We talk a lot about innovation at Skillz, but what really sets us apart is how we build and partner with integrity, collaboration, and purpose. Our foundation isn’t just technical excellence.

Inspired by Franklin’s 13 virtues, Skillz CEO Andrew Paradise adapted them into a modern framework we call the Skillz Values. These seven values – Honor, Balance, Collaboration, Productivity, Willingness, Frugality, and Mission – aren’t just a poster on the wall (though, yes, they’re literally painted on our walls)! They’re a living part of our culture, shaping the way we work together every day.

From the moment someone joins the team, these values are front and center. They’re part of every onboarding session, leadership touchpoint, and performance conversation.

As Andrew explains in What Benjamin Franklin’s 13 Virtues Taught Me About Leading a Company — and 6 Tips All Entrepreneurs Should Practice (Entrepreneur, 2018): “With a thoughtful update, the core of Franklin’s ideas provide a powerful blueprint for building a successful gaming company — or any kind of initiative. Here’s how we’ve adapted and adopted some of Franklin’s values at my company, Skillz.”

Honor
We lead with honesty, transparency, and mutual respect. There is no room for egos. Just a shared commitment to doing what’s right, even when it’s hard. We treat each other, our developers, and our players like partners because they are.

Balance
By valuing downtime, we create the mental space where fresh ideas emerge and energy is renewed. True progress thrives in harmony, not exhaustion.

Collaboration
Cross-functional teamwork is the default. We celebrate shared wins and amplify every voice. Each department contributes, and every contribution counts.

Productivity
We measure value. That means prioritizing results, not hours logged. We focus on achieving meaningful results.

Willingness
No task is beneath anyone. We support each other and do what it takes to keep us agile and resilient.

Frugality
We treat every dollar as if it were our own. Whether it’s how we build products, run teams, or scale operations, we believe resourcefulness leads to long-term strength.

Mission
Above all, we are here to do something bigger: to positively transform the gaming industry through skill-based competition.

Seven Values, One Vision

Our seven values aren’t just how we work. They’re how we demonstrate our Mission: to bring out the best in everyone through competition. When honor, balance, and collaboration lead the way, every match becomes bigger than a game.To read more about our culture values