From carbonara to casino king: the meteoric rise of Triion Gaming’s CEO
Daniel Gunba, CEO of Triion Gaming, didn’t learn Maltese to conquer the iGaming world. He learned “carbonara.” Yet, this self-proclaimed “always hungry” entrepreneur has built a thriving virtual reality casino company in just a few short years, a journey filled with unexpected twists, calculated risks, and a healthy dose of “stay hungry” Steve Jobs-inspired ambition. This blog post delves into his incredible story, gleaned from a recent podcast interview.
From zero to VR hero: building a boutique virtual studio
Daniel’s journey began not in the world of game development, but in audiovisual production. He created videos for iGaming companies, a far cry from the immersive VR experiences Triion Gaming now delivers. The pivotal moment? The pandemic. Seeing the limitations of online casinos during lockdowns, Daniel and a friend, armed with newly acquired 3D design skills (learned together!), developed a prototype that blew away an experienced executive at Sigma in Malta. This “aha” moment, where initial skepticism transformed into immediate interest, solidified their vision: to bring the thrill of land-based casinos to the virtual world.
The power of AI in Live Casinos
Triion Gaming uses AI to enhance the live casino experience, focusing on precise body tracking in VR. This eliminates the need for cumbersome gadgets, resulting in a more natural and engaging interaction between live dealers and players. While AI isn’t yet integrated into their slot games, the focus remains on creating a truly immersive, land-based feel through VR technology.
Relocation, risk, and resilience
Daniel’s entrepreneurial journey hasn’t been without its challenges. He closed his first company during COVID, a move accelerated by the pandemic’s impact on client finances. This led to a stressful relocation to Malta, knowing only “carbonara” and facing a significant language barrier. He even considered returning home after six months, low on funds. Yet, he persevered, launching a successful model agency before fully committing to Triion Gaming.
This resilience speaks volumes about his character. He views stable employment as a safety net, preferring the thrill of building something from the ground up. His motivation isn’t solely financial; it’s about proving himself, inspiring others, and demonstrating that limitations are self-imposed.
From model agency to gaming giant
The decision to freeze his profitable model agency to focus on Triion Gaming was a significant risk. He recognized the fundamental differences between running a production company and a gaming company, the latter requiring a larger team, more complex management, extensive travel, and intricate deal-making. This transition also highlighted the challenges of navigating the industry as a young CEO, interacting with more experienced counterparts.
Lessons learned and future plans
Daniel’s journey is a masterclass in learning by doing. He chose Unreal Engine over Unity based on personal preference, starting with zero development and 3D design knowledge. He learned the backend to effectively manage his growing team, starting with his first hire – an Unreal Engine developer.
His future plans are ambitious: opening an Estonian branch (already underway!), expanding his team, and ultimately becoming the largest virtual casino space program. He’s shifted from a flexible, less structured approach to a more organized model with dedicated departments and specialists, while retaining his creative input.
Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs
Daniel’s advice is simple yet powerful: cultivate a winner’s mindset. If something seems impossible, develop it, create it, and show it to the world. Believe it will happen. His approach to networking is equally insightful: he prioritizes direct engagement over pre-scheduled meetings, leveraging attendee lists and QR codes for efficient connection.
The biggest challenge?
Currently, his biggest challenge is finding employees who are truly passionate about the work, not just looking for a job. This is a key driver behind the Estonian office opening, aiming to tap into a different professional mentality and skillset. He also debunks the myth of Malta as the only iGaming hub, highlighting the strategic advantages of Estonia’s central location and easier registration process.
A story of grit, vision, and unwavering determination
Daniel Gunba’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance, calculated risk-taking, and an unwavering belief in oneself. From a single “aha” moment to a rapidly expanding company, his journey is an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs everywhere. His story proves that with passion, dedication, and a healthy dose of “stay hungry,” even a knowledge of only “carbonara” in Maltese can lead to remarkable success.
This article is based on an episode of the CEOpen mic podcast. For the full conversation and more insights, tune in to CEOpen mic on YouTube and Spotify – don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode!
