In November’s iGB founders’ column, Stefy Bau discusses how a life in motorsports has led to creating amazing opportunities for female gamers around the world.
Long before Init Esports, motorsport was my passion since I was a little girl growing up in Italy. I spent countless hours dreaming of racing on the biggest stages, pushing boundaries, and making my mark. The thrill of competing, the sense of freedom on the track, and the challenge of always striving to be better fueled my drive. And I’m proud to say I made those dreams a reality – winning three world championships, two WMX titles, and seven Italian championships. When my racing career was cut short due to injury in 2005, I didn’t see it as an ending, but rather a new beginning; a chance to take everything I learned on the track and channel it into something even bigger.
Since then, my focus has shifted to creating opportunities for women in motorsports, an industry I know all too well for its male-dominated nature. I’ve used my experience to build platforms for women, collaborating with like-minded organizations and companies to help young women navigate the challenges of this industry. Whether it’s delivering speeches, participating in global events, or working hands-on to develop strategies for creating inclusive environments, I’ve made it my mission to pave the way for the next generation.
The birth of Init Esports
My journey into the esports world began in 2019, when a visit to Italy introduced me to something unexpected – my niece’s dedication to video games. Watching her immerse herself in gaming for hours made me curious. Could there be a way to blend this virtual enthusiasm with real-world motorsport? I was determined to find out.
What I discovered was a rapidly growing industry with immense potential, but it was clear something was missing—there was no platform for female sim racers. That’s when Init Esports was born. Four years later, we’ve not only filled that gap but also transformed into a major player in the esports and sim racing world. We’ve created electrifying events, shone a spotlight on talented women racers, and built a community that champions inclusion and excellence.
More than half of gamers globally are female, so we’ve tapped into an underserved market. These women are talented, driven, and ambitious, and with Init Esports, we’re here to elevate them. Init Esports’ mission is simple: to empower women in esports and motorsports, providing the tools and support they need to reach their full potential.
Empowering women through virtual racing
Motorsports can be a challenging world to break into—especially for women. But in the virtual realm, we’ve created an entirely different story. Through Init Esports, we’ve built a welcoming, inclusive space where women can thrive.
One of our proudest achievements is the Sim 4 STEM program, which introduces young girls to the motorsports world through STEM activities. Girls from K-12 and college levels get hands-on experience with roles they might one day fill on a real motorsport team. They solve real-world problems using technology, all while developing critical thinking and teamwork skills in a fun, supportive environment. Studies show that gamers often excel in STEM fields, and we’re helping them realize that potential, showing them pathways into futures they may not have considered before.
Energy and community
Complementing this is our Screen to Speed program, a virtual sim-racing experience that gives female drivers a taste of track racing in a safe, thrilling virtual space. The energy is contagious, and the excitement is real. With each event, we’re growing a community of passionate racers, and the possibilities are endless.
The success of Init Esports can be summed up in one word: community. From the beginning, we’ve cultivated a space where people come together to support each other, grow together, and celebrate their shared passion. Being part of a community not only boosts confidence but also drives success. At Init Esports, we foster that spirit, helping women take bold steps forward in their careers, both on and off the virtual track.
The Future: Full throttle ahead
The past four years of Init Esports have been an incredible journey, and we’re only getting started. The esports and motorsports worlds are full of opportunities, especially for women. My advice to anyone thinking about joining this space? Go for it. Educate yourself, trust your instincts, and dive in headfirst. There are no shortcuts, but if you stay true to your passion and keep moving forward, the rewards are immense.
I’ve spent my entire career breaking barriers, proving that the impossible is possible, and I’m not done yet. Whether on the track, in the business world, or in the virtual realm, my mission remains the same: to create pathways for the next generation of women to achieve their dreams. With Init Esports, we’re making that happen every day.
