Joshua D'Souza's family has run safaris in East Africa for over 50 years.

After climbing Kilimanjaro and having a life-changing conversation under the stars at his cousin's coffee farm, Joshua knew he needed to digitize African travel.

What followed was a wild ride: regulatory threats that could have sent him to jail, moving his entire team to Tanzania, and eventually building CloudSafaris–the infrastructure now processing millions in travel inquiries and powers bookings for major platforms ike Travly.

In this conversation, Joshua gets real about:

• Why African travel infrastructure is "only 1% built"
• The moment TICO threatened $50K fines + jail time (and their response)
• Navigating North American investors who said "we don't touch Africa"
• What it's really like living with local operators and learning the business from the ground up
• Their journey from 2 customers to millions in monthly inquiries
• Why he'd "die for what he's building" (his words, not ours)

This episode is pure gold for anyone building for African markets, considering a diaspora entrepreneurship journey, or just curious about what happens when you take a massive infrastructure problem and tackle it head-on.

~

Key Topics:

• African travel infrastructure challenges
• Building in the diaspora vs. on the continent
• Fundraising for Africa-focused startups in North America
• Strategic partnerships and angel investors
• The pivot from B2C to B2B travel tech

~

Connect with Joshua:

• CloudSafaris: https://cloudsafaris.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-d-souza-758b74132/

~

Connect with the Build:

• Subscribe to our newsletter: vizible.substack.com
• Follow us on Twitter: @vizibleafrica
• Host: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damilolaoludumila/

~

Chapters:

0:00 - 5:30 Background: Waterloo, Family Safari Legacy

5:30 - 8:45 The Waterloo Startup Culture & Co-op Program

8:45 - 12:00 First CloudSafaris Attempt (2019) & COVID Pivot

12:00 - 22:00 Building Phros: Fitness Tech During Pandemic

22:00 - 32:00 Moving to Tanzania, Living with Local Operators & Learning the Business

32:00 - 41:00 The TICO Cease & Desist: $50K Fine + Jail Time Threat

41:00 - 45:00 Co-founder Relationships & Living Together

45:00 - 56:00 Finding Strategic Angels: Travly & Benjamin Fernandes

56:00 - 1:00:00 Why African Travel is "1% Built"

1:00:00 - 1:03:00 Competition: Uber Safari Launch & Market Response

1:03:00 - 1:09:00 5-Year Vision & Advice for Learning About African Markets

1:09:00 - 1:12:00 "I Would Die for What I'm Building"

Joshua D'Souza's family has run safaris in East Africa for over 50 years.

After climbing Kilimanjaro and having a life-changing conversation under the stars at his cousin's coffee farm, Joshua knew he needed to digitize African travel.

What followed was a wild ride: regulatory threats that could have sent him to jail, moving his entire team to Tanzania, and eventually building CloudSafaris–the infrastructure now processing millions in travel inquiries and powers bookings for major platforms ike Travly.

In this conversation, Joshua gets real about:

• Why African travel infrastructure is "only 1% built"
• The moment TICO threatened $50K fines + jail time (and their response)
• Navigating North American investors who said "we don't touch Africa"
• What it's really like living with local operators and learning the business from the ground up
• Their journey from 2 customers to millions in monthly inquiries
• Why he'd "die for what he's building" (his words, not ours)

This episode is pure gold for anyone building for African markets, considering a diaspora entrepreneurship journey, or just curious about what happens when you take a massive infrastructure problem and tackle it head-on.

~

Key Topics:

• African travel infrastructure challenges
• Building in the diaspora vs. on the continent
• Fundraising for Africa-focused startups in North America
• Strategic partnerships and angel investors
• The pivot from B2C to B2B travel tech

~

Connect with Joshua:

• CloudSafaris: https://cloudsafaris.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-d-souza-758b74132/

~

Connect with the Build:

• Subscribe to our newsletter: vizible.substack.com
• Follow us on Twitter: @vizibleafrica
• Host: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damilolaoludumila/

~

Chapters:

0:00 - 5:30 Background: Waterloo, Family Safari Legacy

5:30 - 8:45 The Waterloo Startup Culture & Co-op Program

8:45 - 12:00 First CloudSafaris Attempt (2019) & COVID Pivot

12:00 - 22:00 Building Phros: Fitness Tech During Pandemic

22:00 - 32:00 Moving to Tanzania, Living with Local Operators & Learning the Business

32:00 - 41:00 The TICO Cease & Desist: $50K Fine + Jail Time Threat

41:00 - 45:00 Co-founder Relationships & Living Together

45:00 - 56:00 Finding Strategic Angels: Travly & Benjamin Fernandes

56:00 - 1:00:00 Why African Travel is "1% Built"

1:00:00 - 1:03:00 Competition: Uber Safari Launch & Market Response

1:03:00 - 1:09:00 5-Year Vision & Advice for Learning About African Markets

1:09:00 - 1:12:00 "I Would Die for What I'm Building"

Episode Summary:

In this episode, we reflect on the remarkable events and trends in technology across Africa over the last year and share our projections for the year ahead. 

We kick off with discussions around the key highlights from the previous year in the tech ecosystem based on various reports. We discussed the decline in tech investments across Africa, talked about investor portfolio realignment, and highlighted the retreat of global investors like Tiger Global from the market. 

We don't shy away from the tough questions either, scrutinizing the murky details of big acquisitions and stressing the need for clarity in such deals. The episode moves through the tough tides of venture debt, currency devaluation, and how these are reshaping startup survival strategies.

Despite the challenges such as currency devaluation and market slowdowns, we delve into the promise of 2024. We predict a possible pickup in growth stage investments, anticipation of a major African startup exit, and increased investments in Africa's secondary markets.

Tune in for an episode jam-packed with thoughtful analysis, critical insights, a dash of banter and perhaps the fuel for your next big idea. Remember to join the conversation with your own forecasts at @vizibleafrica on Twitter!

—

Episode Chapters:

2023 Investment Highlights [00:00:16 - 00:06:46]

Realigning Global Portfolios [00:06:47 - 00:08:19]

The Role of DFIs and Venture Debt [00:09:11 - 00:10:59]

Challenges in Growth Stage Investing [00:10:59 - 00:14:59]

Startup Market Retractions and Expansions [00:17:04 - 00:20:06]

Startups and Currency Devaluation Impact [00:21:55 - 00:23:44]

Francophone Expansion Interests [00:26:41 - 00:29:21]

Acquisition Activities and Transparency [00:35:36 - 00:44:50]

Predictions for 2024 [00:45:22 - end]

—

Transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1dnLmbsZha_IwQkXiBaLppbme27cyrZd_WkNwLRJ1CoQ/edit?usp=sharing

—

Some of the things we referenced:

—

You can find Vizible at:

Website: ⁠https://www.vizible.africa/

⁠Substack: ⁠https://vizible.substack.com/ ⁠

Twitter: ⁠https://twitter.com/vizibleafrica⁠

—

You can find us at:

Dami's Twitter: ⁠https://twitter.com/LongLiveDumi⁠

Dami's LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/damilolaoludumila/⁠

Yemi's Twitter: ⁠https://twitter.com/YemiA_⁠

Yemi's LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/yemiadegbayi/⁠

Tage’s Twitter: ⁠https://twitter.com/ulonnaya⁠

Tage’s LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/tage-kene-okafor/ 

Episode Summary:

In this episode, we dove deep into some pressing topics in the African startup ecosystem. We started by debating whether founders, who've previously faced challenges or setbacks, deserve a second shot. Taking cues from 54Gene's puzzling shutdown and its ex-CEO's swift pivot to a seemingly parallel venture, we question the implications for the broader entrepreneurial landscape.

Transitioning to funding, we discussed Mecho Autotech's recent funding triumph and ponder over the sudden surge in pre-Series A rounds in our ecosystem—What is behind this trend, and what it signals for startups on the continent.

Lastly, we discussed the accelerating pace of acquisitions in our ecosystem. We highlighted some recent deals, speculated about future mergers and discussed their potential impact.

If you're curious about the intricacies of Africa's tech and startup scene, this episode is a must-listen. So tune in, take notes, and be prepared to be inspired. Be sure to subscribe, share, and tweet about this podcast, and follow @vizibleafrica on Twitter for more exciting episodes.

—

Episode Chapters:

(0:00:15) - Founders' Second Chances and Accountability

(0:12:57) - Startups and Funding in Africa

(0:23:18) - Nexus of Pre-Series A Funding in African Startups

(0:35:17) - Acquisition Valuation and Funding Signals

(0:46:28) - Recent Acquisitions in the Market

(0:54:42) - Predictions for Acquisitions in the African Tech Space

—

Transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HhiJIbvFjFEMD4lh_9-p5yBY7gWREn7Dg-I8wSczG2E/edit?usp=sharing

—

Some of the things we referenced:

—

You can find Vizible at:

—

You can find us at:

Nubi’s Profile:

Meet Nubi Kay', a seasoned professional in the tech space, currently fostering startup growth at Paystack. A true entrepreneur at heart, he co-founded Nigeria's first online takeaway service, EasyAppetite, and now passionately supports new ventures in Africa and its diaspora through his syndicate, HoaQ.

Episode Summary:

Join us for an inspiring and enlightening conversation with Oluwakayode Nubi, a remarkable figure in the tech industry. Nubi takes us through his captivating journey, starting from his early encounters with technology, to his experiences as a founder, and now as an investor and operator.

Hear first-hand accounts of his early ecosystem experience, his blogging days, and the inception of his first startup. Nubi delves into his shift from founder to investor, and the profound insights he gained from the food delivery sector.

His story is filled with powerful insights about the African tech landscape, the potential of SaaS, Fintechs, crypto, and logistics in African commerce, and the importance of empathy for founders.

This episode is filled with practical advice for anyone interested in the startup space, as Nubi highlights the key elements of successful startups and shares invaluable lessons on culture, resilience, mission, vision, and mentorship.

Don't miss out on this insightful journey into the world of tech startups and investment with Nubi. Tune in, take notes, and be prepared to be inspired. Be sure to subscribe, share, and tweet about this podcast, and follow @vizibleafrica on Twitter for more exciting episodes.

—

Episode Chapters:

(0:00:00) - Introducing Nubi

(0:07:14) - Transitioning From Founder to Operator Life

(0:13:20) - Understanding HoaQ and Syndicates

(0:17:39) - The Power of Community and Syndicates

(0:27:00) - Choosing Startups to Invest In

(0:34:45) - The Viability of SaaS in Africa

(0:47:33) - Focus and Success in African Startups

(0:53:11) - Lessons and Advice for Startup Success

—

You can find Nubi at:

—

Some of the things we referenced:

—

You can find Vizible at:

—

You can find us at:

Eko’s Profile:

Meet Eko, one of the masterminds behind Vybe! As a co-founder and CEO, he's been on an exhilarating journey as a software engineer, product manager, and business analyst in media, fintech, and VAS industries. Get ready to dive into his incredible story on our podcast!

Episode Summary:

Join us for an intriguing episode as we sit down with Eko, the CEO and co-founder of Vybe, an innovative dating platform tailored for Africans. Eko takes us on a detailed journey from Vybe's inception to its successful execution, addressing the unique challenges faced by Africans using dating apps and how Vybe was designed to overcome them.

In the second part of our discussion, Eko shares his personal experiences as an African tech founder, reflecting on the skepticism he faced and the process of proving doubters wrong with every milestone. He emphasizes the significance of hiring for the soul and the importance of listening to the right people.

Don't miss the captivating stories of Vybe's growth and the hurdles Eko encountered along the way, including managing rejection from YCombinator and navigating the emotional rollercoaster of startup growth. Eko concludes by giving us a sneak peek into the future of Vybe and their exciting expansion plans.

This episode is a must-listen, with Eko's passion and vision for Vybe shining through in every word. Tune in for an enlightening conversation that will inspire and challenge your perceptions about Africa's burgeoning tech sector. Be sure to subscribe, share, and tweet about this podcast, and follow @vizibleafrica on Twitter for more exciting episodes.

Transcript: https://vizible.notion.site/Vybe-with-the-Build-w-Adetolani-Eko-CEO-Co-Founder-Vybe-230b534f07be4a86aafbe8b535a24174?pvs=4

—

Episode Chapters:

(0:02:30) - Eko’s Background

(0:05:30) - Stumbling on the problem behind Vybe

(0:08:08) - Building Vybe’s MVP in one night

(0:11:30) - Getting their first users

(0:15:40) - Building a startup with three technical founders

(0:17:45) - Managing decision Making with multiple founders

(0:21:25) - Moving from 0 to 1

(0:24:45) - Building a dating app in Africa’s fintech focused market

(0:29:36) - Challenges and lessons of building a startup

(0:33:52) - Dealing with YC rejection

(0:41:15) - Lessons from launching Vybe in Kenya

(0:43:47) - How they knew when it was time to raise money

(0:50:45) - Vybe’s future plans

(0:58:20) - Eko’s closing thoughts

—

You can find Eko at:

—

Some of the things we referenced:

—

You can find Vizible at:

—

You can find us at:

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Emmanuella, the CEO of Pennee, as she shares her unique journey into the tech industry. Listen in as she discusses how her experience working with small businesses and consulting for them led to the creation of Pennee.

Throughout this episode, Emmanuella shares her insights on navigating the tech industry as a new founder, the importance of networking, and building a strong company team. She talks about the importance of having main character energy and the power of being genuinely helpful to people. She also opens up about the challenges she has faced building and fundraising and highlights the advantages of having both local and global investors.

As we wrapped up our conversation with Emmanuella, her advice for aspiring founders resonated with us - 'just do it' without overthinking and learn quickly from your mistakes. Her passion for helping small business owners and her plans for the future of Pennee is genuinely inspiring, and we're grateful for the chance to share her story with you.

Don't miss out on this enlightening episode with the CEO of Pennee, Emmanuella!

In this insightful episode, Yemi and Dami sit down with Joseph Benson-Aruna, a seasoned tech operator, startup founder, and investor. Joe discusses his journey into the tech world, co-founding a startup in 2018 and the challenges he faced during its early stages. He also delves into his current role at DFS Lab, where he supports founders with his invaluable expertise.

The conversation touches on the challenges of managing a fund compared to running a startup and the criteria used to decide on startup investments. Joe highlights three traits that separate top founders from the rest and shares some common mistakes he has seen founders make. He also shares his thoughts on underrated verticals in the African space and some of his favourite startups.

Don't miss out on this engaging and insightful episode with Joseph Benson-Aruna, where valuable lessons and stories are shared. Be sure to subscribe, share, and tweet about this podcast, and follow @vizibleafrica on Twitter for more exciting episodes.

In this episode, join Dami and Yemi as they delve into the world of non-technical founders and explore the various avenues available for building their startups. They discuss the pros and cons of finding a technical co-founder, harnessing the power of no-code tools, and leveraging development shops. They also shed light on the perspective of investors when evaluating these different approaches.

We hope you learn a thing or two from this episode.

—

Some of the tools we referenced:

You can find Vizible at:

...

You can find us at:

Get ready to dive into the world of African builders with us!

In our first episode, we, Dami Oludumila and Yemi Adegbayi, your hosts, introduce ourselves and give you a taste of what Build by Vizible is all about. From founder stories to expert insights, we'll bring you practical conversations with the people who are building the African ecosystem.

So, whether you're an entrepreneur, investor, or just curious about the African tech scene, join us on this exciting journey. Tune in now and let's get building!