Biography of Bhavya Gohil: Founder & CEO of Square Off- Entrepreneur
Biography of Bhavya Gohil:
From College Project to Global Phenomenon
Bhavya Gohil's journey into the world of technology and
entrepreneurship began during his time at KJ Somaiya College of Engineering in
Mumbai. In 2013, he and his classmate Aatur Mehta took on a project in their
college incubator, RiiDL, aimed at creating a Braille chessboard for the
visually impaired. Their innovative solution, which included voice feedback and
automated piece movement, garnered significant attention at the Maker Faire
Rome in 2014. This early success inspired them to think bigger, laying the
foundation for what would become Square Off.
The Birth of Square Off
In September 2015, Bhavya and Aatur formally launched Square
Off, initially named Chess Automated. Their goal was to revolutionize the
traditional chess game with advanced robotics and artificial intelligence. They
built on their earlier prototype, creating a smart chessboard that allowed
users to play against opponents anywhere in the world using a physical board.
This ambitious project was more than just a concept; it was the beginning of a
groundbreaking venture in the world of smart gaming.
The Crowdfunding Success
Square Off's journey took a significant leap forward when
they turned to crowdfunding to bring their vision to life. Their Kickstarter
campaign aimed for $50,000 but reached this goal within just six hours. By the
end of the campaign, they had raised $220,000, far surpassing their initial
target. This success not only funded their manufacturing efforts but also
validated their product’s appeal and market potential.
From Prototype to Production
With funding secured, Bhavya and Aatur proceeded with
manufacturing their smart chessboard in China. The board featured a rosewood
finish and traditional wooden pieces, available in two versions: the Kingdom
set and the Grand Kingdom set. The latter included an auto-reset feature that
moved the pieces back to their original positions at the end of each game. The
first batch of 2,600 boards was delivered in January 2017, marking the beginning
of their commercial journey.
Expanding the Reach
Square Off’s innovative chessboard quickly gained popularity
among chess enthusiasts worldwide. Their user base expanded to over 50
countries, a testament to the global appeal of their product. The company
continued to innovate, integrating their technology with platforms like
chess.com to connect their users with a broader chess community. This move
significantly increased their potential user base, further solidifying Square
Off’s position in the market.
Biography of Bhavya Gohil: Founder & CEO of Square Off- Entrepreneur/E Commerce/Entrepreneur/Story of Bhavya Gohil & Square Off/Age/Net worth story
Strategic Partnerships and Growth
As Square Off grew, strategic partnerships played a crucial
role in their expansion. They collaborated with major retailers such as Amazon
to reach customers in the US and planned additional manufacturing runs to meet
rising demand. Despite the initial challenges of entering the Indian market due
to high customs duties, the company kept its focus on growing its presence
internationally while laying the groundwork for a future launch in India.
Recognition and Achievements
Square Off's innovative approach earned them significant
recognition. Their smart chessboard received prestigious awards such as the CES
Innovation Award and the Digital Trends Cool Tech Award. The success of their
crowdfunding campaigns and the accolades from global media outlets like
TechCrunch, Forbes, and BBC further cemented their reputation as pioneers in
the field of smart gaming.
The Vision for the Future
Bhavya Gohil and his team were not content with just
revolutionizing chess. They envisioned a broader impact, using their technology
to enhance learning and entertainment through innovative and affordable
solutions. With several new products in development and a focus on smart toys,
Square Off aimed to continue pushing the boundaries of what technology can
achieve in the world of games and education.
Challenges and Learning
Throughout their journey, Bhavya and Aatur faced numerous
challenges, from technical hurdles to scaling their operations. However, they
leveraged their experiences to continuously improve their products and
processes. They learned valuable lessons about market dynamics, product
development, and the importance of adapting to changing consumer needs, all of
which contributed to their long-term success.
Acquisition and New Beginnings
In October 2022, Square Off was acquired by Miko, marking a
new chapter in their story. This acquisition provided an opportunity for Square
Off to integrate their technology with Miko’s existing products and explore new
possibilities for growth and innovation. It was a significant milestone that
validated the company's achievements and opened doors for future advancements.
Legacy and Impact
Bhavya Gohil’s journey from a college project to leading a
successful tech company illustrates the power of innovation and determination.
Square Off's impact on the chess community and the broader tech industry is a
testament to the founders' vision and hard work. Their story continues to
inspire aspiring entrepreneurs and innovators, demonstrating how passion and
perseverance can transform ideas into global success.
Timeline: Bhavya Gohil and Square Off
2013: Bhavya Gohil and Aatur Mehta create a Braille
chessboard prototype at KJ Somaiya College of Engineering.
2014: Prototype garners attention at Maker Faire Rome.
September 2015: Officially launch Square Off, originally
named Chess Automated.
2015: Kickstarter campaign raises $220,000, surpassing their
$50,000 goal.
January 2017: Deliver first batch of 2,600 smart
chessboards.
2018-2020: Expand user base to over 50 countries and
integrate technology with platforms like chess.com.
2021: Secure partnerships with major retailers like Amazon.
2022: Square Off acquires CES Innovation Award and Digital
Trends Cool Tech Award; acquired by Miko in October.
2024 and Beyond: Focus on new products, smart toys, and
broader innovations in learning and entertainment.
