Fabíola Jaeger - Co-founder & CEO at Caleta Gaming
Fabíola Jaeger – Co-founder & CEO, Caleta Gaming
Fabíola began her career as a web developer in technology companies, working at organizations such as AQTech Power Prognostics, Cordia Corporation and Sabre Corporation, where she contributed to software projects and digital solutions. In 2010, she entered the gaming universe by joining Vesta Incubator as a Game and Math Developer, a role in which she developed game mechanics, logic and mathematics, building the technical foundation that would accompany her throughout her career.
In 2013, she founded Caleta Gaming, initially serving as COO. From that point on, she led the development of the game portfolio, the company’s expansion and the structuring of multidisciplinary teams. In 2020, she assumed the position of CEO, guiding Caleta through a phase of growth, internationalization and consolidation within the global online casino content market.
Her experience brings together product vision, deep technical knowledge and close management of creative and development teams. Today, Fabíola continues to lead Caleta Gaming, driving innovation and strengthening the studio’s presence in various markets.
We spoke with Fabíola to learn more about her current role, her career journey, and the more human side behind the executive in More than a Game!.
Professional Journey
What did you dream of becoming as a child before entering this industry?
I always wanted to be a dentist. Many of my aunts and uncles were dentists, and I thought their skills, success and clinics were amazing. I even took the university entrance exam for Dentistry at UFSC two consecutive years. At the time, I was very upset that I didn’t get in; today, I’m grateful, because it led me to study Information Systems at the same university.
What was your first paid job?
When I entered university in August 2003. I was a CNPq scholarship student earning exactly R$ 241. In the second semester, I already had two internships earning R$ 840, and from there I kept learning and progressing until graduating in 2008.
And your first job in the betting/gambling industry?
It was at the end of 2010 as a Game Developer when I joined Vesta Gaming.
What do you enjoy most about this industry?
The fact that we work with entertainment and contribute a lot to the sports sector in Brazil. After all, I’m a big sports enthusiast.
Which current trends will shape the future of betting in the next five years?
I believe Artificial Intelligence and growing regulation in key markets.
How do you see the relationship between responsible gaming and sustainable market growth?
I believe responsible gaming is essential for the sustainable growth of the betting market. It acts as a key pillar that protects consumers and builds a strong long-term reputation for the industry.
What concerns you the most about gambling addiction?
The lack of clarity in how information is communicated, often misleading players. It is our responsibility as game providers to raise awareness and clearly explain how games work. Today, this is still poorly communicated in the media, and many people without technical knowledge spread misinformation about how games operate and what their purpose really is.
What skills do you consider essential for a leader in this industry?
Making quick decisions, because everything in this industry changes very fast.
Clear and effective communication in English, Portuguese and Spanish. (I still need to improve my Spanish… or rather, my “Portuñol”.)
Ethics and integrity, respecting compliance rules across markets. This industry can be quite controversial, so following the rules is the minimum required.
Critical thinking and execution ability to solve problems—bugs, for example, can generate cascading losses across operators, aggregators, game providers, payment providers, etc.
Ambition combined with humility. Companies don't survive without ambition, innovation and the drive to achieve goals. But we must remain humble so we can keep learning.
What was the toughest decision in your career, and what did you learn from it?
Definitely the decision to become an entrepreneur and start my own company. Many fears arise: fear of failure, fear of not being competent enough, fear of going bankrupt.
I learned that with courage, ambition, determination, honesty, and humility, results come.
What is the best professional advice you’ve ever received?
Always deliver your best.
If you had to summarize your leadership philosophy in one sentence, what would it be?
If you’re afraid, go with fear, but go prepared.
If you hadn’t worked in this industry, what other career would you have pursued?
Something related to finance. I love mathematics.
Quick-Fire Rounds
A book you recommend?
Na Raça
A movie that marked you?
The Pursuit of Happyness
A favorite food?
My dad’s barbecue, my mom’s potato salad, and rice
A place in the world you would choose to live?
I’m already blessed—I live in paradise: Florianópolis, Brazil
A dream still pending?
Creating social projects related to sports
A hobby or passion outside of work?
Surfing
Coffee or tea?
Both—coffee in the morning, tea at night
Remote work or office?
Office
Casino or sports betting?
Poker
Messi or Cristiano?
Messi
Sweet or salty?
Salty
Netflix or Disney+?
Netflix
Early riser or night owl?
Early riser—very early
Beach or mountains?
Beach
Paper book or e-book?
Paper
Data or intuition?
Depends on the situation
Prefer heat or cold?
Heat
Formal or informal attire?
Informal
Window or aisle seat?
Window
Wine or beer?
Depends on the situation—I really enjoy gin
Is a leader made or born?
Made
The Legacy
How would you like to be remembered?
For the values I passed on to those around me, professionally and personally. For encouraging others to achieve their goals and dreams.
What question have you never been asked in an interview but would like to answer?
This one.
Which industry colleague would you like to see answering this interview?
Valter Delfraro Junior.