1/ After a remarkable 6.5 years with Victiv / The Stars Group / FOX Bet, this week marks my last with the company I helped co-found and the group that acquired us in 2015.

I've been lucky to work alongside some of the brightest, most creative, and talented team...
2/ ...members during that time. A few of us started the journey together, many joined us along the way, but ultimately we all shared in an array of moments complete with both stresses & successes.

This thread is a look back at that adventure and a thanks to everyone that helped.
3/ Starting with Victiv / @StarsDraft: a small group of sports fans, designers, mathematicians & developers that came together in Austin to do one thing — build a better daily fantasy sports product.

Co-founded @primxo @grindstonetres @mickgiles
4/ We started in early 2014 with nothing but a blank (but very orange) canvas. None of us had worked together before, but we started building quickly.
4/ We started in early 2014 with nothing but a blank (but very orange) canvas. None of us had worked together before, but we started building quickly.
4/ We started in early 2014 with nothing but a blank (but very orange) canvas. None of us had worked together before, but we started building quickly.
4/ We started in early 2014 with nothing but a blank (but very orange) canvas. None of us had worked together before, but we started building quickly.
4/ We started in early 2014 with nothing but a blank (but very orange) canvas. None of us had worked together before, but we started building quickly.
5/ We filled up the kitchen and meeting tables with food, the walls with ideas, and the server with code. We went from 0 lines written to launching a DFS site over the course of about 4 months.
5/ We filled up the kitchen and meeting tables with food, the walls with ideas, and the server with code. We went from 0 lines written to launching a DFS site over the course of about 4 months.
5/ We filled up the kitchen and meeting tables with food, the walls with ideas, and the server with code. We went from 0 lines written to launching a DFS site over the course of about 4 months.
5/ We filled up the kitchen and meeting tables with food, the walls with ideas, and the server with code. We went from 0 lines written to launching a DFS site over the course of about 4 months.
5/ We filled up the kitchen and meeting tables with food, the walls with ideas, and the server with code. We went from 0 lines written to launching a DFS site over the course of about 4 months.
6/ Our approach to product, which hopefully showed in everything we did as a group, was driven through the motto "allow me to think, but don't make me think". Give users the tools to expand their utility, but don't hurt the potential simplicity of the engagement.
6/ Our approach to product, which hopefully showed in everything we did as a group, was driven through the motto "allow me to think, but don't make me think". Give users the tools to expand their utility, but don't hurt the potential simplicity of the engagement.
6/ Our approach to product, which hopefully showed in everything we did as a group, was driven through the motto "allow me to think, but don't make me think". Give users the tools to expand their utility, but don't hurt the potential simplicity of the engagement.
6/ Our approach to product, which hopefully showed in everything we did as a group, was driven through the motto "allow me to think, but don't make me think". Give users the tools to expand their utility, but don't hurt the potential simplicity of the engagement.
6/ Our approach to product, which hopefully showed in everything we did as a group, was driven through the motto "allow me to think, but don't make me think". Give users the tools to expand their utility, but don't hurt the potential simplicity of the engagement.
7/ We tried to rethink the game & appeal to the widest range of players. Driven by @therotoquant @primxo, we changed how NBA, PGA & MLB played. Some hated it ( @stevietpfl), others loved it ( @dan_back 😉), but on the whole, we just wanted to make the game sustainable long-term.
7/ We tried to rethink the game & appeal to the widest range of players. Driven by @therotoquant @primxo, we changed how NBA, PGA & MLB played. Some hated it ( @stevietpfl), others loved it ( @dan_back ), but on the whole, we just wanted to make the game sustainable long-term.
7/ We tried to rethink the game & appeal to the widest range of players. Driven by @therotoquant @primxo, we changed how NBA, PGA & MLB played. Some hated it ( @stevietpfl), others loved it ( @dan_back ), but on the whole, we just wanted to make the game sustainable long-term.
7/ We tried to rethink the game & appeal to the widest range of players. Driven by @therotoquant @primxo, we changed how NBA, PGA & MLB played. Some hated it ( @stevietpfl), others loved it ( @dan_back ), but on the whole, we just wanted to make the game sustainable long-term.
8/ We spoke differently than our competitors at the time — things like ecosystems and skill-gap. We took a unique approach to the ecology of the DFS game, with anonymous H2H games, an inverted rake structure, unique multi-entry, and the VICTRON bankroll builder AI robot.
8/ We spoke differently than our competitors at the time — things like ecosystems and skill-gap. We took a unique approach to the ecology of the DFS game, with anonymous H2H games, an inverted rake structure, unique multi-entry, and the VICTRON bankroll builder AI robot.
8/ We spoke differently than our competitors at the time — things like ecosystems and skill-gap. We took a unique approach to the ecology of the DFS game, with anonymous H2H games, an inverted rake structure, unique multi-entry, and the VICTRON bankroll builder AI robot.
8/ We spoke differently than our competitors at the time — things like ecosystems and skill-gap. We took a unique approach to the ecology of the DFS game, with anonymous H2H games, an inverted rake structure, unique multi-entry, and the VICTRON bankroll builder AI robot.
9/ About 1.5 years after opening the office we were acquired by @PokerStars / Amaya / @TheStarsGroup. The team frantically rebranded as @StarsDraft right before the 2015 NFL season.
9/ About 1.5 years after opening the office we were acquired by @PokerStars / Amaya / @TheStarsGroup. The team frantically rebranded as @StarsDraft right before the 2015 NFL season.
9/ About 1.5 years after opening the office we were acquired by @PokerStars / Amaya / @TheStarsGroup. The team frantically rebranded as @StarsDraft right before the 2015 NFL season.
9/ About 1.5 years after opening the office we were acquired by @PokerStars / Amaya / @TheStarsGroup. The team frantically rebranded as @StarsDraft right before the 2015 NFL season.
9/ About 1.5 years after opening the office we were acquired by @PokerStars / Amaya / @TheStarsGroup. The team frantically rebranded as @StarsDraft right before the 2015 NFL season.
10/ While StarsDraft didn't stay around for too long (can't remember what happened, but something went sideways with the DFS industry at end of 2015), the team quickly transitioned the platform into BetStars Jackpots and PokerStars £100m Challenge for UK EU players.
10/ While StarsDraft didn't stay around for too long (can't remember what happened, but something went sideways with the DFS industry at end of 2015), the team quickly transitioned the platform into BetStars Jackpots and PokerStars £100m Challenge for UK EU players.
10/ While StarsDraft didn't stay around for too long (can't remember what happened, but something went sideways with the DFS industry at end of 2015), the team quickly transitioned the platform into BetStars Jackpots and PokerStars £100m Challenge for UK EU players.
10/ While StarsDraft didn't stay around for too long (can't remember what happened, but something went sideways with the DFS industry at end of 2015), the team quickly transitioned the platform into BetStars Jackpots and PokerStars £100m Challenge for UK EU players.
10/ While StarsDraft didn't stay around for too long (can't remember what happened, but something went sideways with the DFS industry at end of 2015), the team quickly transitioned the platform into BetStars Jackpots and PokerStars £100m Challenge for UK EU players.
11/ Leading us into the most recent chapter with @FOXSuper6. Many might not know, but the same team & (updated) platform that was once Victiv now runs the widely popular & successful @FOXSuper6 app.
11/ Leading us into the most recent chapter with @FOXSuper6. Many might not know, but the same team & (updated) platform that was once Victiv now runs the widely popular & successful @FOXSuper6 app.
11/ Leading us into the most recent chapter with @FOXSuper6. Many might not know, but the same team & (updated) platform that was once Victiv now runs the widely popular & successful @FOXSuper6 app.
11/ Leading us into the most recent chapter with @FOXSuper6. Many might not know, but the same team & (updated) platform that was once Victiv now runs the widely popular & successful @FOXSuper6 app.
11/ Leading us into the most recent chapter with @FOXSuper6. Many might not know, but the same team & (updated) platform that was once Victiv now runs the widely popular & successful @FOXSuper6 app.
12/ Startups are really, really hard. The Victiv team (and their families!) sacrificed a ton over the past 6 1/2 years to build and grow something awesome. Y'all have been amazing! 👏

• Victiv launch / family
• BetStars Jackpots launch (not COVID, I was sick)
• Good-bye ZOOM
12/ Startups are really, really hard. The Victiv team (and their families!) sacrificed a ton over the past 6 1/2 years to build and grow something awesome. Y'all have been amazing! • Victiv launch / family• BetStars Jackpots launch (not COVID, I was sick)• Good-bye ZOOM
12/ Startups are really, really hard. The Victiv team (and their families!) sacrificed a ton over the past 6 1/2 years to build and grow something awesome. Y'all have been amazing! • Victiv launch / family• BetStars Jackpots launch (not COVID, I was sick)• Good-bye ZOOM
12/ Startups are really, really hard. The Victiv team (and their families!) sacrificed a ton over the past 6 1/2 years to build and grow something awesome. Y'all have been amazing! • Victiv launch / family• BetStars Jackpots launch (not COVID, I was sick)• Good-bye ZOOM
12/ Startups are really, really hard. The Victiv team (and their families!) sacrificed a ton over the past 6 1/2 years to build and grow something awesome. Y'all have been amazing! • Victiv launch / family• BetStars Jackpots launch (not COVID, I was sick)• Good-bye ZOOM
13/ Thanks! @therotoquant @DamoBarnard @walshms @ironcobratv @koff1nkat @austinpeej @mansquid @clarkstonehocker @mloucks70 @nileshthummar @SparkyATX @AnupSKulkarni @MartinGArthur @Nadzincr @terrorsquid_dfs & other non-Tweeters.
14/ While the same time Austin was working on Super 6, the broader @FOXBet team was in the midst of starting to build our new business, brand, offices, and operations across New Jersey, Los Angeles, Miami, the UK, and Dublin.
14/ While the same time Austin was working on Super 6, the broader @FOXBet team was in the midst of starting to build our new business, brand, offices, and operations across New Jersey, Los Angeles, Miami, the UK, and Dublin.
14/ While the same time Austin was working on Super 6, the broader @FOXBet team was in the midst of starting to build our new business, brand, offices, and operations across New Jersey, Los Angeles, Miami, the UK, and Dublin.
14/ While the same time Austin was working on Super 6, the broader @FOXBet team was in the midst of starting to build our new business, brand, offices, and operations across New Jersey, Los Angeles, Miami, the UK, and Dublin.
14/ While the same time Austin was working on Super 6, the broader @FOXBet team was in the midst of starting to build our new business, brand, offices, and operations across New Jersey, Los Angeles, Miami, the UK, and Dublin.
15/ We had just struck a historic, 25-year partnership with @foxsports and worked to combine their brand and sports DNA with our group's expertise in gaming and media integrations.

@jamesdavison247 @elvispatelvis @Matthew85293088 (not a bot)
15/ We had just struck a historic, 25-year partnership with @foxsports and worked to combine their brand and sports DNA with our group's expertise in gaming and media integrations. @jamesdavison247 @elvispatelvis @Matthew85293088 (not a bot)
15/ We had just struck a historic, 25-year partnership with @foxsports and worked to combine their brand and sports DNA with our group's expertise in gaming and media integrations. @jamesdavison247 @elvispatelvis @Matthew85293088 (not a bot)
15/ We had just struck a historic, 25-year partnership with @foxsports and worked to combine their brand and sports DNA with our group's expertise in gaming and media integrations. @jamesdavison247 @elvispatelvis @Matthew85293088 (not a bot)
15/ We had just struck a historic, 25-year partnership with @foxsports and worked to combine their brand and sports DNA with our group's expertise in gaming and media integrations. @jamesdavison247 @elvispatelvis @Matthew85293088 (not a bot)
16/ In a few short months, the @FOXBet @PokerStarsUSA teams did something absolutely amazing. They rebranded, reorganized, expanded the team by more than 100, & created a great culture. It's filled with talented people who care about what they do and were great to work beside.
16/ In a few short months, the @FOXBet @PokerStarsUSA teams did something absolutely amazing. They rebranded, reorganized, expanded the team by more than 100, & created a great culture. It's filled with talented people who care about what they do and were great to work beside.
16/ In a few short months, the @FOXBet @PokerStarsUSA teams did something absolutely amazing. They rebranded, reorganized, expanded the team by more than 100, & created a great culture. It's filled with talented people who care about what they do and were great to work beside.
16/ In a few short months, the @FOXBet @PokerStarsUSA teams did something absolutely amazing. They rebranded, reorganized, expanded the team by more than 100, & created a great culture. It's filled with talented people who care about what they do and were great to work beside.
16/ In a few short months, the @FOXBet @PokerStarsUSA teams did something absolutely amazing. They rebranded, reorganized, expanded the team by more than 100, & created a great culture. It's filled with talented people who care about what they do and were great to work beside.
17/ Most interestingly, we were brought into the completely different world of sports media thanks to the enthusiasm of the @FOXSports team & analysts: @ColinCowherd @ShannonSharpe @CharissaT @getnickwright @TheCousinSal @rachelbonnetta @ClayTravis @ToddFuhrman @RobStoneONFOX
17/ Most interestingly, we were brought into the completely different world of sports media thanks to the enthusiasm of the @FOXSports team & analysts: @ColinCowherd @ShannonSharpe @CharissaT @getnickwright @TheCousinSal @rachelbonnetta @ClayTravis @ToddFuhrman @RobStoneONFOX
17/ Most interestingly, we were brought into the completely different world of sports media thanks to the enthusiasm of the @FOXSports team & analysts: @ColinCowherd @ShannonSharpe @CharissaT @getnickwright @TheCousinSal @rachelbonnetta @ClayTravis @ToddFuhrman @RobStoneONFOX
17/ Most interestingly, we were brought into the completely different world of sports media thanks to the enthusiasm of the @FOXSports team & analysts: @ColinCowherd @ShannonSharpe @CharissaT @getnickwright @TheCousinSal @rachelbonnetta @ClayTravis @ToddFuhrman @RobStoneONFOX
17/ Most interestingly, we were brought into the completely different world of sports media thanks to the enthusiasm of the @FOXSports team & analysts: @ColinCowherd @ShannonSharpe @CharissaT @getnickwright @TheCousinSal @rachelbonnetta @ClayTravis @ToddFuhrman @RobStoneONFOX
18/ As the team combines and integrates post-TSG/FLTR merger, I look positively on the future of the newly combined Flutter Entertainment / @FanDuel Group here in the USA. I've been thoroughly impressed with @Matt_W_King, @kip, and the other senior leaders — it's in smart hands.
19/ Good luck to everyone, it's been a fun ride!
You can follow @mattprimeaux.
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