From Oncology Nurse to App Creator: Adina Maynard and the Momentum of Cattywampus
Adina Maynard, an oncology nurse turned game developer, is the creative mind behind Cattywampus, the flagship product of DnA Games, Inc. This innovative company and app were already in existence before Adina joined the Launchpad COLA Incubator, but the program has provided resources to help fuel her growing momentum.
Cattywampus is a brainy new word game built for people who enjoy word games and brain games and are seeking that next level play.
The Meaningful Mission: Building Productive Play
Adina’s motivation for creating Cattywampus is deeply personal and professional. Having spent over a decade caring for people facing cognitive struggles, such as chemo brain and treatment-related brain fog, combined with a family history of dementia and Alzheimer’s, she witnessed firsthand the toll that cognitive decline takes.
That experience fueled her passion for aging well and brain health, leading her to build Cattywampus. Cattywampus is pioneering a new space called Productive Play – a balanced area between casual games and traditional brain games where play is fun and beneficial for the mind.
Significant Traction and a Strategic Capital Raise
Adina and her company, DnA Games, have already generated encouraging results and strong early adoption. Currently, Cattywampus boasts nearly 4,000 monthly active players and over 200 daily players who demonstrate consistent engagement. Monetization has already begun, and the game studio recently added powerups to the game. A new 2-player mode is also currently in development.
Adina recently announced that DnA Games has officially begun its capital raise. They are seeking funds to bring development fully in-house, accelerate the feature roadmap, enhance the first-time user experience, and scale Cattywampus into a category-defining mobile game. People are ready for a smarter, more meaningful way to play, and the momentum is rapidly building.
The Moment to Make Your Move: Download and Connect
If you enjoy word games or are interested in supporting a woman indie game studio, download the game and give it a whirl. Cattywampus is available on the App Store and Google Play.
For potential investors, this is an exciting moment and a great time to step in early. If you would like to learn more about the capital raise, reach out to Adina here.
Launchpad: The Catalyst for Next-Level Execution
Though Adina had significant traction before the program began, Launchpad COLA has provided the community, structure, and accountability that founders at every stage find valuable. The intensive 12-week program, created by Launchpad GVL, is designed to help founders validate their product, sharpen their business model, and get real traction.
Adina has particularly appreciated the synergistic effect of the Launchpad community. Noting that being around other entrepreneurs is fun, and the energy is contagious. She finds it beneficial to bounce ideas off people, offer encouragement, and provide resources to others.
Launchpad’s curriculum includes crucial topics like refining the pitch, pitch deck creation, and pitch practice. This structure supports founders like Adina who are preparing to fundraise.
Join the Momentum: Apply or Contribute
Adina Maynard is just one example of the dedicated founders in the Launchpad COLA cohort who are actively building, validating, and raising capital to make their vision a reality.
If you are an aspiring founder with a tech idea, the Boyd Innovation Center’s programs provide the resources, mentorship, community, and accountability needed to succeed.
What Now?
Accelerator Your Founder Journey: If you have a tech-related business idea and are serious about taking the next step, applications for the Launchpad COLA Spring 2026 cohort are now open. The program gives you the structure and support to turn your idea into a launch-ready business. Apply today.
Support the Ecosystem: The Boyd Innovation Center (BIC) is dedicated to helping founders build high-growth technology startups. Your donation to the Boyd Innovation Center is an investment in Columbia's future, helping keep programs like Launchpad free and open to entrepreneurs. By contributing, you fund the crucial early stage that transforms ideas into real businesses and creates a collaborative community where innovators thrive.
