Post Type ArchivesEpisode

From Vet School to Fintech: How Olarinde Olukuntoye Is Empowering African Freelancers with Reeple

Beta Mode Podcast
Beta Mode Podcast
From Vet School to Fintech: How Olarinde Olukuntoye Is Empowering African Freelancers with Reeple
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In this episode, we chat with Olarinde Olukuntoye, COO of Reeple, a fintech startup helping African freelancers get paid globally. He shares his unique path from veterinary medicine to building impact-driven startups like Vinsight and Reeple. We dive into how Reeple allows users in Africa to open foreign currency accounts, receive payments, and convert funds locally and how the platform stands out from traditional services. He also reflects on the role of empathy, problem-solving, and lessons from Techstars in shaping his journey.

How Kuronga is Using Tech to Improve Agricultural Outcomes in Africa, with Oliver Windram

Beta Mode Podcast
Beta Mode Podcast
How Kuronga is Using Tech to Improve Agricultural Outcomes in Africa, with Oliver Windram
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In this episode, we talk with Oliver Windrum, co-founder and CTO of Koronga, an agri-tech startup focused on empowering small-scale African farmers. Oliver shares his journey from growing up on a farm in Zimbabwe to founding Koronga, which uses technology to reduce food waste and improve agricultural productivity. The episode explores the potential of tech to revolutionize African farming and the importance of combining practical solutions with digital innovation.

Innovating Employee Welfare in Africa with Lekan Olude, Founder of Motherboard

Beta Mode Podcast
Beta Mode Podcast
Innovating Employee Welfare in Africa with Lekan Olude, Founder of Motherboard
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In this Beta Mode podcast episode, we explore the impact of employee welfare innovation in corporate Africa with Lekan Olude, the founder of Motherboard. Lekan shares his journey from a computer science student at Obafemi Awolowo University to co-founding Jobberman, a leading job acquisition platform in Nigeria, and eventually creating Motherboard. Driven by a passion for enhancing employee benefits across Africa, Lekan discusses his mission to provide accessible and usable benefits to employees, improving their quality of life and fostering loyalty and productivity within companies. He delves into the challenges and successes of launching a startup in the Nigerian tech ecosystem and how his experiences have shaped Motherboard’s development. Throughout the conversation, Lekan emphasizes the importance of trust, integrity, and perseverance in building sustainable businesses in Africa. We also delve into Motherboard’s vision to improve employee benefits by connecting employers, employees, and vendors in a seamless and efficient manner. Lekan concludes by reflecting on the future of employee welfare in Africa, envisioning a landscape where comprehensive benefits are the norm, contributing to a thriving workforce and strong economic growth.

Investing in Africa’s Future: Lydia Idem on Empowering Afropreneurs with LoftyInc

Beta Mode Podcast
Beta Mode Podcast
Investing in Africa’s Future: Lydia Idem on Empowering Afropreneurs with LoftyInc
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In this Beta Mode podcast episode, we delve into the dynamic world of African venture capitalism with Lydia Idem, the Chief Operating Officer of LoftyInc Capital Management. Lydia narrates her extraordinary journey from a dot-com era developer to the African venture capital scene, driven by a vision to boost tech-enabled businesses across the continent. She elaborates on her role in identifying and investing in Afropreneurs, African founders and those in the diaspora, who are creating scalable solutions for Africa’s unique challenges. Throughout the conversation, Lydia emphasizes the critical importance of persistence and a supportive network in navigating Africa’s entrepreneurial landscape. We also explore LoftyInc’s mission to foster economic growth by investing in startups that have the potential to create significant socio-economic impact. Lydia concludes by reflecting on the future of venture capital in Africa, envisioning a robust ecosystem where African-founded companies thrive and compete globally.

Transforming African Mining with Ayo Sopitan and Metalex Commodities

Beta Mode Podcast
Beta Mode Podcast
Transforming African Mining with Ayo Sopitan and Metalex Commodities
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In this Beta Mode podcast episode, we delve into the ethical transformation of African mining practices with Ayo Sopitan, founder and CEO of Metalex Commodities. Ayo narrates his transition from a data analyst in corporate America to leading a venture aimed at reforming the mining industry in Africa through ethical sourcing and data-driven methods. He emphasizes the importance of connecting small-scale miners to the global market, ensuring fair compensation, and adopting sustainable mining practices. The discussion also explores the critical role of technology in optimizing operations and the significant impact of the African diaspora in supporting the continent’s development. Ayo envisions Metalex Commodities as a global leader in the metals market, focusing on transparency, equity, and the empowerment of African communities, showcasing the potential of ethical entrepreneurship to drive societal change in one of Africa’s key sectors.

Pens and Shovels: Simi Aluko’s Journey with Illino Media in African Literature

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Beta Mode Podcast
Pens and Shovels: Simi Aluko’s Journey with Illino Media in African Literature
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In this Beta Mode podcast episode, we explore the transformative power of African literature with Simi Aluko, founder of Illino Media. Simi recounts her journey from a passionate storyteller to a champion of African fiction, emphasizing literature’s role in societal change. She discusses balancing creative writing with her technical role as a civil engineering PhD student, highlighting the importance of innovation resonating with its audience. The episode delves into Illino Media’s commitment to preserving the authentic voices of African writers while expanding their reach. Simi concludes by reflecting on her work’s socio-economic impact in Africa, underscoring the need to empower writers both artistically and financially.

Tomiwa Igun’s Commitment to Delivering Affordable and Sustainable Energy Solutions to African Households

Beta Mode Podcast
Beta Mode Podcast
Tomiwa Igun’s Commitment to Delivering Affordable and Sustainable Energy Solutions to African Households
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In this episode of the Beta Mode podcast, Tomiwa Igun, co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of SunFi, details his journey from confronting power issues in Nigeria as a teenager to co-founding a sustainable energy and fintech startup. He introduces SunFi, a fintech platform he co-founded, specifically designed to accelerate the adoption of solar energy solutions across Africa. SunFi’s mission is to offer techno-economic solutions, utilizing solar panels to provide African communities with clean, affordable, and sustainable energy technologies. Tomiwa highlights the necessity of embracing calculated risks and building solid relationships as fundamental to success in any business venture. Tune in for an episode rich in insights and inspiration.

Cheukai Makari’s Journey to Empowering African Women

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Beta Mode Podcast
Cheukai Makari’s Journey to Empowering African Women
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In this episode, Cheukai Makari, CEO of Aminat Ventures, recounts her journey from Sierra Leone to UC Berkeley, and how it shaped her mission to empower African women entrepreneurs. Her experiences in Sierra Leone and academic pursuits in International Business and Global Development at Berkeley fueled her passion for sustainable development. Aminat Ventures, her brainchild, focuses on providing resources, mentorship, and tools to African women, fostering community-driven and environmentally sustainable business practices. Cheukai’s vision is to expand Aminat Ventures across Africa, demonstrating the profound impact of women-led, community-focused initiatives on societal well-being.