Joseph Kemp's Journey from Penn's Venture Lab to Forbes 30 Under 30

Joseph Kemp, JD, MBA, MSEd (GSE '21), has been recognized on Forbes' 2025 30 Under 30 list in the Games category for his company, Games That Matter, a testament to his innovative approach to gamified education. As the creator of DISBARRED: The Card Game™, Kemp has successfully leveraged his education and the resources at Penn’s Venture Lab to transform how people engage with essential legal knowledge.

Kemp's entrepreneurial story began at Venture Lab, where a conversation with Jill Anick, Director of Explorer and Investor Programs, introduced him to a wealth of opportunities. Programs such as the Venture Initiation Program, the Ivy League Entrepreneurs Slack, the InSITE Fellowship, and a series of entrepreneurial events and talks played a pivotal role in his journey. By immersing himself in these resources, Kemp refined his business concepts, gained critical insights into funding and scalability, and built a foundation for success.

Guidance from Penn’s distinguished faculty, including mentors like Jenny Zapf, Ethan Mollick, and Gad Allon, was instrumental in Kemp's growth. Their tailored advice equipped him with the tools and confidence to navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship while solidifying his vision for a mission-driven business.

At the heart of Kemp’s entrepreneurial journey and his company, Games That Matter, is DISBARRED: The Card Game™, a fun and interactive card game that introduces players to essential legal concepts through humor and pop culture references. Designed to make learning about the law accessible and engaging, the game has resonated with a diverse audience.

“Think of it as a rated G Cards Against Humanity with a legal twist,” Kemp explains. Players explore topics like criminal law and family law while building connections with friends and family. Beyond its entertainment value, DISBARRED provides practical legal insights relevant to everyday life.

Kemp’s commitment to education extends beyond the game itself. A portion of the proceeds from DISBARRED supports law and pre-law students in need, reinforcing his mission to break down barriers to legal education and empower the next generation of legal professionals.

Kemp credits the interdisciplinary and collaborative environment at Penn as a cornerstone of his success. The University’s emphasis on bringing together thinkers from diverse fields enabled him to craft well-rounded strategies and innovative solutions.

Programs like the Penn Education Entrepreneurship Initiative and Venture Lab gave Kemp access to world-class resources, mentorship, and a vibrant network of like-minded individuals. These experiences not only helped him refine his vision but also instilled in him the confidence to turn ideas into reality.

With the recognition of Forbes' 30 Under 30, Kemp's innovative approach to gamified education has been spotlighted on a national stage. His ability to combine entertainment with impactful learning sets a powerful example for the next generation of entrepreneurs.

DISBARRED is currently available for pre-order at www.disbarredthegame.com, with an exclusive discount for the Penn community using code UPENN.

Kemp’s story exemplifies the transformative power of Penn and Venture Lab, demonstrating how ambition, opportunity, and mentorship can come together to create meaningful impact. Aspiring entrepreneurs can look to his journey as a roadmap for turning bold ideas into reality.

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Website: www.disbarredthegame.com
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/disbarredthegame/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephmkemp/
Forbes 30 Under 30 Article: https://www.forbes.com/profile/joseph-kemp/?list=30under30-games/