Debtanu Das is a Durham University MSc Finance graduate and the co-founder of Twelvth - a web3-based fantasy sports platform that allows users to build virtual teams and trade player stocks. Mr Das says the platform is redefining the fantasy sports experience by merging sports and blockchain.
What was your first job (and how much did it pay)? My first job was at a Subway outlet in Durham, during my master's degree, where I earned £10.42 per hour. It was an early experience that taught me valuable lessons in work ethic, time management, and dealing with customers.
What is the best advice or support you’ve been given in business? The best advice that I got was - "If you knew you were just 20 'No’s away from that one 'Yes', that could change everything, how fast would you want to get through those rejections?" This mindset completely shifted my approach towards my personal and professional life. Every rejection, setback, or failed attempt is a step closer to the breakthrough.
What are the main changes you’ve seen in your business/sector, and what are the challenges you’re facing? To enhance user experience and engagement, the gaming and fantasy sports sectors are adopting Web3, blockchain, and AI-driven personalization. By promoting a decentralized and secure ecosystem, blockchain technology is transforming the ownership of in-game assets. This strategy not only secures digital ownership but also generates a strong economic incentive: players can hold onto their tokens in the hope of future liquidity and significant value once they become tradable on exchanges. AI-powered analytics offer enhanced player recommendations and personalized experiences based on user behaviour, these developments are revolutionizing fantasy sports and gaming platforms by making them more data-driven, safe, and interactive.
What would your dream job be? My dream job has always been to be an entrepreneur, and I want to continue building and scaling businesses. I love solving problems, taking risks, and creating something from the ground up. Right now, my focus is on launching and growing Twelvth, turning it into a market leader. The challenge of building a business, bringing people together, and seeing an idea come to life is what excites me the most.
What advice would you give to someone starting out a career in your sector? To answer this question I would like to quote NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang, "People with very high expectations have very low resilience. Unfortunately, resilience matters in success." I believe embracing challenges and maintaining resilience can significantly contribute to our success in any field.
What makes the North East a good place to do business? As a Durham University graduate, the North East feels like home to me. The region has been incredibly welcoming, offering a supportive ecosystem for early-stage start-ups with access to valuable resources and guidance. With four universities nearby, Newcastle is emerging as a growing talent hub, providing access to bright, ambitious minds eager to innovate. But beyond the opportunities, what truly makes the North East special is the people I’ve met, incredible individuals who continue to support and inspire me, making it an ideal place to build and grow our business.
How important is it for business to play a role in society? Business is essential to society because it drives advancement and economic expansion. It produces income, jobs, and innovation — all of which lead to better possibilities and improved living standards. Profit is the fuel for more investments in high-quality products and services as well as an indicator of performance. While social responsibility has its place, a company’s first duty is to build, scale, and succeed. A strong business environment doesn’t just help society, it reshapes it.
Outside of work, what are you really good at? Outside of work, I am passionate about both playing and watching sports, especially cricket, tennis, and football. I also have a strong interest in table-top games like poker and chess, which challenge strategic thinking and decision-making.
Who would play you in a film about your life? If someone were to play me in a movie, Dev Patel would be a great choice. I've often heard that when I grow my hair a bit longer, I do look slightly like him.
Which three people would you invite to a dinner party, and why? If I could invite three people to a hypothetical dinner party, I would choose J.R.D. Tata, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, and Sir Winston Churchill. J.R.D. Tata, for his visionary leadership in building India’s industrial foundation. His bold risk-taking and commitment to excellence in business have left a lasting legacy. Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, for his unbreakable resilience, fearless decision-making, and relentless pursuit of independence. And Sir Winston Churchill, for his sharp strategic mind, powerful oratory skills, and ability to lead through some of history’s toughest moments. A conversation with these three would be a masterclass in leadership, resilience, and bold decision-making.
