really fun and interesting experience

Tell us about a situation that you can look back on and say that it defined, or really influenced you as you are now or doing what you are doing now? A “fork in the road” moment?: Probably really early on in our development of the Valari pillow we made a decision to launch on Kickstarter. While Kickstarter certainly has its challenges, and it certainly wasn't easy, it was definitely the right decision as we managed to prove the concept in a significant way and draw the interes of our current investor.