“我把自己的创业故事，做成了一款游戏”丨后窗

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the concept of "sandbox simulation" as a decision-making tool in venture capital and entrepreneurship, drawing parallels between military strategy and business strategy [5][6][7]. Group 1: Sandbox Simulation in Investment - "Sandbox simulation" originated from military strategy, where it was used to predict outcomes in warfare, and has now been adapted for corporate strategic planning [5][6]. - Shell Oil successfully used sandbox simulation in 1965 to anticipate the 1973 oil crisis, allowing for strategic adjustments that minimized potential losses [6]. - The article highlights the popularity of simulation games among venture capitalists, as they enjoy validating ideas and exploring possibilities in a simulated environment [6][7]. Group 2: Entrepreneurial Journey and Game Development - A reader, inspired by the article, developed a board game that simulates the entrepreneurial financing process based on their experiences in the semiconductor industry [7][8]. - The entrepreneurial journey began in 2021, leading to the creation of a startup focused on the consumer electronics supply chain in the Yangtze River Delta [8][9]. - Initial months of the startup were characterized by chaotic growth, with the founder handling multiple roles while also engaging with investors [9][10]. Group 3: Challenges in Startup Growth - As the company grew, the nature of investor inquiries shifted from curiosity to urgent questioning, reflecting the company's progress and the market environment [12]. - Delays in product development led to increased pressure, with the CEO adopting different personas to manage internal and external expectations [12][13]. - The startup faced typical challenges in the Chinese venture capital landscape, including intense work hours and chaotic project management [13][14]. Group 4: Game Mechanics and Design - The game design incorporates various elements such as trade wars, capital winter, and IPO fluctuations, allowing players to experience the complexities of entrepreneurship [16][17]. - Different industries are represented in the game, each with unique sales logic and production mechanisms, reflecting real-world market dynamics [17][19]. - The game also emphasizes the importance of talent and research mechanisms, introducing randomness to simulate the unpredictability of startup success [21][22]. Group 5: Investment Mechanism in the Game - The game ties its victory conditions to venture capital milestones, mirroring real-life funding rounds and market expectations [24]. - Players aim to achieve specific project milestones to secure funding, with the game simulating the pressure of meeting investor demands [24]. - The final goal is to achieve a successful IPO, with players' wealth calculated based on their company's valuation at the end of the game [24][26].