Startup Stories

Sam Ojei’s Inspirational Journey: Hux Ventures Fund’s Heartfelt Impact Unveiled at London Stock Exchange

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In a tapestry woven with threads of financial dynamism and technological aspirations, Sam Ojei, the compassionate General Partner of Hux Ventures Fund, embarked on a soul-stirring journey that unfolded against the grandeur of the London Stock Exchange. This transformative expedition wasn’t just about financial strategies; it was a heartfelt exploration of Hux Ventures Fund’s mission and its deeply resonant impact on the dreams of African entrepreneurs.

A Symphony of Possibilities at the London Stock Exchange: Hux Ventures Fund’s Soulful Mission Echoes

Within the hallowed halls of the London Stock Exchange, Sam Ojei engaged in conversations that surpassed the rigid boundaries of investment discussions. Hux Ventures Fund’s mission, narrated with heartfelt passion by Sam, became a lyrical ode to the dreams of shaping Africa’s future through compassionate investments and unwavering support for budding entrepreneurs.

In the midst of discussions with financial maestros, Sam delicately unveiled the unique opportunities that Africa holds, not just in economic terms but as a canvas for human potential. Hux Ventures Fund’s mission became a harmonious blend of traditional financial wisdom and the untapped melodies that resonate within the diverse markets of the continent. This visit wasn’t merely a transactional exchange; it was a serenade to Hux Ventures Fund’s commitment to fostering growth and innovation within the African entrepreneurial spirit.

Hux Ventures Fund’s Embrace of Dreams in the Tapestry of Innovation

Transitioning seamlessly from the financial symphony of London,  a vibrant tableau where the heartbeat of African innovation echoed passionately. Amidst discussions on the forefront of technology, Sam’s presence became a gentle conductor of insight and inspiration. The dialogues that unfolded were not just about financial metrics but about the transformative lullaby Hux Ventures Fund was singing to the dreams of African startups.

Sam’s heartfelt representation of Hux Ventures Fund’s mission resonated deeply with thought leaders, industry enthusiasts, and aspiring founders. The fund’s commitment to holistic support, extending far beyond monetary backing to embrace hands-on mentorship and a network of compassionate industry allies, emerged as the soulful core of these discussions.

Hux Ventures Fund’s Mission: Nurturing Dreams and Creating Melodies of HopeThrough Sam Ojei’s emotive storytelling, Hux Ventures Fund’s mission emerged as a compassionate force, gently propelling positive change within African entrepreneurship. His words encapsulated more than a financial commitment – they were a promise to nurture startups grappling with challenges like a lack of access to capital, the absence of mentorship, and the scarcity of resources. Under Sam Ojei’s empathetic leadership,

Hux Ventures Fund isn’t merely an investment entity; it is a vessel for the cultivation of a flourishing and emotionally connected startup ecosystem.

Sam encapsulated the essence of Hux Ventures Fund’s mission with heartfelt words, stating, “We believe in the incredible potential of African entrepreneurs, and through Hux Ventures Fund, we are creating a platform that nurtures innovation, fosters collaboration, and drives meaningful impact.”

Dreams Unfolding: Hux Ventures Fund’s Unwavering Symphony of Support

As Sam Ojei’s emotionally resonant dialogues echoed through the storied halls of the London Stock Exchange and the vibrant tones of the, it became abundantly clear that Hux Ventures Fund, under his compassionate stewardship, is crafting a melody of African innovation. The impact extends beyond financial metrics; it is reflected in the stories of startups empowered to create not just scalable and sustainable enterprises but emotionally connected dreams.

Looking ahead, Hux Ventures Fund remains steadfast in its commitment to catalyzing transformative change within African entrepreneurship. With Sam Ojei orchestrating this symphony, the fund continues to navigate the global stage, contributing not just to the evolution of African innovation but to the harmonious tapestry of dreams and aspirations for a more vibrant and emotionally resonant future for the continent.

Startup Stories

How Ivan Built Photopea Into $1M+ per Year Revenue with Zero Employees.

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Ivan is the genius behind Photopea, a FREE Photoshop-like image editor. His project gets.

  • 13M monthly visits
  • 1.5M monthly user hours
  • $100K monthly ad revenue
  • He’s solo handled 500K daily users and scaled to $1M+ revenue
Ivan_Photopea

Here is the Full Story

Born in a small village in Western Ukraine, Ivan‘s journey began with a move to the Czech Republic in 2001. An ordinary 11-year-old boy, he discovered his passion when his eager fingers first touched a computer keyboard, unveiling the captivating world of computer graphics. By 14, he had already crafted his first website, and an insatiable hunger for coding was ignited.

But it was in 2009, during his tenure as a computer science undergrad, that the seeds of Photopea were sown. A fascination with online games led to countless creative endeavors, marking the beginning of his passionate journey into programming. At 20, Ivan delved into the realm of JavaScript and began crafting Flash games that not only fulfilled his passion but also netted him a modest income. Those early banner ads brought in a monthly pocket change of $100 to $400.

However, Ivan’s relentless ambition was anything but ordinary. At one point, he juggled a staggering 20 different ideas, all simmering simultaneously on his entrepreneurial stovetop. Yet, it was his intimate relationship with Adobe Photoshop that illuminated his path to success.

As he traversed the complex landscapes of Photoshop, two significant roadblocks emerged.

Firstly, Photoshop’s costly subscription model rendered it inaccessible to many, locking it behind a hefty $20/month paywall. Secondly, its substantial computing demands made it unwieldy for users with less powerful machines, and its features weren’t readily available on web browsers.

Ivan, ever the visionary, recognized these shortcomings as golden opportunities. In 2012, his brainchild, Photopea, was born. Initially, he offered a simple tool allowing users to open Photoshop files directly in a web browser, providing them with the ability to download individual layers. It was an impressive start, but it was just the beginning.

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Year by year, Ivan continued to pour his heart and soul into Photopea, adding features like layer creation, deletion, and saving. His mission was clear: he wanted his creation to be immediately useful to others, while he nurtured it into a full-fledged image editor. The metamorphosis was slow but undeniably cool.

Photopea

From 2012 to 2016, there was no grand plan for monetization. Graduating brought him a meager $29K, but Ivan’s commitment to Photopea never wavered. He pressed on through post-graduation studies, keeping the flickering flame of his creation alive.

In 2017, as his friends pursued high-paying jobs, Ivan made an unconventional choice. Instead of joining the rat race, he dived headfirst into Photopea, turning it into his full-time endeavor. His pursuit was not money; it was the sheer enjoyment of the craft. There were no business plans, no market validation, just the raw passion to follow his heart.

Marketing Photopea became a hurdle, especially for a one-person operation. Ivan tried reaching out to YouTubers, Reddit, and Hacker News, but self-promotion flags and financial demands thwarted his efforts.

Despite these obstacles, Ivan was a one-man army who solved over 400 user issues, created open-source libraries, and meticulously crafted Photopea into a fully-fledged image editor.

Ivan’s commitment extended to customer support, a labor of love that drove 80% of his users to join GitHub solely to request new features. Lacking a marketing degree and financial backing, he innovated by publishing blog posts with every new feature addition, nurturing a passionate user base.

Gradually, Photopea’s reputation soared. The same YouTubers who had once turned a blind eye now churned out tutorials, attracting thousands of viewers. In October 2018, Photopea hit an all-time high with 1.5 million visits, and Ivan seized the moment to embark on his first Reddit Ask Me Anything (AMA). The post went viral, accumulating over 50K upvotes and 2.2K comments.

Photopea_Growth

Over the next nine months, Photopea’s traffic doubled to 3 million visits, leading to yet another successful AMA. And in 2021, Ivan made his mark on Hacker News with another viral AMA.

Photopea, a web-based marvel entirely built using Javascript, operated on a shoestring budget of $50 for hosting and $16 for the domain, amounting to just around $700 a year to maintain a multi-million-dollar venture. With zero paid marketing, Ivan and Photopea found their success through the community-driven word-of-mouth phenomenon, exemplifying a timeless principle: craft a better and free alternative to an expensive product, and users will inevitably flock to your doorstep.

Ivan Kutskir, the quiet maverick from a Ukrainian village, redefined the power of passion and perseverance, emerging as the world’s most underrated indie-hacker, with Photopea as his magnum opus, lighting up the lives of millions of creative souls around the globe. A true no-brainer offer, and a revelation to all who dare to dream. 🤯

Startup Stories

From Intuition to Innovation: How Oghoghozino is Building Aggital Works for the Digital Age.

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Tell us a bit about you

My name is Oghoghozino Otefia, I’m the founder of Aggital Works, a leading digital agency based in Lagos, Nigeria.

What motivated you to get started with Aggital Works?

 Oh well, starting Aggital was a clear leading from God, as it all started with an intuition which was basically the need to transform businesses, organizations, and humanity in general to thrive in the digital age. As we know, the digital age is coming and businesses, organizations, or even individuals who do not stay abreast with the move of the digital age will eventually become redundant.

I remember sometime in 2008, I had an Oceanic bank account now Eco bank, and whilst I go there to make a deposit or withdrawal, I see about 15 “teller guys” who take the withdrawal/deposit slip to process them. But now, on average, we have 5 “teller guys” in our banks. What exactly happened? The digital age did happen, and software replaced 5 persons. The digital age has come and anyone; businesses, organizations, and individuals who do not embrace the digital age either gets replaced or becomes redundant.

Hence the need to help humanity thrive in the digital age. Now, what motivated me to get started after this intuition came was the bigger picture, I saw which also forms part of my call in life.

Oghoghozino Otefia

What specific problem are you solving with your startup and how are you solving it?

Aggital Works is solving problems related to digital presence, marketing, technology adaptation, branding, and business growth. All our products and services are designed to help businesses thrive and gain a competitive advantage in the digital age.

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Since launch, what has worked to attract and retain customers?

Honestly, the rich quality of our delivery. We never compromise on our standard of delivery, regardless of the kind of project. These have made our clients return thereby enabling great referrals.

Describe what makes your business unique.

Our uniqueness is attributed to our core values which are; Creative Innovation, Intelligent Design, and Timely Project Delivery. Every single project must answer to our core. Have we creatively innovated this client’s idea? Is the project design intelligent enough to compete globally? Is the delivery timely? We make sure all our projects fulfill these cores and that’s what has made us unique.

Oghoghozino Otefia

How did you fund your startup?
I say all the time that money is fuel. Funding can bootstrap your business a great deal. While starting Aggital, I clearly followed God’s leading and He made provisions when due. I applied for a CBN YEDP loan, which I was approved for 7 million Naira, but I eventually didn’t take the loan after the whole loan process because God told me He never instructed me to take the loan, so basically it has been savings and God’s provision that funds the business.


What have been the most influential books, podcasts, or other resources for you?

For books, nah, I don’t read books like everyone else does. What I do is research thoroughly. When I discover I need enlightenment in a particular area, be it personal growth, business, or leadership, I research the subject or topic thoroughly and read various resources by great industry masters or key players in that subject. I have not read a book completely ever.

But I probably have read the concept or idea talked about in that book during my research.

What were the biggest challenges you faced and the obstacles you overcame?

Biggest challenge? I cannot think of one, as every single day, challenges come and my duty is to overcome those challenges, I practically see challenges as a growth path, so I have built ferocity and grit for challenges, so I’m halfway solving a challenge before I realize that was actually a challenge.

What is your greatest business achievement to date?

One I’d like to share is the acquisition of our own office space which has taken out the rent challenge for now, till we look to expand. More so, the fact that I can travel and the business will operate optimally is a great achievement as well.

Where would you like your startup to be in five years?

In the next 5 years, one of our goals is to have a physical presence in the western part of the world. Also, to have served a minimum of 100,000 businesses with our new digital product “Ushoppen – A digital storefront that equips you with the necessary tools to flawlessly grow and manage your business. Simplifying store creation, management, and expansion. With Ushoppen, you have the luxury of selling your products not only online but offline as well.

Hence, bridging the gap between the digital and physical retail worlds”

What software or technology has made the biggest difference to your business?

I’d say Microsoft and Google, as these giants have played and constantly play significant roles in our business.

What one thing do you wish someone had told you when you started on your business journey?

Very tricky question, but if I were told the “business world” isn’t a family affair, no friends, no family, no one has your interest at heart, all are competing to become industry leaders and are ready to kill some other businesses to achieve that goal, I’d probably have taken more grounds and moved way farther than where we currently at.

If you had the chance to do things differently, what would you do?

Get funding at every level, and hire the best of the best from inception as opposed to hiring friends and family due to poor financing.


Have you had any failed business?

Yes, a number of businesses have failed; Gospofy, Uwoeki, Instahandler, etc. These are some of my businesses that barely survived a year.

What are some sources for learning you would recommend for entrepreneurs who are just starting?

A great source of learning is finding a mentor in your industry who has walked the path you’re trying to thread. I tell you, in business, it is better to learn from other people’s experience than to learn from your own experience. It saves you time and money.


Advice for other entrepreneurs who want to get started or are just starting out?

Very candid advice from me to you:
One, serve in the same industry you look to have your business first before you launch out as that will help you understand the nitty-gritty of that industry as well as learn the possible ways to mitigate any supposed risks you might face.

Two, money is fuel, yeah, it’s what it is, get money as much as you can, you will need it.

Three; Never forget a quote from Oghoghozino Otefia – Work is not a curse; work has been instituted before the fall of man. God didn’t curse us to work because our first parent sinned against Him, No. Work has been done even before the fall.

Therefore, I beseech you, to please make “work” a lifestyle. When you have to get something done, get it done! You need to understand a concept or an idea or whatever and do the work required to understand that concept or idea. Never forget that Work is not a curse, work has been instituted before the fall of man.

One business app and one personal app you can’t do without?

Google!!!!


Are you looking to hire for certain positions right now?

Not at the moment. When we have openings, we share on our social media pages which is @aggital on all social media platforms, while I’m @oghoghozino_ on  Instagram.

Startup Stories

From Coding Enthusiast to Digital Marketing Dynamo: Damola Oyekunle’s Inspiring Journey

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Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

I am Damola Oyekunle, a digital marketing consultant and the Founder of Dptrax, a Digital Marketing agency.

Fantastic. What motivated you to go into digital marketing?

It’s an interesting story. I studied computer engineering because I love computers and games, and I ended up falling in love with coding. I started learning how to build applications, websites, and the like. After building my first website, I realized that was just the first part of the equation. The second part was learning how to promote this newly acquired skill. In my research, I found that there are various ways to acquire clients. I opted for inbound marketing, which includes social media marketing, search engine optimization, and the like.

I started with SEO and grew curious about other marketing avenues. I learned about conversion rate optimization, paid ads, etc., and just kept going. My first job was search engine optimization-related, and my next role was at Jobberman, where I was also involved in search engine optimization before being promoted to Head of Digital Marketing. That’s how I landed in digital marketing.

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This is absolutely incredible.

Yes 😄. Not everyone can excel in tech, and not everyone can excel in digital marketing. Pick something, focus on it, and give it your best. If it doesn’t work, choose something else.

What challenges did you face while learning new skills, and how did you navigate them?

To be honest, I personally did not face any challenges when it came to learning, largely due to my mindset. I approach things from a logical perspective.

I started this journey in university. The closest thing to a challenge was limited internet access, as I wasn’t born with a silver spoon. In school at Unilag, there was a place called the Botanical Garden where they sold internet access very cheaply. Most people didn’t use up their time, so my friends and I would collect unused time from the ground and use it. This was fueled by a hunger for knowledge (and we also needed the data to download games 😄).

Another challenge was optimizing my learning process while balancing school commitments, especially since digital marketing is a broad field. I took a course called “Learning How to Learn” on Coursera, which helped me understand how to learn more effectively. I invested every spare change I had in courses and tools, often borrowing money from my sister to pay for them.

In terms of entrepreneurship, hiring and managing burnout or mental strain are challenges. Building systems and processes can help with hiring, while a strong social circle can help manage the emotional toll.

This is incredible. Do you have any advice for aspiring or existing entrepreneurs?

The first important thing is to have money in your bank account 😄. Financial stress can lead to poor decision-making. Keep a 9-5 job and start small. Prepare for failures and understand that marketing is crucial for your business.

I usually recommend having at least six months’ salary in your bank account before quitting your job to focus on entrepreneurship. While there are outliers who can succeed quickly, it’s generally a good idea to have a safety net.

This is absolutely incredible. Thank you for sharing your story with Founder Story

Startup Stories

How Cory Is Making $3.5 Million Per Year With Woodies Sunglasses With One Employee

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Cory Stout, the founder of Woodies, shared an insightful journey of starting and growing his wood sunglasses brand. Here’s a breakdown of his story and key takeaways:

Background and Idea Generation: Cory’s entrepreneurial journey started with scalping football tickets while studying Economics at the University of Florida. He learned important lessons about dealing with people and persistence during this time.

He then had the opportunity to visit China, where he observed how products were made and got the idea for an interchangeable watch brand called TIKKR.

Prototyping and Manufacturing: Cory found suppliers on Alibaba in China for his wood sunglasses. He emphasized the importance of choosing suppliers based on trust and their overall presentation, not just price. He also recommended checking the condition of the factory’s facilities as an indicator of their professionalism.

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Launching the Business: Cory initially launched his wood sunglasses on Groupon and later transitioned to selling on Amazon. He adapted his product by switching to wood temple glasses with a plastic frame to reduce returns. This decision also allowed his customer service to provide better support.

Marketing and Growth: Cory focused on Amazon as his primary sales platform and emphasized its effectiveness in bringing in new customers. He mentioned that while he had basic knowledge of various marketing methods like Facebook ads, email marketing, and SEO, Amazon’s built-in customer base was highly valuable.

Challenges and Future Plans: Cory revealed that despite the impressive revenue figures, the profit margins in his business were lower than expected. He mentioned getting sued by Luxottica for trademark infringement, which posed a significant threat to his business.

He also started a new venture involving classic cars. Cory emphasized the importance of believing in oneself and staying committed to the business, as many of his peers who started businesses around the same time also succeeded.

Tools and Resources: Cory shared a Reddit post detailing the tools and platforms he used in his business. He mentioned listening to the EcomCrew podcast for valuable insights into running an Amazon-based business.

Advice for Entrepreneurs: Cory’s key advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is to choose a product or business that they are passionate about and willing to talk about nonstop. He emphasized the importance of personal branding and being the face of your company, especially in the early stages.

Cory Stout’s journey with Woodies demonstrates the importance of persistence, adaptability, and focusing on platforms that work best for your business. It also underscores the significance of believing in your vision and being prepared to overcome challenges along the way.

Startup Stories

How Colin Started A Bed Sheet Business Making $600K In The First 8 Months

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Meet Colin McIntosh, the brains behind Sheets & Giggles, a bedding brand that’s more than just a clever pun. Launched in May 2018, Sheets & Giggles made a splash on Indiegogo with its unique product: lyocell bed sheets made from eucalyptus trees. These eco-friendly sheets offer a softer, more breathable, and moisture-wicking alternative to cotton, while also using significantly less water in production.

Within just six months of its inception, Sheets & Giggles raked in over 6,000 orders and nearly half a million dollars in revenue. The brand’s journey was marked by success, including winning first place at Denver Startup Week 2018. Targeting a predominantly female audience, mostly in their 20s and 30s, Sheets & Giggles has become a notable contender in the bedding industry.

Origins and Vision:

Colin’s entrepreneurial journey began after a stint at a tech startup that ended abruptly in 2017. This experience served as a catalyst, inspiring him to start his own venture. Armed with a strong network, insights from Techstars, and a passion for marketing and distributing physical products, he decided to embark on the entrepreneurial path. Crowdfunding seemed like the perfect launchpad, given his limited initial capital.

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Colin established specific criteria for his new business, including a focus on a large, fragmented market with minimal brand loyalty. He ultimately chose to venture into bedding, with the domain name “SheetsGiggles.com” sealing the deal. The business model was designed first, with the product tailored to fit seamlessly.

Validating the Idea:

To validate the concept, Colin ran Facebook ads to a landing page, targeting crowdfunding lookalike audiences. This campaign resulted in an impressive 46% conversion rate, accumulating over 11,000 emails from potential buyers in just eight weeks. With this validation in hand, Sheets & Giggles launched on Indiegogo, attracting nearly 500 customers and $45,000 in day-one funding.

Designing, Prototyping, and Manufacturing:

Despite lacking textile experience, Colin hired consultants to help design, develop, and test the lyocell sheets. The criteria included sustainability, softness, durability, and social consciousness. The manufacturer was sourced in India, and multiple production runs were undertaken to ensure product perfection. The brand also placed great emphasis on a premium unboxing experience, making it stand out in the direct-to-consumer market.

The Launch Process:

The business was founded in October 2017, with the first few months dedicated to building a brand identity, website, and product designs. A marketing agency was onboarded to assist with the crowdfunding campaign, which was successfully launched on May 1, 2018, with a surge of $45,000 in funding on the first day.

Customer Attraction and Retention:

Sheets & Giggles’ success has been fueled by proactive social media engagement, strong SEO strategies, and humorous email marketing. Purple Friday, a clever marketing ploy, drove significant sales. Exceptional customer service, a 100% satisfaction guarantee, and a robust review system have also contributed to the brand’s growth.

Current Status and Future Prospects:

Sheets & Giggles operates profitably, with a projected $600,000 in revenue for 2018. The brand aims to expand its product line, including new sizes, colors, and non-bedding items. International expansion into the UK, Australia, Canada, and the EU is on the horizon.

Colin envisions rapid growth in the coming years, with plans to enter new sales channels while maintaining a strong online presence. He remains committed to building a well-known brand before delving into physical retail, following a strategic approach to market penetration.

Lessons for Aspiring Entrepreneurs:

Colin emphasizes the importance of validating your business model before building a product. He advocates running initial marketing campaigns to gather leads and investor interest, rather than rushing into product development. He also stresses the significance of an action-oriented approach and the value of responding to customer inquiries promptly.

In conclusion, Colin McIntosh’s journey with Sheets & Giggles exemplifies the power of creativity, sustainable practices, and humor in building a thriving brand. With a strong focus on customer engagement and a strategic approach to growth, Sheets & Giggles continues to make waves in the world of bedding.

Startup Stories

Bootstrapping to 2m+ Users With Zero Employees – The story of Rootd

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In a world perpetually on the move, where stress lurks around every corner, Ania Wysocka‘s story began with a panic attack that shattered the illusion of invincibility. As a final-year university student, she had believed that anxiety and panic were battles fought by others in quieter corners of existence. But that illusion was violently dismantled by her own panic attack – a jolt of terror that left her shaken and disoriented. It was at that moment, far from home and unable to afford professional help, that Ania’s world shifted irrevocably.

As she fumbled through the darkness of her experience, her instinct was to reach for her smartphone – the modern beacon of solutions – to find an app that could guide her through the storm within. But to her surprise, there was none. The void of digital support deepened her feelings of isolation, making her realize the chasm between the prevalence of mental health struggles and the dearth of accessible resources.

Undeterred by her own ordeal, Ania embarked on a journey that would eventually lead her to craft a transformative solution for millions. Rootd, the app she envisioned, was to become a lifeline for those facing the overwhelming grip of anxiety and panic attacks.

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From Darkness to Design: Ania’s journey wasn’t just about solving a problem; it was about combining her creative talents with the power of technology to deliver hope. She immersed herself in the world of graphic design, pouring her emotions onto paper and translating them into illustrations that would eventually become Rootd’s beloved mascot, Ron. Ron, the embodiment of empathy, would accompany users on their quest for healing, providing solace during their darkest moments.

Challenges: The Crucible of Transformation: Building Rootd was no smooth ride. Ania faced challenges that tested her resolve, questioned her decisions, and often left her questioning her path. Yet, she turned each challenge into a stepping stone, unearthing her indomitable spirit. With minimal resources and a bootstrapped approach, she navigated the complexities of app development and user engagement, making every penny and hour count.

Lessons Forged in Struggle: Ania’s journey was marked by lessons as vivid as the illustrations in her app. The power of solving personal pain points reverberated in every feature of Rootd. The courage to embrace her strengths and leverage her artistic acumen proved that passion could be translated into technology. Her knack for turning every challenge into an opportunity taught her that resilience and determination could overcome the most formidable obstacles.

A Beacon of Light for 2 Million: Rootd’s launch marked the beginning of a movement, an affirmation that Ania’s journey mirrored the struggles of millions worldwide. Rootd became more than an app; it became a sanctuary, a safe space for those wrestling with their inner demons. Ania’s relentless commitment to the Rootd community, her hands-on approach to user reviews, and her unyielding dedication created a network of warriors united against anxiety’s grip.

A Vision for Tomorrow: As Rootd continues to reach more corners of the globe, Ania’s vision grows even grander. With a future focused on inclusivity, accessibility, and global impact, she aims to reach the hands and hearts of 10 million users. Ania’s journey has evolved from a personal struggle into an inspiring saga of empathy, triumph, and healing – a journey that has illuminated the path for countless others seeking solace.

Ania’s story is a testament to the power of one individual’s resilience, compassion, and innovation. Rootd isn’t just an app; it’s a beacon of hope, a reminder that from the depths of personal pain can emerge the seeds of transformative change. Ania Wysocka’s legacy will forever be etched in the hearts of those whose lives she touched, and in the annals of entrepreneurship, as a visionary who turned her own pain into a lifeline for millions.

Startup Stories

She Ditched Law School And Built A Multimillion Dollar SaaS Business

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Once embarrassed by her unconventional name, Jasmine Star‘s journey has blossomed into a remarkable tale of entrepreneurial resilience and empowerment. Born to a free-spirited mother, she embraced her name’s uniqueness, embodying the same spirit in her ventures. As the CEO and co-founder of Social Curator, Jasmine thrives as a speaker, podcaster, and visionary leader.

Her story unfolds against the backdrop of a diverse heritage, as the daughter of Mexican and Puerto Rican immigrants who fell in love on the streets of East Los Angeles. Jasmine’s path led her from homeschooling to an academic scholarship at Whittier College and UCLA Law School. Yet, her life took a transformative turn when her mother’s brain cancer relapsed during Jasmine’s first year of law school, triggering her own battle with depression.

Amidst personal challenges, Jasmine’s determination ignited a chain of transformative decisions. Fueled by her mother’s regrets and inspired by love, she left law school, pursued photography, and launched a successful career. Her journey was not linear—she shifted from photography to teaching, consulting, and creating content, all while navigating uncharted territories with resilience.

Social Curator‘s genesis emerged as a membership platform, offering resources, courses, and a vibrant community for overwhelmed entrepreneurs. Jasmine’s willingness to ask “dumb questions” led her to delve into tech, co-founding the company with her husband JD. The platform’s evolution culminated in its transition to a SaaS subscription, seamlessly integrating with social platforms and aiding business owners in navigating the complex world of digital marketing.

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Central to Social Curator’s growth strategy is the power of content. It’s not just about tools but about education and community. Jasmine’s philosophy is clear: provide resources, tutorials, and a safe space for entrepreneurs to discuss trends, algorithms, and successes.

Through a blend of tutorials, daily challenges, and user-friendly scheduling tools, Social Curator empowers users to take action.

While Jasmine’s journey has seen ups and downs, she remains committed to growth. Her recent upgrade of the Social Curator platform reflects her dedication to product excellence and user feedback. Despite challenges, Jasmine’s focus on content, consistency, and learning has driven her success. She shares her wisdom through podcasts, interviews, and social media, underlining the importance of consistency and personal branding in entrepreneurship.

As Jasmine’s story continues to unfold, she not only uplifts her business but also inspires a community of entrepreneurs to embrace their passions, confront challenges, and create their own unique paths to success.

Startup Stories

Bad Water Made His Family Sick, So He Built A $3m+ Business To Fix It

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Meet Seyi Fabode, the visionary CEO and co-founder of Varuna, a groundbreaking company transforming the water management industry. Varuna is like a watchful guardian for utilities, cities, and water-dependent businesses, preventing water system failures by tracking risks such as contamination, asset failure, and water availability.

Seyi’s journey began after running operations for a major power station in London, giving him unique insights into complex utility systems. Inspired by the potential of entrepreneurship, he co-founded Power2Switch, a successful venture in the renewable energy space. However, it was the water crises across the US, notably the Flint, Michigan incident, that ignited Seyi’s passion for water system resilience.

Varuna’s origin story involves a DIY approach, developing a simple yet ingenious water quality sensor that mimicked a dishwasher’s turbidity sensor. This concept evolved into a sophisticated tool that tracked water quality, providing real-time alerts and actionable recommendations for operators. Seyi’s determination led him to rugged terrain and far-flung locations, laying the foundation for Varuna’s success.

The business model’s core strength lies in its profound understanding of the industry’s challenges. The water management sector boasts extensive sales cycles, demanding patience and strategic foresight. However, with over 150,000 water systems in the US and substantial contracts, Varuna leverages high-margin software solutions that sit atop data-generating assets. A masterstroke is a partnership with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), opening doors to lucrative after-market services.

Worth Reading: How I Started Wii Create, a branded merch company – Oreoluwa Shonibare

Seyi’s leadership philosophy revolves around human connection and adaptability. He champions the notion of being “human” in business interactions, fostering meaningful relationships rather than mere transactions. This approach, along with maintaining an open aperture for ideas, keeps Varuna innovative and responsive. Seyi’s hiring criteria—expertise, execution, and alignment with values—ensure the right individuals drive the company’s growth.

Varuna’s future is promising, with expansion into consumer services. Their “Resilio” offering brings water issue monitoring to households, offering emergency water delivery subscriptions during crises. Seyi’s vision extends beyond profits, seeking a net-zero solution for water purification and eliminating single-use plastics.

Seyi’s insights are invaluable, shaped by books like “Thinking in Systems” by Donella Meadows and “7 Powers” by Hamilton Helmer. His personal leadership touchstone—”How human are you choosing to be in this moment?”—guides Varuna’s journey, fostering a culture of compassion and innovation.

For a deeper dive, visit Varuna’s website, LinkedIn, and Twitter.

Connect with Seyi on his personal LinkedIn and Twitter accounts. Holdco also offers a glimpse into his multifaceted journey.

The tale of Seyi Fabode and Varuna is one of innovation, resilience, and commitment to securing the world’s most precious resource: water.

Startup Stories

How We Are Making Over $4 Million Per Year From College Essay Coaching – Brad Schiller

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Brad Schiller, the Founder and CEO of Prompt, has spearheaded a remarkable journey in the education sector. Prompt, the largest college admissions essay coaching company globally, offers a sophisticated software platform that simplifies the college application process for over 15,000 students.

Additionally, Prompt’s network of around 100 part-time writing coaches assists over 5,000 students with over 30,000 hours of writing coaching. The company’s revenue is projected to hit $4 million in 2023, showcasing an impressive 20-60% growth rate over the past seven years.

Interestingly, about two-thirds of Prompt’s revenue comes from selling to businesses. The company white-labels its software platform and essay coaching for over 500 private college counselors and high schools worldwide. The remaining third of the revenue is generated by directly serving families under the Prompt brand.

In a recent expansion, Prompt launched “Pen,” a literacy curriculum that empowers English learners across India and Latin America to confidently use English in academic and workplace settings, aiming to surpass 20,000 learners by the end of 2023.

Schiller’s journey began with a personal passion for enhancing written communication and critical thinking skills. Having recognized the need for effective communication during his tenure at McKinsey, Schiller’s mission evolved into enabling widespread proficiency in structured and impactful communication.

Prompt’s path to success was characterized by iterative development. Starting as a marketplace for obtaining feedback on writing content and structure, the company eventually focused on college admissions essays, where initial customer traction was found. This niche specialization paved the way for Prompt’s growth, and the company released a software and coaching services product tailored for private college counselors in 2017, generating $200,000 in annual recurring revenue.

Worth Reading: How I Started Trueflutter: An App That Help People Meet The Love of Their Life

The journey, however, wasn’t without challenges. Schiller’s persistent drive to enhance literacy and critical thinking skills led to various product diversifications. While some ventures incurred significant investment and time, Prompt’s recent literacy curriculum, “Pen,” seems to have struck the right chord.

Schiller’s grit is evident in his personal journey as well. Despite starting Prompt in 2014 with minimal resources and while facing financial challenges, Schiller’s dedication led to steady growth. With four children and his wife pursuing a PhD, Schiller even resorted to independent consulting to support his family while building Prompt.

An “oh shit” moment in 2021 posed an existential threat to Prompt. Operational inefficiencies caused delays in essay reviews, jeopardizing the upcoming college admissions season. Schiller took decisive action, revamping operations and streamlining costs, saving the business from a dire situation.

Key to Prompt’s success is exceptional operational efficiency and a keen focus on customer satisfaction. The company’s business model thrives on selling to businesses and leveraging referrals for consumer sales. The ability to understand customer needs, offer exceptional service, and automate operations has been pivotal.

Schiller’s leadership philosophy emphasizes hiring independent thinkers who excel in navigating ambiguity. His belief in minimizing managerial layers allows him to remain close to the core challenges and prioritize high-value problem-solving.

Schiller’s journey with Prompt is an inspiring tale of perseverance, iterative development, and a relentless commitment to enhancing literacy and communication skills on a global scale. Through Prompt and its ventures like “Pen,” Schiller is making a profound impact on education and communication.

Startup Focus

Bingtellar Launches Revolutionary Instant Crypto-to-Fiat Conversion Service

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Lagos, Nigeria – August 21, 2023 – Nigerian blockchain payments startup, Bingtellar, proudly announces the debut of its groundbreaking instant crypto-to-fiat conversion service. This cutting-edge solution empowers individuals and businesses to seamlessly engage in cryptocurrency transactions, effortlessly buying and selling digital assets while receiving payments in their local currencies.

Since its inception in 2021, Bingtellar has pioneered real-time crypto-to-fiat conversions, ensuring users have access to immediate liquidity in their preferred local currency. Leveraging a robust payment infrastructure, Bingtellar has bridged the gap between cryptocurrencies and fiat currencies, transforming complex transactions into streamlined processes that can be completed in less than three minutes.

Founder and visionary behind Bingtellar, Joshua Tebepina, explains the driving force behind this innovation: “With the increasing prominence of cryptocurrencies, the demand for flexible transactions like paying for goods and services or funding bank accounts from crypto wallets has surged. Our goal was to eliminate the time-consuming delays associated with such transactions. Conventional payment systems often take 24-72 hours to remit funds from a crypto wallet to a fiat account, which can be quite inconvenient for instant transfers.”

A significant factor contributing to this inefficiency is the involvement of third-party intermediaries. Some platforms necessitate users to first convert their cryptocurrency to fiat in a designated wallet on the cryptocurrency platform before transferring funds to a bank account.

Tebepina adds, “Bingtellar addresses these challenges by offering a seamless platform that enables transactions within three minutes without third-party involvement. We recognized the need for a hassle-free, rapid solution, and we’re proud to deliver on that promise.”

Driven by user demand and guided by a vision of innovation, Bingtellar has already successfully processed over US$300,000 in transactions, signaling a promising trajectory for growth. The startup is actively raising a pre-seed round to further enhance its capabilities and expand its reach.

Worth Reading: How This Entrepreneur is Building the Future with BingTellar: A Crypto Utility Startup

Tebepina reflects on Bingtellar’s journey, “Our growth has exceeded expectations, and the feedback from users has been nothing short of remarkable. What started as a personal endeavor to address challenges faced by friends using P2P exchanges has now evolved into a game-changing solution. We are excited to witness the impact we’re making.”

Currently accessible exclusively in Nigeria, Bingtellar has ambitious plans for expansion across other African countries in the near future. Tebepina shares, “We’re actively testing our beta payment payouts in Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda. Our unwavering commitment to top-tier user experience and customer service is driving our meticulous approach to expansion.”

For more information about Bingtellar and its revolutionary crypto-to-fiat conversion service, please visit www.bingtellar.com.

Founder's Focus, Startup Stories

Joseph Mambwe: The Entrepreneur Who Built a $2.5 Million Fitness App All with Zero Employees

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GymStreak

Joseph Mambwe is the sole founder of GymStreak, a fitness app that uses high-end animation and augmented reality to enhance exercise understanding and track user progress. Born in Zambia, raised in Botswana, and later moving to the UK, Joseph’s diverse experiences and passion for learning from a young age contributed to his unique perspective and determination as an entrepreneur.

While studying Engineering at the University of Cambridge, Joseph’s passion for fitness and UI design led him to envision the GymStreak app. He identified the importance of consistency in fitness journeys and aimed to create a user-friendly platform that encouraged sustained commitment.

Building GymStreak required implementing a 3D engine to animate exercises, which demanded significant effort. Despite the challenges, Joseph’s determination to be future-ready with augmented reality technology and 3D animation showcased his foresight and commitment to innovation.

Despite having no employees, Joseph achieved remarkable success, generating $2.5 million in revenue last year. He relied on a team of skilled freelancers for marketing and customer support, allowing him to maintain control over the company’s growth. The app’s bootstrapped nature grants Joseph the flexibility to control the pace of growth, allowing him to balance business expansion with personal life goals.

GymStreak’s growth primarily stems from highly effective paid marketing campaigns on Facebook and TikTok, boasting an impressive return on ad spend. The app’s unique features and compelling creative content contributed to its success. Although faced with challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and plateaued growth, Joseph’s determination and ability to adapt drove continuous improvement and eventual success.

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit and gyms closed worldwide, GymStreak faced a significant challenge. However, Joseph quickly adapted the app to include home workout options, demonstrating his agility and ability to respond to changing circumstances.

Despite impressive growth, Joseph recognized the importance of product optimization to enhance user experience. He spent six months rebuilding the app to improve key conversion points and increase revenue tenfold.

Joseph’s leadership style prioritizes empowering his team of contractors with autonomy. By allowing them to make independent decisions, he fosters a culture of trust, creativity, and individual ownership within the company.

The strength of GymStreak’s business model lies in its ability to recoup ad spend almost immediately, enabling rapid and profitable scaling. However, like many consumer SaaS products, GymStreak encounters retention challenges, emphasizing the importance of enhancing customer retention and renewals.

Worth Reading: How Onyeka Akumah Built a Successful Tech Startup: The Story of Treepz

Looking to the future, Joseph foresees untapped potential in the market, particularly through an affiliate system for mobile apps that facilitates partnerships and revenue-sharing, potentially bolstering user acquisition and retention strategies. With a focus on maximizing customer retention and renewals, Joseph aims to grow GymStreak to an impressive $15-$20 million in annual recurring revenue in the coming years.

Joseph Mambwe’s entrepreneurial journey with GymStreak exemplifies the power of dedication, creativity, and resourcefulness in building a successful app business with a strong emphasis on user experience and growth.

Here are some of the key takeaways from Joseph’s story:

  • Joseph Mambwe is a visionary entrepreneur who saw the potential of using high-end animation and augmented reality to create a more engaging and effective fitness app.
  • GymStreak’s success is due in part to Joseph’s determination and ability to adapt to changing circumstances.
  • The app’s bootstrapped nature has allowed Joseph to maintain control over the company’s growth and focus on user experience.
  • Joseph is focused on future growth and is looking to expand into new markets.

What do you think about Joseph’s Story? Share your thought in the comment below.

Startup Stories, Women In Tech

The start of LadiesInFlutter by Grace Youpele

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Can you tell us about yourself?

My name is Grace Youpele, I’m a mobile developer and I’ve been in tech for the past three years. I started with a couple of things but I landed in mobile development and I decided to stick with it. I am also a community lead, public speaker, technical writer, and the founder of the LadiesInFlutter community.

This is awesome. When we were going through your page we realized that you have a community about women learning Flutter. What is it about?

It’s a community of women that are interested in mobile development. Our aim is to help the ladies grow and become more confident in their tech craft. We usually do have classes every Friday to boost their knowledge of mobile development and also we have monthly meet up where we get to bring ladies that are already doing well in their tech careers to come to speak to the ladies. We have also had training sessions on confidence to help build their confidence in public speaking as well as the confidence to strive in the tech space.

This is great. You guys are doing awesomely well. The question now is Why women?

I’ll try not to be biased here but you’ll agree with me that the male is dominated in the tech space. For every company I’ve worked in, I literarily was the only female developer with lots of guys. Lately, I’m happy to say that women are showing up and breaking through the space. When I started, I thought I was the only lady in Flutter Nigeria but I later figured out that there were few ladies out there but probably they were just too shy to come out. So I thought having our safe space to relate, know each other, and help ourselves grow would be great.

This is great. Since you started your NGO, how many women have you trained?

We started early this year and right now we have over a hundred registered in the community.

What motivated you to be a mobile developer?

I actually studied computer science in school but the educational system in Nigeria doesn’t qualify you based on what you studied. There used to be those tech guys in school I admire a lot but I was more interested in fashion, that was my dream. My dream was literary to have a shoe line. I didn’t take anything tech seriously till after school. After my NYSC I was working for this company and there was a digital marketer I was impressed by how much he loved what he was doing. I randomly asked him on what to do if I want to come into tech and he explained some things to me. I tried a couple of things like web development, and UI/UX till I got to know about mobile development and when I transitioned, it felt like home. That was how I got to where I am.

Worth Reading: My Journey Into Entrepreneurship and How I’m Building Beezop – Charles Dairo

Would you say it’s been a rollercoaster ever since you joined?

Yeah, it’s been a rollercoaster. At times I rant that I’m not doing this tech thing again. But there’s nothing without a downside. There are the good days and there are the bad days but then there’s the passion too for problem solving so it keeps me going regardless.

Awesome. Why do you choose to train people and not just make money?

I will say what inspired me was an event where I happened to be a speaker. After the whole event, I figured out that we were just two ladies that were there as a speaker. I thought about it after that and thought if we ladies don’t know what we were doing or were shy to come out and display our craft. So I randomly tweeted if the ladies would be interested in a ladies-exclusive community and the response was inspiring and that was it, LadiesInFlutter was born. It’s a safe space where we can be free to express ourselves and help each other grow and the responses so far have been impressive I must say.

What are some of the challenges you faced while running the NGO?

One thing about humans is that in as much as we love free things we sometimes don’t commit to these free things. I am a community lead of CodeClan Nigeria with over 3,000 participants and last year we had several bootcamps which I spearheaded all were successful but one thing I noticed was that a lot of people started and then fall off because there isn’t any money commitment and with so much number of people and fewer volunteers to keep track of the mentees. And currently, I’m a mentor to one bootcamp that’s ongoing, so I have mentees, luckily these mentees are few so it’s easy to have them in check and to make sure that everybody is on their feet and they are doing what they are supposed to be doing. But with large numbers in ladiesInFlutter, it’s difficult to get everyone together at the same time. So usually we have our classes on Fridays, and even with the reminder it’s still difficult to get people together at that particular time. However, the turnout is mostly good and the fact is that people are really gaining a lot from it.

How do you finance your NGO and what are the financial challenges?

In March we had a program that we needed to sort out gifts like airtime, a router for people that won a few games and I financed it and yeah there was someone that also supported us with cash. But mostly I do the financing from my pocket right now. 

Are you looking to get others to finance your NGO?

Yes, sure.

Fantastic. Aside from this, what other things do you do?

I am a full-time developer so I have a full-time job. 

That’s quite interesting. I’m sure there are a lot of women who want to move into tech as well, how can they be part of your community?

Okay, the name of my community is LadiesInFlutter and it’s basically for ladies that want to go into tech and learn mobile development. We have our Twitter handle as well as our LinkedIn page but our Twitter handle is more active because it all started from Twitter. The Twitter handle is LadiesinFlutter and there is a form that you get to fill and we mail you the community link to join.

Perfect. Do you have any advice for people that are looking to get into tech?

Some people believe tech is a get-rich-quick scheme and that’s the impression they come into tech with. But I think if you don’t have some level of resilience and patience, you will be quick to fall off the grid. There are a lot of people in the tech space doing what you intend to come in and do and even doing it better so there has to be some level of willingness to go the extra mile to stand out from the crowd and to be seen. You must be ready to put in the best of your time, attention, and some extra spice to what you are doing. There’s enough room to shine so don’t be afraid to start, spread your wings and fly as high as you can dream of.

This is amazing. We want to appreciate your time and we don’t take it for granted.  We love what you are doing. Thank you very much, we appreciate it.

Startup Stories

How Ogbonna Is Building SellPass To Empower Nigerians and Africans to Earn Income Online

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Ogbonna_Ohakwe
Tell us about yourself

My name is Ogbonna Ohakwe,I schooled in Nigeria. I had to do everything myself. I came from family of four. I am passionate about technology, building startups, businesses. I love creativity and I love people who try to help the community around them. I like people who try to fight unemployment in Nigeria. They help people earn money either through salary or commission.

Ogbonna_Ohakwe
What are you currently working on?

As it is now, I have couple of things I’m working on and what I intend to do is to use my little startup to empower Nigerians and Africans so that they can earn extra income online and also help their daily activities when it comes to online payments. The name of my company is Bigtink Digital Creation which has other subsidiaries. The one I started before helps Nigerians to buy data online, which is InstantTopUp, I just launched mobile app on playstore and the one I started this year is called SellPass which was launched in January with my team members (Kelvin and Chioma). SellPass is a digital course hosting and an affiliate marketing platform where people in any field can post/host their digital courses to reach more people across the world and we have affiliates who sign up and start selling those products. The next thing I’m working on is a payment system unlike Payday, Opay…. That will help people get a US bank account and help people get a virtual card so that they can be able to pay online anywhere they are in the world. SellPass is progressing, a lot of people earn from it daily by selling products and we pay our affiliates and vendors twice a week.

Fantastic. What motivated you to start SellPass?

The first thing that motivated me is hunger for success. Growing up in a middle class family is not an easy thing. I was already doing something online and I saw that there was a huge problem that people are facing in Nigeria like lack of Jobs and low salary payment. So, I thought of what I could do to help people and for them to earn extra income online. SellPass is not only for Nigerians. The whole world can earn from there and people can bring their products and sell and make money.

Worth reading: How Tobi Is Building CDcare: A Startup That Helps Africans Easily Pay in Bits For Their Needs in a Way That Suits Their Lifestyle.

Another reason for building SellPass is to help people around me and in my community because the government can’t do anything for us. We need to help ourselves and be profitable. I have two teams in SellPass, we discuss about growth and how we can help people.

We have about 7,000 people who has subscribed to SellPass and we’ve been able to help Nigerians and Africans to make money using the digital world.

Ogbonna_Ohakwe
This is incredible. What has worked for you to attract customers and retain customers? What have you done specially to attract people?

The market space is very brutal. If you sleep you will not get a share in the market space. We have lots of competitors both in Nigeria and outside Nigeria. One thing that makes us unique is that we allow Non Nigerians to access our platform. We have two unique selling points, the first thing is accessibility worldwide. SellPass is accessible anywhere you are. We have four payment systems. The second thing is that we pay twice a week. Most of the affiliates in the market system pay once in a week. Most of our affiliates are making close to $600 to $5,000 monthly and it’s still growing. In marketing you need to strategize and be brutal. The market is not stable and what we try to do is to help people make money wherever they are.

Since you launched, what is your revenue like the revenue that you’ve transacted so far?

We started making sales even before launch. Our income kept on growing and we have close to $10,000 to over $50,000 on revenue, product sales and affiliate commission. The revenue kept on growing. We have two platforms one is the digital marketing platform the second one is the course hosting platform. The revenue comes from different angles.

I want you to explain how your platform SellPass works.

How SellPass work is extremely very easy. So far as you can read and understand English language. Very soon SellPass will be translated into many languages because we want to help people around the world to make money.

There are different ways in which SellPass can be used. For example, we have people who have skills, who are experts in their fields, people who have different products that people also need, but they have problem selling it online or getting it in front of people online, that is when SellPass comes in. We have a simple system where such people can follow and get they products listed on SellPass marketplace and our high performing affiliates can help them sell it and they start to make money. While at the other hand, people make money by selling products we have inside our marketplace as affiliate.

SellPass is not totally free; it is a premium platform where you pay an amount of #10,000 yearly to register on the platform to become an affiliate. There is also a course on our platform that helps a beginner that doesn’t know anything about internet marketing or how internet business works. It’s a beginner to pro course that helps those that wants to go into affiliate marketing, internet marketing, Facebook advertising, Instagram advertising. Also, whenyou register on SellPass there is a community on Telegram where you can ask various questions.

SellPass is not a get rich quick scheme, is not a crypto currency investment platform or a trading platform, which means, you can’t register on SellPass and money will start coming to you. You have to sell something (a product) to be able to make money using SellPass.

This is amazing. I want to ask Ogbonna, how do you fund SellPass?

Its personal funding. We are three founders at SellPass, we raised some funds within ourselves to build the platform to this stage and what we are trying to do next to build a platform that will help people make even more money online from the next update and the things we are building on the platform.

Awesome. Where do you see SellPass in the next 5yeas?

Okay, Firstly, i want to raise millionaires in Nigeria and Africa. In the next five years I believe there will be a lot of competition in the market space what I think will help us scale through. We will be able to raise close to 100,000 millionaires across the world. Another new technology will come up that will challenge the market and I believe that SellPass will be able to withstand the challenges.

What is your greatest business achievement that you’ve had till date?

My biggest business achievement so far is my first e-commerce startup. When I launched, I didn’t expect many users to come up. We had about 500-600 users in the first two weeks. I see great potential in the aspect of eCommerce and FinTech. I have spoken to lots of people, organized seminars, gone for seminars to teach people about internet business and how to use it to make money.

Incredible. What are some of the most influential book that you’ve read or podcasts that you’ve listened to?

In my library I have close to 100 books and my favorite is Brian Tracy, everything I’ve learnt about marketing is by Brian Tracy. He is my mentor. I’ve read some books by Brian Tracy like The art of selling, Focus, Vocal Points, Goals, Excuses. I listen to a Podcast daily called Seven Good Minute where I learn about finance, how to make money and a lot of things. I have watched several videos but there is particular one called Impossible is nothing by Obong King, that video is everything.

Startup Stories

Beyond Borders: How Zipline is Bringing Instant Delivery to Everyone, Everywhere

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Zipline was founded in 2014 with the mission of creating the first logistics system that serves all humans equally. The San Francisco-based startup designs manufactures, and operates the world’s largest instant logistics and delivery system, which is used by businesses, governments, and consumers.
The company’s innovative approach to delivery is transforming the way goods move, from powering Rwanda’s national blood delivery network to providing on-demand home delivery for e-commerce. Zipline uses autonomous, electric drones to provide a teleportation service that delivers what you need when you need it.

zipline_delivery

The technology is complex, but the idea is simple – to provide equitable access to essential goods and decarbonize delivery by transitioning to clean, electric, instant logistics.
Zipline’s drones can fly to hard-to-reach areas, quickly and efficiently delivering medical supplies, vaccines, and other essential goods to healthcare workers and patients in need. The company operates on three continents (North America, Africa, and Asia) and in seven countries – Rwanda, Ghana, the United States, Nigeria, Japan, Kenya, and Côte D’Ivoire.

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Since its inception, Zipline has made more than 540,000 deliveries to real customers and currently completes one every 90 seconds. The company has flown 40 million autonomous commercial miles and delivered almost 5 million products, including more than 8 million vaccine doses.
Zipline has two delivery platforms – a long-range system, Platform 1, and its next-generation home delivery system, Platform 2. Behind each delivery is a complex network of airspace deconfliction tools, inventory management, fulfilment software, warehousing, performance management, cold chain storage, and more. The instant logistics system is a trusted partner for businesses, governments, and consumers and currently supports the medical, health, and retail sectors, delivering blood, vaccines, COVID supplies, prescriptions, e-commerce items, products that support human and animal health, and food.

zipline_delivery

Zipline’s innovative technology has received international recognition and numerous awards. The company has received significant funding from various investors, including Andreessen Horowitz, Sequoia Capital, and Temasek Holdings.
Zipline’s partnerships are extensive, and the company works with Walmart, Pfizer, Toyota Tsusho, Sweetgreen, NGOs, and large health systems and national governments around the world.
Overall, Zipline’s innovative technology has the potential to revolutionize the delivery of essential goods and improve access to healthcare in areas where traditional transportation methods are limited or unavailable. The company continues to grow and expand its operations to more locations around the world, helping to make a positive impact on the lives of people in need.

Startup Stories

How Ahmsville Labs is Solving Complex Problems in the Hardware Design Industry with Innovative Products

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Ahmed_Oyenuga
Who are you and what are you working on?

My name is Ahmed Oyenuga, a Hardware Engineer / Developer and I’m the founder of AhmsvilleLabs. AhmsvilleLabs is a collection of innovative projects and accessible tools geared at streamlining the hardware design and development experience.

What motivated you to get started with Ahmsville Labs?

Imagine being able to solve complex problems using technology and turning your ideas into real-world solutions that benefit people far beyond your own expectations. As a hardware engineer and product developer, this is exactly what drives me. Ahmsville Labs started as a humble endeavour to share my knowledge and expertise in building innovative hardware projects. But as I delved deeper into the world of problem-solving through technology, I discovered that the solutions I created for myself could also benefit others in unexpected ways. This realization fueled my passion for developing my ideas into useful products, and that’s how Ahmsville Labs came to be.

Ahmed_Oyenuga
What specific problem are you solving with your startup and how are you solving it?

At the core of my work lies a deep commitment to empowering professionals in the hardware design and development industry. I believe that everyone deserves access to the latest and greatest hardware tools, regardless of their level of expertise. That’s why the company is dedicated to making hardware tools accessible to more people.

In pursuit of this goal, I have developed a range of innovative products that are specifically geared toward professionals looking to improve how they create. These products can be broadly divided into two categories: new hardware/ software solutions and engineering tools, Both are tailored to meet the needs of hardware professionals who want to streamline their workflows and improve their work efficiency.

Since launch, what has worked to attract and retain customers?

I have found honesty to be the most valuable resource when dealing directly with consumers. My customers are primarily hardware engineers like myself, so it is important to invent tools that I am happy to use myself. My customers are often part of my online community as a maker, and listening to their improvement recommendations has also helped improve the user experience for other customers.

Ahmed_Oyenuga
Describe what makes your business/startup unique.

Ahmsville Labs is a product-driven business, and each of its products is unique in the problem it solves and in the way it solves them. You can explore these products on the website.

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How did you raise capital to fund your startup, and what advice do you have for other entrepreneurs seeking investment?

Right out of university, I started working for ipNX, an internet service provider. It was a great job that promised a successful engineering career, but it wasn’t the career I wanted for myself, so I had to walk away from it. However, the job allowed me to save enough money to buy my first 3D printer in 2018, which set me on the path I am on today. If you are a maker in Nigeria, I strongly recommend getting a 3D printer, it’s like having a superpower that helps you quickly realize your ideas.

For the first two years, I worked as a freelance hardware designer, and I used part of my earnings to expand my capacity and tool arsenal. The other part went into developing the hardware products that Ahmsville Labs is known for today. Funding endeavours in this manner requires a lot of personal sacrifices, and knowledge of how to build MVPs, a concept I habitually live by. In 2019, I created my first product and sold it directly to customers through my online store on Tindie.com. This brought in more money, which I religiously reinvested into the company. Ahmsville Labs now has nine products in the hands of hundreds of people around the world.

What have been the most influential books, podcasts, or other resources for you?

Hackster Cafe is a weekly live stream that features a lot of brilliant and amazing people in the hardware community, it’s been an inspiration and a guide for me, I also got a chance to interview with the host Alex Glow last year. see the interview here.

What were the biggest challenges you faced and the obstacles you overcame?

Nigeria is not a conducive environment for tech businesses, particularly in the hardware space where accessibility to tools and parts is crucial. As hardware creates hardware, the biggest challenge I face is the lack of accessibility to the tools and parts I need to operate at the level I do. Major electronics distributors rarely ship directly to Nigeria, and when they do, the shipping charges are exorbitant. Imagine having to pay $97 to ship a chip that costs only $0.50. This is ridiculous, but it’s what I’ve had to do to get the parts I need. The ongoing challenge of power, or lack thereof, is also a significant hurdle. Nigerian readers will understand this struggle. Despite these challenges, I remain committed to innovating and pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the hardware space.

What role did innovation play in the development of your business/startup, and how do you stay ahead of the competition?

The technology industry constantly evolves, and it’s easy to get left behind if you don’t keep up. At Ahmsville Labs, we take a different approach – we’re the ones creating the change. by focusing on identifying unexplored problems in the hardware design process and providing innovative solutions to get tasks done more efficiently. We don’t just follow the trends, we strive to set them, by pushing the boundaries of what’s possible and challenging the norms we’re guaranteeing our position in the industry as it grows.

Where would you like your startup to be in five years?

Ahmsville Labs will continue to develop groundbreaking hardware while making technology more accessible to hobbyists and professionals alike. In five years, I see the company disrupting the AR/VR and robotics industries, and becoming a multimillion-dollar operation.
While I encourage dreaming big, I prefer to square my focus on what I can do now. So, what I am most looking forward to this year is launching the Pick n Place Wheel v2, a device that will revolutionize the way we assemble PCBs. Additionally, I am excited about establishing the interactive air quality map in Lagos to increase awareness about air pollution. This project recently received a seed fund of 10,000 pounds from RS Components /Designspark, a UK-based electronics distributor.

What software or technology has made the biggest difference to your business?

That would be additive manufacturing (3D printing) and PCB manufacturing.

What one thing do you wish someone had told you when you started on your business journey?

I wish someone had taught me all the creative solutions I have painfully learned and employed to keep my business going despite all the limitations imposed by the country, solutions in part sourcing, shipping, power, and time management.

Have you had any failed business?

Ahmsville Labs is my first company and I’ve weathered failed ideas and significant setbacks due to poor money management, but through it all, I’ve remained steadfast in my belief that experience will always teach you more. While some may wish for a chance to go back and make different choices, my mistakes are valuable lessons that have helped me grow both personally and professionally. And even now, as I continue to face new challenges and make mistakes, I am still looking forward to the journey and the lessons it has to offer.

What are some sources for learning you would recommend for entrepreneurs who are just starting?

Google and YouTube have been my best resources for learning so I have no reservations in recommending them to anyone looking to learn or improve a skill, there are a lot of amazing people out there who are happy to share their knowledge.

Advice for other entrepreneurs who want to get started or are just starting out?

being featured among other amazing founders is a true honor. But first and foremost, I identify myself as a hardware engineer and an all-around giant nerd. Ahmsville Labs happens to be the perfect expression of my passion for innovation, which is what drives me to create and bring new ideas to life. As an aspiring entrepreneur, my first advice would be to find that thing that drives you, that thing that you’re passionate about. It’s the one thing that you can invest your time in without any regrets. For me, it’s tinkering with hardware and coming up with new and innovative solutions. But for you, it could be something completely different. The important thing is to find that spark and chase after it with all you’ve got.

My second piece of advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is to embrace the possibility of failure and see it as a valuable learning opportunity. Be prepared to make sacrifices and put in the hard work necessary to succeed. and if you truly love what you do, you will always be able to find the motivation to overcome any obstacles that come your way. So, don’t wait for the perfect time or the perfect conditions, start now and be prepared to fail and learn from it.

Are you looking to hire for certain positions right now?

I’ll take an intern someone with some technical skills looking to learn hardware design and development.

Startup Stories

The Journey of an Innovator: How Solomon Udukhokai Is Building His Own Tech Empire

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Solomon_Udukhokai
Who are you and what are you working on?

I’m an interesting person, I’m a young inspirational Nigerian that has a passion for change and impact. I’m that person who wants to inspire the next generation to be great, I want to leave the world better than I found the world.

My name is Solomon Ogege Udukhokai, I’m from Edo State Nigeria. I’m a hardware Engineer, I’m the MD/CEO at AXAO Technology. At AXAO we create basic active lifestyle solutions. The goal is to be able to create hardware that is powered by software basically. We are forward-thinking, we are innovative, and we look at creating an ecosystem of everything that we have created so that we can keep our consumers at a close loop where they constantly refer to different products for solutions.

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Incredible. How did you get started with AXAO technology?

As a child, I’ve been an innovator. I built things right from childhood, I’ve built insane things as a child. I wanted to study Aeronautic Engineer at some point. But due to the way the country is, I proceeded to study computer science where I started understanding computers and how things work. I left school and I started working and went further to do business development. Interestingly AXAO started seven years ago. I love watches and I started creating watches seven years ago for Corporate Organizations. I started creating industrial designs. I learnt what it takes to design a product seven years ago. I nurtured it from that period to 2021 when we started full-time.

It looks like you had it all figured out at a young age, was there a point where you got confused as to what you want to become in the future?

I’d say I was never confused as to what I wanted to do in the future. But confusion came when I was working as a salesperson because it was frustrating but I knew that was not what I wanted to do at that time. I knew what I wanted to do; I knew I wanted to create products. You need to submit to authority and train yourself before you’re fully baked enough to start on your own. It’s usually a process where you work for some organizations and then you develop yourself to be independent.

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What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs who have to work first to make ends meet and submit to the authority before pursuing their entrepreneurial dreams?

From my personal ideologies and philosophies. I’d only propagate what I believe. You might have the features of an entrepreneur but you might not understand the processes of becoming an entrepreneur. Your work will help you build connections and relationships that you can leverage. You are not going to sell your services or your products in a ghost town, you’re going to sell to your relatives and people in your close quarters. So, you really do need that relationship and the best place to create a relationship is through your workplace. You’d eventually appreciate the time you’ve spent in your 9-5 job.

It felt like pain when I was working but I realized that I have been trained to be a fine individual in terms of me putting forward documents or me putting forward research materials and all of that. Working for coming entrepreneurs is really you building yourself.

Excellent. How were you able to fund your startup? Were you bootstrapping or is there an investment somewhere that is helping?

Basically, we are bootstrapping. We did the first round of investment in 2022 and that helped us to get off the ground basically. You need people who believe in you, you need to be able to sell your story and sell yourself in a way where people that have the resources help you to get a head start. Hardware is very hard but there are people who believe in us. If you miss one thing, it means you’ve missed it by thousands. The great thing about hardware is that it comes out to become a product. That means you can sell the product and you can slowly build.

Incredible, what are the challenges you’re facing in AXAO Technology?

The first challenge is being an African and a Nigerian. There are shipping barriers; we work with a diverse set of people. Design and material specification is done in Milan and we manufacture in China. We had to communicate our vision to these people for them to understand what we are actually doing. We have an engineering team here in Nigeria and software is built locally. I have the most amazing team but it took time to communicate and for us to have the team dynamics that would help them discharge their duties expressly. No matter how tough something is just give it time. I believe in the process and I believe in growing organically. Penetrating the local market is also another challenge but we’ve been doing it. We didn’t get there overnight.

This is amazing and I wish you the best of luck. Are bigger brands a major competitor to you?

it’s interesting to understand that the market is actually big enough and it’s massive. If you don’t see them as competitors then they are not one but if you see them as an inspiration then they are an inspiration. I am creating a Niche and they are not a competition. We produce our products and you will get the same quality of what you will get from big brands. They are an inspiration and not a competition.

Great. If you are not an entrepreneur what will you be doing?

I will be an Entrepreneur with another expression. I am a salesperson and I love technology.

Fantastic. Any advice for other entrepreneurs who want to do what you’re doing?

The road with the least resistance often sends you to the poorest results. Think of hard and complex tasks. Don’t look for an easy route, study well and be the best at what you do. Dig well and you will find amazing answers. High resistance, high reward.

Startup Stories

Revolutionizing African Enterprise with Energy Innovation: The Inspiring Story of Festus Agbonifo and Fesbec Consulting

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Festus Agbonifo

Festus Agbonifo is a visionary CEO who is passionate about reshaping African enterprise through innovative energy solutions. With over a decade of experience in the energy sector, Festus has a proven track record of delivering effective solutions for businesses across the continent.

Festus Agbonifo

As the head of Director of Sales and Strategy/International Operations for Fesbec Solutions a leading energy company, Festus is focused on providing Diesel/Fuel Efficiency Management, Back-Up Power Solutions, and Renewable Energy Solutions to companies in Africa. His mission is to empower businesses with the tools they need to become more sustainable, efficient, and profitable, while also reducing their environmental impact. Currently Fesbec have a strong presence in Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon and in Uganda (Eastern Africa).

Festus believes that the key to achieving these goals is through energy innovation. He is constantly exploring new technologies and approaches to help businesses thrive in an increasingly competitive market. For example, Fesbec has developed a unique diesel/fuel efficiency management system that helps companies reduce their fuel consumption and lower their operating costs, while also reducing their carbon footprint.

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In addition to his work in the energy sector, Festus is also a respected thought leader in the industry. He frequently speaks at conferences and events to share his insights and expertise with others. He is committed to making a positive impact on the world and believes that by reshaping African enterprise through energy innovation, we can create a more sustainable and prosperous future for all.

Festus Agbonifo

Under Festus’ leadership, Fesbec has built a reputation for delivering reliable, cost-effective energy solutions. He is a strong leader who inspires his team to strive for excellence in all aspects of their work. He is dedicated to creating a culture of innovation and collaboration within his organization, where every employee is encouraged to bring their unique perspectives and ideas to the table.

Festus is also committed to giving back to the community. He is involved in several philanthropic initiatives aimed at improving access to energy and education in underserved communities especially in Nigeria and more recently Uganda. He believes that by empowering people with the tools they need to succeed, we can create a more just and equitable society.

Festus Agbonifo is a visionary leader who is reshaping African enterprise through energy innovation. His commitment to sustainability, innovation, and community empowerment is driving positive change across the continent. As businesses in Africa continue to face new challenges and opportunities, Festus and his team are well-positioned to help them succeed in a rapidly evolving energy landscape.

Learn more about the innovative work of Fesbec Consulting:

Website: www.fesbec.com
Email: info@fesbec.com
Startup Stories

How Adebola Anofi is Revolutionizing Nigeria’s Energy Sector with Renewable Solutions

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Who are you and what motivated you to get started with White Consult Technology?

I am Engr. Adebola Anofi. I am the lead consultant of White Consult Technology Ltd., a Renewable Energy Solution provider. My motivation is multidimensional. One, I was trying to overcome the stigma of my “new status” as a physically challenged person as a result of a neurological disorder borne out of an oversight during a medical examination from an accident I had. The other motivation is to fulfil a personal dream of adding value to the Nigerian system.

What specific problem are you solving with your startup and how are you?

Nigeria as we all know is the most populous nation in Africa with over 200 million population can offtake less than 5,000MW of electricity for both industrial and domestic usage. Looking at this figure, it is grossly inadequate and there is a very huge gap between the available energy and its demand. So, my start-up is to ensure we assist homes and offices to have access to affordable and environmentally friendly alternative power through Solar Energy Systems.

Since launch, what has worked to attract and retain customers?

Our customer service has been top-notch. We ensure that our existing and potential customers have 24/7 access to us with a corresponding time for feedback and response to their inquiries. Our company’s CSR is also something we have been critical about. One of the things we take cognizance of is to be responsible corporate citizens by paying our taxes as and when due. We also try to give back to our community, and, one of them is our immediate environment and other public places.

Describe what makes your business/startup unique.

My start-up is not absolutely a unique one. But at the time we started about 9 years ago, there are very few people who are actually interested in adopting Renewable Energy Solutions as effective and efficient alternative means of power. Thankfully, we stick to our convictions, and to the glory of God, we are making progress.

How did you raise capital to fund your Start-up, and what advice do you have for other entrepreneurs seeking investment?

I did a lot of affiliate marketing for companies, and the commission gotten from this was very helpful in addition to the crowdfunding from family & friends.

What were the biggest challenges you faced and the obstacles you overcame?

Some of my challenges include having a consistent employee that will key into your work ethic and standard. So, what we do is to ensure we motivate our staff. For instance, we organize a family picnic for all cadres of staff and their immediate family members. We also give outstanding staff members awards and gifts at the end of the year. The other is funding. Nigeria’s Renewable Energy market requires big funding to source materials.

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What role did innovation play in the development of your business/startup, and how do you stay ahead of the competition?

In Tech Business, innovation is what stands you out and we have always kept ourselves abreast of new trends in the industry by deploying any new innovation in vogue. We also always inform our clients and other stakeholders of any new trends so we all can be on the same page.

We don’t compromise quality and standards in our job. For us, it’s zero tolerance for compromising quality and standards… We’ve also made ourselves visible and available 24/7.

Where would you like your startup to be in five years?

Business operations across Africa.

What software or technology has made the biggest difference to your business?

Google workspace

What one thing do you wish someone had told you when you started on your business journey?

Failure is a catalyst for the success of the business.

If you had the chance to do things differently, what would you do?

If I could do things differently, I would have opened a vocational centre for people to come in a gain knowledge.  In today’s world,  knowledge is the new currency.

What funny or horrible story happened to you that made you almost give up your entrepreneurial journey?

I had gone for a site survey and the architect, seeing me in a wheelchair asked  “How do you plan to do the job” in an unfriendly manner. This got me teary and I questioned my capabilities.

White_Consult_Technology
Advice for other entrepreneurs who want to get started or are just starting out?

Offer service and money will come calling.

One business app and one personal app you can’t do without?

Linkedin.com and Whatsapp.com

Where can we find you? Your website and social media handles

White Consult Website

White Consult Instagram

Founder’s Instagram

Startup Stories

From a Small Ethiopian Village to the Global Fashion Industry: Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu’s Impactful Journey with soleRebels

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Bethlehem_Tilahun_Alemu

Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu was born in 1980 in the Zenabwork area of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Growing up, Bethlehem’s parents instilled in her a strong sense of social justice and a desire to make a difference in her community.

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She was particularly inspired by her mother’s traditional weaving techniques, which she saw as having the potential to create high-quality, fashionable footwear.
However, as she grew older, Bethlehem faced significant challenges. She struggled to find employment opportunities that aligned with her passion for social justice, and she saw firsthand the negative impact that poverty and lack of opportunity were having on her community.
Despite these challenges, Bethlehem remained determined to create positive change. In 2005, she founded soleRebels, a footwear brand that utilized traditional Ethiopian weaving techniques to create stylish and eco-friendly shoes. However, Bethlehem faced many obstacles in growing her business. She lacked funding, had limited access to global markets, and had to navigate the complexities of global supply chains.

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Despite these challenges, Bethlehem remained committed to her vision. She persevered, and with her hard work and determination, she was able to grow soleRebels into a successful global brand with stores and customers around the world.
Along the way, Bethlehem also founded the Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu Foundation to support education, healthcare, and other initiatives in Ethiopia. She has worked tirelessly to promote social justice and economic empowerment in her country and beyond.

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Lessons From Her Story

Bethlehem’s story is a testament to the power of innovation, creativity, and a deep commitment to social justice. Her journey demonstrates the importance of perseverance, resilience, and a willingness to take risks in pursuit of a larger vision. Despite the challenges she faced, Bethlehem never lost sight of her goal of creating positive change in her community and the world.
Her story inspires others to believe in themselves and their abilities to make a difference in the world. Through her work, Bethlehem has shown that by following your passions, staying committed to your goals, and working hard, you can achieve incredible things and make a positive impact in the world.