How PentaQuest Gamified Employee Engagement Into a Six-Figure Exit

The Spark Behind PentaQuest

In 2016, psychologist and business graduate Dr. Kerstin Oberprieler noticed that most companies lacked a clear way to reward employees for behaviours that strengthen culture, learning and reputation. While systems existed for tracking billable hours or sales targets, they often left out the softer interactions that build team morale. Drawing on her fascination with human behaviour and her own experimentation with a physical leaderboard at work, she decided to digitize the concept and create a SaaS platform: PentaQuest.

Validating Demand Before Building

Rather than invest time in code straight away, Dr. Kerstin tested her idea through conversations and demonstrations. Colourful leaderboards displayed in offices caught attention. When colleagues walked by and said, “I wish I had this for my team,” she knew she was onto something. Securing a large government tender that specifically called for a gamified staff platform provided the validation she needed and funded the first version of the software.

Going to Market with Network and Profile

PentaQuest’s early traction hinged on two pillars: leadership profile and strategic tender bids. Dr. Kerstin had already spoken at TEDx and built a reputation as a gamification designer. That visibility opened doors to conferences and enterprise events. Simultaneously, her team monitored public tenders for opportunities. These combined efforts secured the first paying clients and set PentaQuest on a growth path.

Overcoming Challenges

Building a SaaS platform from scratch was new for Dr. Kerstin, and cashflow management tested every decision. She also faced occasional gender bias in tech and had to educate clients on why gamification could move the needle on engagement. A strong co-founder in David Ireland, support from the Canberra Innovation Network and a tenacious team allowed PentaQuest to push through each hurdle.

Keys to Sustained Growth

Clarity of vision kept the team aligned. Dr. Kerstin never lost sight of the platform’s purpose: reward the positive actions that don’t get tracked elsewhere. Regular feedback cycles with clients ensured the software evolved to meet real needs. Active participation in start-up communities surfaced new ideas and best practices. Together, these elements fueled a steady, manageable growth pattern that kept investors and clients happy.

A Strategic Exit Via Flippa

When Dr. Kerstin prepared for maternity leave in 2022, she listed PentaQuest on Flippa. Within days more than 30 buyers registered interest. The platform’s deal structure, global reach and streamlined negotiation process made it easy to vet prospective purchasers. Two weeks before her first child arrived, she agreed to terms with a buyer who shared her values and offered a six-figure price.

What the Journey Taught

Running PentaQuest for six years taught Dr. Kerstin about leadership, resilience and the practical art of behaviour design in business. She built a community of clients and collaborators, experienced the full lifecycle of a start-up and emerged with not just a sale, but a wealth of skills she now applies as a consultant and author.

Where She’s Heading Next

Today Dr. Kerstin works on behaviour change and gamification design projects directly with clients. She’s writing a book that combines her decade of experience with rigorous research, aiming to share proven methods in a format that’s both practical and engaging.