From Stockbroker to Dungeon Master: Rachel Dove's Quest to Build a Global D&D Empire

Rachel Dove, a former stockbroker turned entrepreneur, shares her journey in building "Dungeons Not Dating," a platform connecting Dungeons and Dragons enthusiasts. The episode delves into Rachel's transition from finance to creating safe, inclusive spaces for gamers. Rachel shares how social media catapulted her app into popularity and discusses the challenges of managing a startup. Discover how she's fostering community and what "legacy" means to her. Listen to learn about the growing impact of Dungeons and Dragons in community building and mental health. CHAPTERS 01:53 - Introduction to Dungeons Not Dating 02:10 - Understanding Dungeons and Dragons 04:03 - The Impact of COVID on Gaming 05:22 - Building Community and Resources 07:29 - The Role of Social Media 09:23 - Investing in Yourself and Community 10:40 - Challenges of Entrepreneurship 11:09 - Facing Doubts and Skepticism 15:12 - Navigating the Ups and Downs 16:18 - Legacy and Community Impact 17:34 - Getting Started with D&D 17:10 - Finding the Right People to Play With Key Takeaways: Creating Inclusive Spaces: Rachel Dove's platform is dedicated to providing a safe and welcoming environment for Dungeons and Dragons enthusiasts. From Finance to Fantasy: Her transition from a stockbroker to an entrepreneur illustrates the power of following one's passion and filling an unmet market need. Global Community Impact: The app aims to connect over 20 million D&D players worldwide, easing entry for newcomers and fostering shared adventures. The Role of Social Media: Platforms like TikTok have significantly aided Rachel's outreach, transforming ideas into viral, community-driven projects. Innovative Business Strategies: Rachel's vision includes broadening into therapeutic spaces and supporting craft marketplaces, showcasing the app's potential beyond gaming. Notable Quotes: "What it really is, is it's an investment in yourself and your community." – Rachel Dove "A lot of that 20 million, they're already in a party. They already have friends they play with, but new folks who want to play, how do they start?" – Rachel Dove "I thought it stood for dinner and drinks... and ended up becoming a tiefling wizard." – Rachel Dove "I want my legacy to be that person who is and always will be an includer." – Rachel Dove "Lean on those relationships. Lean on the support that I did have was just extremely important." – Rachel Dove Resources: Rachel Dove's Platform: Dungeons Not Dating Social Media: TikTok - Dungeons Not Dating