Nicolas Rodriguez B, CEO and Creative Director of 7GLAB Entertainment

In the mystique world of entertainment, where imagination blurs the boundaries of reality and mundane morphs into extraordinary; creativity is the star that guides us to the galaxy where virtuality becomes a norm. In this grand tapestry of the augmented world, transmedia content experts are the master conductors orchestrating multimedia experiences, which transcend the boundaries of books, games, social media, and screens; inviting audiences into the immersive world of narratives where reality intertwines with imagination. At this juncture stands Nicolas Rodriguez B, the CEO and Creative Director of 7GLAB Entertainment, who emerged as a visionary architect crafting a new frontier, poised to transform the realm of creativity into an expansive, larger-than-life adventure that effortlessly defies boundaries. As we delve into the depths of his creative saga, the awe-inspiring narrative of this man at the helm of this Colombian powerhouse unfolds not just a chronicle of challenges and triumphs but also presents a harmony of passion, resilience, and strategic brilliance that ultimately led to the inception of 7GLAB Entertainment. 

A Humble Start: The Birth of SevenGroup Ltda

At the tender age of 22, Rodriguez embarked on his entrepreneurial voyage. His initial stint at a furniture company served as the catalyst for self-discovery. Fueled by an innate desire to break free from the shackles of a thankless job, he began as a lone freelancer, offering graphic design services and advertising solutions from the confines of his living room. 

Though his initial success led to the formation of SevenGroup Ltda, his youthful exuberance led the company to the brink of bankruptcy within two years of its establishment. However, undeterred by the setbacks, Nicolas resurrected his dream within a year, relocating the company to Panama, where he attracted foreign clients. Nevertheless, this time he was again hit hard by another blow of destiny when his company went bankrupt for the second time. At this juncture, a spark of realization prompted him to switch and focus on the things he was innately passionate about so that he could align them with his entrepreneurial endeavors.

A Nerd’s Epiphany: Unfurling 7GLAB Entertainment

Inspired by his deep-rooted love for comics, action movies, video games, and toys, Rodriguez identified a colossal potential in the realm of content creation. In 2012, he took the leap of faith, and 7GLAB Entertainment www.7glab.com was born, positioning itself as a beacon of Colombian creativity, challenging industry norms, and setting benchmarks that could rival Hollywood standards.

Reflecting on this momentous decision, Rodriguez shares, “I realized that the potential was gigantic, and I had to start a company of content, becoming the reference for my country, demonstrating that, in Colombia, things CAN be done like in Hollywood. It was from this moment on and almost 12 years ago that 7GLAB was born.”

Overcoming Hurdles: The Art of Building an International Team

The journey from a modest start to a resounding success is always tethered with challenges. Building a team of artists capable of achieving international quality in a country with a nascent creative industry posed a formidable task for Rodriguez. Undeterred, he curated a team of 15 self-taught professionals from diverse backgrounds to form the backbone of 7GLAB’s design and art team. He invested over three years in training this eclectic team under foreign teachers and facilitating their interactions with world-class artists. The result? A team fully equipped to take on any creative challenge of the entertainment industry catering to global clients.

However, the monumental challenge lay in building a financial foundation that could sustain the extensive training and production plans. This called for Rodriguez’s first masterstroke as a captain, to which he innovatively pioneered the concept of the first in-house creativity investment fund. This groundbreaking fund, amounting to over 2 million dollars, became the bedrock for 7GLAB’s development and simultaneously catapulted Rodriguez into the spotlight as a visionary in business and investment models within Colombia’s creative industry.

Creativity: A Guiding Philosophy

The mantra “It’s all about creativity” serves as the guiding principle shaping Rodriguez’s decisions both creatively and strategically. Rooted in the belief that creativity, rather than pure talent, drives success, this philosophy permeates every aspect of 7GLAB’s operations. Rodriguez asserts that creativity, as an innate human action, is the essence of life that helps us to evolve fully in both professional and personal spheres.

In a world where disruption is the standard, Rodriguez’s emphasis on creativity positions 7GLAB as a trailblazer, challenging conventional paradigms and setting a new benchmark in constructing innovative and lucrative business models.

Long-Term Relationships: A Blueprint for Success

In an era where the business world often gravitates towards transient connections, Rodriguez places immense value on fostering long-term relationships. According to him, such enduring partnerships form the bedrock of successful projects providing them an opportunity to evaluate and evolve with accuracy and precision. Such relationships significantly lower business losses and help the projects to align with their intended goals.

In the realm of 7GLAB, lasting relationships have translated plans into projects with tangible benefits. A stellar example of this philosophy in action is 7GLAB’s intellectual property, ZAMBO DENDÉ. With an initial investment of 1.8 million dollars, this project, nurtured over 11 years, has skyrocketed to a financial valuation exceeding 35 million dollars, showcasing the immense potential embedded in lasting collaborations.

A Multifaceted Maestro: Balancing Roles with Creativity

The entrepreneurial journey of Rodriguez isn’t confined to a single role; he wears multiple hats – CEO, Creative Director, Industrial Designer, Director, and Government Advisor. For Rodriguez, each role is a canvas where creativity paints its path forward. While the creative aspect is evident, the unmentioned role of a STRATEGIST emerges as the linchpin, leveraging the strengths of an exceptional team that balances and delegates responsibilities effectively. 

Amid this diverse spectrum, Rodriguez’s ethereal role as a Government Advisor and Speaker adds a different layer of profundity. Here, the sharing of knowledge and experiences for the next generations becomes a source of his pride. Rodriguez’s ability to seamlessly navigate these multifaceted roles speaks volumes about his commitment to creativity as the driving force behind his endeavors.

Empowering Future Creators: Wisdom from Nicolas Rodriguez B

Drawing inspiration from Sir Anthony Hopkins, Rodriguez’s words are a solace to aspiring industrial designers and content creators seeking guidance in the world of entrepreneurship. His advice echoes the value of self-belief and reinstates this as the most fundamental aspect of successful entrepreneurship. Persistence, as Rodriguez puts forth, is the cosmic force that triumphs over talent. Reflecting on his journey, the leader asserts, “Credibility in oneself is the basis of success, no matter what, neither time nor money nor networking”.

The journey of 7GLAB becomes a living testament to this ethereal truth. Despite facing skepticism from shareholders and industry peers, his vision for 7GLAB is on the cusp of a significant merger and acquisition with a foreign investment group, propelling the company to new heights.

Evolving Vision: From Inception to Global Stardom

Looking back at the founding of 7GLAB in 2012, Rodriguez affirms that the company has stayed true to its vision while evolving dynamically. The vision, which started as a dream of becoming a Hollywood-level creative force in Colombia, has now broadened and diversified.

In a bold move, 7GLAB is gearing up for a transformative journey, poised to elevate its evolution to the next level in the world of entertainment and content. The company will play a pivotal role in DAVINCI- the first investment fund specializing in creative industries and global entertainment projects. Rodriguez envisions this as a testament to the business and investment potential that the creative industries possess.

Awards and Accolades: A Testament to Excellence

7GLAB’s journey is punctuated with accolades that underscore its excellence. Awards like “Best Animation Short Film” at Annecy (France) in 2014, recognition at the Sundance Film Festival in 2015, and acknowledgment as one of the “30 Most Creative Companies in LATAM” by the Inter-American Development Bank in 2016, solidified 7GLAB’s status as a powerhouse in the creative realm.

DAVINCI: Revolutionizing Creative Investment

At the forefront of 7GLAB’s journey stands DAVINCI, a pioneering investment accelerator fund that plays a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of creative industries and global entertainment projects. Founded with the foresight to revolutionize the funding model for creative endeavors, DAVINCI is not just an investment vehicle but an incubator specialized in channeling investments into creative projects. From film and animation to gaming and transmedia experiences, the fund is designed to support the entire spectrum of the entertainment industry, fostering a creative ecosystem that transcends conventional boundaries. A key strategy for DAVINCI www.davinci-vcf.com,  is collaborating with like-minded funds sharing a vision for industry innovation. This amplifies the impact of creative investments and builds a network dedicated to pushing creative boundaries.

Commencing in March of this year, DAVINCI is set to undergo a significant evolution, transitioning into a mixed investment fund that seamlessly blends Venture Capital (VC) with the establishment of a foundation. One of the key objectives of the newly revamped DAVINCI is to become a magnet for investment funds worldwide, offering a fresh and profitable alternative for its current clients.
DAVINCI’s partnership with 7GLAB exemplifies its dedication to nurturing talent and groundbreaking projects. Beyond financial support, DAVINCI provides mentorship, recognizing that creative ventures need strategic insights, industry expertise, and a supportive network. DAVINCI positions itself as a partner, working with creators to turn visionary concepts into marketable successes.

Epilogue: Unfolding a New Saga of Triumph

As the maestro of 7GLAB Entertainment, Nicolas Rodriguez B continues to compose an extraordinary symphony of creativity, resilience, and strategic brilliance. His ascent from a local market to the global stage is a journey rooted in the power of believing in one’s dream. In the world of Nicolas Rodriguez B, where “It’s all about creativity,” every challenge becomes an opportunity, every setback a lesson, and every success a stepping stone to the next horizon. As 7GLAB prepares for its next act in the global arena, we wait in amazement for the unleashing of a new creative genre, which is born to believe, persist, and create a masterpiece.