Mark Kiarie, co-founder of Chptr, is a visionary designer, builder, and problem solver with an inspiring entrepreneurial journey. Starting as an architecture student, Mark envisioned Chptr as a tool to help real estate developers design location-specific projects and streamline bank loans. When banks in Kenya were slow to adopt the idea, Mark pursued a career at Boogertman, one of Africa's largest architectural firms. However, his pursuit of purpose led him back to Chptr, where he and his partner redefined its mission. Operating from a bedroom-turned-office, they developed a social media tool for SMEs, enabling businesses to convert WhatsApp and Instagram conversations into sales. Mark shares his journey of learning to code, overcoming challenges, and staying true to his beliefs, including his mantra: “Whatever you want will happen—it may take longer, cost more, but persistence pays off.” Tune in for an inspiring story of resilience, innovation, and the courage to dream big!

Chapters

0:00 Intro

1:08 Sponsor intro

1:50 Guest intro

2:55 Dreaming it and doing it

10:09 What's the idea behind Chpter?

15:40 Was founding Chpter pursuit of purpose or money?

34:09 What made you want to pursue tech?

35:48 What was the environment you grew in like?

39:58 When did you understand the concept of money?

46:14 What does it take to build coding skills?

50:14 What do you do once you get your 80,000 USD?

53:43 What are the 3 significant things you've learnt from when you earned KES 23 to now?

57:20 When do you earn your first salary from Chpter?

58:44 What's the cost of acquiring customers?

1:01:58 Where are you investing?

1:05:13 Wrap-up?

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This episode was shot on 16th July 2024

Chapters ⏳

0:00 Intro

1:35 Sponsor s/o

2:08 Guest Intro

4:58 Protesting

9:30 What was your perspective on making money

16:00 Then vs Now

19:06 Did you consider your earning potential when choosing your career?

22:50 How did y'all manage your finances as a group ?

30:10 Did signing with a label change anything?

40:49 Moving in with one another

57:22 Sauti Sol changing point

1:00:13 The cost of setting up a big production

1:05:10 Was their a feeling of disconnect between you & your audience

1:10:35 How do you justify a salary increment

1:16:20 What are you doing with your money?

1:23:36 The allure of private gigs

1:30:21 The Break up

1:38:38 Did you panic?

1:40:10 Wrap up

Listen to the full episode: https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/R5PU5pPMxOb