It’s been over a year since I last shared here — not for lack of stories, but because life got loud, fast, and full. Building a startup (especially in Africa) is no walk in the park. It’s a mix of …| teshmbaabu
I took some time to pen down my thoughts on the state of our business/sector and the African tech ecosystem in 2023, some critical lessons learnt, and my general outlook for 2024 and beyond.| teshmbaabu
I am grateful to list on Forbes Africa among 30 young Africans who choose to write tomorrow’s history today; with relentless focus, stubborn self-belief and unwavering determination. This recognition however, comes during the toughest phase of my entrepreneurial journey; amidst uncertain times, where every day is a battle. That notwithstanding, I know that I am privileged to… Continue reading The Underdog Journey to Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 Cover| teshmbaabu
Out of crisis comes opportunity. Remember that many great companies have risen from the ashes of distressed periods. Google, SalesForce, and Facebook were started just before a period of financial stress. Uber, Venmo, Slack, Airbnb, and Pinterest all emerged from the 2008 financial crisis. There are advantages to building in a less heated economy: hiring great talent gets easier, there is less “dumb” competition purely fuelled by capital, one learns to think smarter to build an edge into ...| teshmbaabu
Over the years, countless YC founders, partners, and applicants have written about the YC application process. However, as an African founder who has gone through YC, I thought it would be nice to share a relatable perspective for other fledging African founders.| teshmbaabu
After the announcement and news on raising our first external round of capital, several budding African entrepreneurs have reached out to me through various social media channels asking, “Tesh, please could you share some tips on how you did it?” Reflecting upon the same and the numerous congratulatory messages that came streaming in this past week… Continue reading My top lessons from fundraising for our startup in Africa| teshmbaabu
The Struggle is when you wonder why you started the company in the first place. The Struggle is when people ask you why you don’t quit and you don’t know the answer. The Struggle is when your employees think you are lying and you think they may be right. The Struggle is when food loses… Continue reading The struggle is where greatness comes from| teshmbaabu
In 2007, Faraz Ramji co-founded Norda Industries with the mission of creating growth and opportunity in East Africa by providing consumers with quality, innovative and fun products. In the last 10 years the company has been manufacturing snacks and has several well-known brands such as Urban Bites, Urban Stix, Bitez and Tamu Tamu. Fast forward… Continue reading The obstacle is the way| teshmbaabu
Interviewed and Written By Mona Ombogo for the Hustle Magazine – The Standard Newspaper pullout Life can be mundane. We slog and hustle every day, looking for ways to make a living and impact…| teshmbaabu
It is perfectly okay to begin again; to close one chapter and open the next. What is not okay is not trying again — businesses only die when the founder gives up.| teshmbaabu
