How Conservio Transformed African Tourism

Imagine a world where booking a safari lodge is as easy as ordering takeout. 

In this podcast episode of One Million euro stories. Iris Mettendaf speaks to Lara Dendy Young CEO of Conservio, who just raised €1 million capital. 

Conservio is revolutionizing travel by connecting adventurers directly to breathtaking nature-based experiences across South Africa, Mozambique, and Namibia. 

Founded during the pandemic, Conservio isn't just a booking platform - it's a mission to preserve wild spaces through sustainable tourism. Every click supports local conservation efforts and helps protect the continent's most incredible ecosystems.

Whether you're dreaming of watching sunrise over a Namibian desert, exploring lush safari lodges, or finding that perfect mountain retreat, Conservio makes your adventure seamless. Conservio creates connections between travelers and the raw, untouched beauty of Africa.

Your next unforgettable journey is just a click away. Explore. Connect. Preserve. With Conservio.

Listen to this new podcast episode.

How HealthTech AI is Redefining Primary Care in Africa!

"Don't miss this eye-opening interview with Josef Murad, the visionary co-founder of Byon8 HealthTech AI - a startup on a mission to revolutionize primary healthcare access in Africa. Josef Murad raised $4 million for Byon8.

As a former medical doctor, Josef saw firsthand the devastating impact of the looming healthcare worker shortage, set to leave over a third of the world's population without access to basic primary care by 2030. Determined to find a solution, he co-founded Byon8 HealthTech AI, an innovative HealthTech company leveraging AI to bridge this critical gap.

In this exclusive interview, Josef shares the incredible story behind Byon8 HealthTech AI - from pitching the idea to Swedish university investors, to building a talented team across continents, to overcoming funding challenges in a volatile market. You'll be inspired by his passion for using technology to democratize healthcare and bring quality, affordable primary care to the developing world.

Don't miss this chance to go behind the scenes of one startup's mission to solve one of the world's most pressing public health issues. Tune in to learn how Josef and his team are using AI to redefine the future of primary care delivery, and the lessons they've learned along the way. This is an interview you won't want to miss!"

How One Woman is Driving Innovation in South Africa's Seaweed Sector

In this captivating episode of the One Million Euro Stories Podcast, host Iris Mettendaf sits down with Nadia Scheffer, a trailblazing entrepreneur from Cape Town, South Africa, who is at the forefront of the seaweed revolution.

Nadia's journey into the world of kelp and seaweed began with a simple walk on the beach in 2015, where she stumbled upon a hidden treasure - the untapped potential of this versatile natural resource. What started as a curious exploration has now blossomed into a mission to unlock the economic and environmental benefits of seaweed, transforming not only her own life but the lives of communities across South Africa.

🎙️Through this insightful conversation, you'll discover the remarkable story behind Nadia's seaweed startup, from the challenges of navigating a nascent industry to the exciting partnerships and technological advancements that are shaping the future of this burgeoning sector. Prepare to be inspired by Nadia's unwavering passion, her commitment to sustainability, and her vision for creating a more prosperous and eco-friendly future.

➡️ Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a sustainability enthusiast, or simply someone curious about the untapped potential of nature's gifts, this episode is a must-listen. Dive in and be transported to the shores of South Africa, where one woman's serendipitous encounter with kelp is paving the way for a seaweed revolution that could change the world.

FlologPharma - The Online Pharmacist Platform Bridging Africa’s Healthcare Divide

In this episode of One Million Euro Stories, host Iris Mettendaf sits down with Andrew Akhabue, the CEO and founder of FlologPharma, a pioneering Nigerian startup on a mission to transform access to pharmaceutical care in Africa.

Africa’s healthcare system faces immense challenges from the critical shortage of pharmacists to the alarming rise of counterfeit medications. Millions struggle to access reliable healthcare, especially in remote and underserved areas. But what if technology could bridge this divide?

FlologPharma is doing just that. By leveraging digital innovation, the platform connects patients directly with trusted pharmacists, making expert consultations, medication access, and pharmaceutical guidance more seamless than ever. Through a model that prioritizes trust, accessibility, and convenience, FlologPharma is not just revolutionizing pharmacy services, it’s redefining healthcare delivery for the continent.

In this inspiring conversation, Andrew shares:

✔️ How FlologPharma identified and tackled the gaps in Africa’s healthcare system

✔️ The role of technology in combating counterfeit drugs and pharmacist shortages

✔️ The impact of digital health solutions in improving patient outcomes

✔️ The journey of building a health-tech startup in Africa and the road ahead

This episode is more than just a business success story. It’s a testament to how innovation, resilience, and a commitment to healthcare equity can reshape lives.

🎙️ Tune in now and discover how FlologPharma is paving the way for a healthier Africa!

The MsFiT backing Africa’s unsung business heroes 

🎙️ In a continent brimming with untapped entrepreneurial energy, two women are leading the charge to revolutionize the way we think about investing in Africa. Jill Curr, the managing partner MsFiT ventures of and co- founder Egla Ntumba are on a mission to empower the backbone of the African economy - small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

🏦 With a background that spans equities trading, hedge funds, and venture capital, Jill has witnessed firsthand the challenges that African entrepreneurs face in securing the capital they need to grow. Inspired by her mother's trailblazing career as one of the first female investment bankers in South Africa, Jill has dedicated her career to leveling the playing field and unlocking the potential of Africa's vibrant business community.

➡️At the heart of MsFiT ventures' approach is a bold shift away from the traditional venture capital model. Rather than focusing solely on high-growth tech startups, Jill and her co-founder Egla have set their sights on the unsung heroes of the African economy - the SMEs that generate the majority of jobs and GDP, yet struggle to access the capital they need to thrive.

💰By providing these businesses with much-needed debt financing, MsFiT ventures is empowering entrepreneurs to scale their operations, create jobs, and build sustainable, generational wealth. 

Listen to this new podcast about Jill Curr’s unique perspective on investing. 

In this podcast episode of One Million Euro Stories, Iris Mettendaf speaks to the CEO and founder Oluwajimi Aikitunde of The Scath Companies (TSC).

In the dynamic and rapidly evolving world of African technology, this venture capital firm is a beacon of innovation and opportunity - The Scath Companies (TSC). Led by the visionary Oluwajimi Aikitunde, TSC is on a mission to unlock the immense potential of underserved and underrepresented regions across the continent.

Oluwajimi's journey from an engineering graduate to a successful entrepreneur and now a trailblazing venture capitalist is a testament to his unwavering determination and adaptability. Drawing from his own experiences building startups, Oluwajimi has developed a unique approach that goes beyond just providing funding.

At the heart of TSC's offering is a comprehensive suite of support services designed to empower the next generation of African tech leaders. From infrastructure and talent acquisition to strategic advisory and network-building, TSC is committed to being a true partner in the growth and success of its portfolio companies.

As a sector-agnostic venture capital firm, TSC is poised to back innovative solutions in a wide range of industries, from fintech and healthtech to agritech and beyond. Oluwajimi's vision is to cultivate a diverse portfolio of successful startups that can serve as beacons of inspiration, driving further investment and growth in Africa's thriving tech landscape.

This is a must listen podcast episode!

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How Shop Me Away is Revolutionizing African E-Commerce

The entrepreneurial journey of Racine Sarr is a testament to the power of perseverance and customer-centricity. 

In this podcast episode of One Million Euro Stories, Iris Mettendaf speaks to the CEO and founder of Shop Me Away, Racine Sarr.

As the founder of Shop Me Away, he has dedicated himself to solving the disconnect between African consumers and global product supply. From self-funding his logistics startup to securing innovative investment, the story of Racine Sarr showcases the immense potential of Africa's emerging markets.

Join us as Racine Sarr shares how he built a tech-enabled platform to replicate the convenience of global e-commerce for African customers, while empowering local businesses. Discover the challenges and triumphs of expanding across West Africa and learn how Racine's unwavering focus on his team has fueled Shop Me Away's growth. This episode of the One Million Euro Story Podcast is a must-listen for anyone inspired by the entrepreneurial spirit transforming the African continent. Listen to this new podcast episode.

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In this podcast episode of One Million Euro Stories, Iris Mettendaf speaks to the Co-founder of Imali (formerly known as ImaliPay), Oluwasanmi Akinmusire. Imali has recently raised $3 million in venture capital.

➡️ Imali is Africa's easy-to-deploy “1-Click” insurance checkout platform, providing seamless, integrated insurance solutions for the travel and hospitality sector.

➡️ By partnering with progressive insurance companies and online commerce platforms, Imali offers tailored insurance solutions that enhance customer experience and satisfaction, making insurance accessible and convenien

➡️ Through its innovative 1-click insurance checkout API, Imali simplifies the insurance process, allowing businesses to offer quick, secure, and reliable protection to their customers. Imali is transforming the insurance landscape by providing comprehensive coverage options that cater to the unique needs of the African market.

Listen to the journey of Oluwasanmi Akinmusire, co-founder of Imali, on this new podcast episode.

➡️ Introducing HUGS+KISSES’s revolutionary baby carriers - designed to nurture a profound bond between parents and babies while providing life-saving benefits. The carriers go beyond traditional babywearing by seamlessly integrating cutting-edge technology to monitor your little one's vitals and development.

Join Iris Mettendaf on One Million Euro Stories, where she delves into the inspiring journey of founder Geta Rasciuc and her background story of how HUGS+KISSES’s smart baby carrier was conceived and developed with tech innovation.

➡️ HUGS+KISSES’s understands the immense power of skin-to-skin contact, also known as kangaroo care. Backed by extensive research, this practice has been proven to exponentially increase premature babies' chances of survival. HUGS+KISSES has experience in conducting a clinical study in Tanzania for their smart baby carrier.

➡️ For mothers in challenging circumstances, such as war-torn regions or areas with limited medical access, the carriers offer a lifeline. They enable you to provide your baby with the warmth, security, and nourishment needed to thrive, even when fleeing danger or seeking refuge.

➡️ Geta’s approach of constantly testing prototypes with parents and hospitals and iterating based on their feedback, which could inform a strategy by ensuring the product truly meets customer needs.

Listen to this new podcast episode of founder Geta Rasciuc and how her smart baby carrier was conceived and developed with tech innovation.

Financial health, sustainability and raising €750.000 capital

“Sofie” app helps people live financially healthier lives through conscious spending choices. 

In this podcast episode of One Million Euro Stories, Iris Mettendaf speaks to the CEO and founder of Sofie, Astrid Bruinsma Eggink.

Mission of Sofie is to stimulate 100 million Europeans to live a financial healthier and sustainable life through B2B2C Saas platform.

Financial health 

•“Overcoming financial problems requires automating tasks and making unconscious decisions conscious”, says Astrid Bruinsma Eggink.

• Mostly 95% of daily decisions are unconscious, while 5% are thoughtfully considered.

• She discusses the importance of goal setting and small steps in achieving financial goals.

• The App provides personalized messages and tips to help users reach their financial objectives.

Using behavioral economics to improve financial decision-making.

• Astrid discovers that using videos and images can help people take financial actions, as only 5% prefer to think about problems before acting, while 80% prefer to hear or to see something before taking action.

• She seeks to double the number of people taking action on financial products through behavioral economics and scaling through fintech.

Bootstrapping, product development, and team growth.

• Astrid bootstrapped her company for €120,000 and showed investors her vision and ability to execute and eventually securing funding of €750.000.

• Scaling social enterprise requires a diverse team, product-market fit, and external funding, while maintaining personal well-being is crucial. 

Listen to this new podcast episode and the journey of Astrid Bruinsma Eggink of Sofie.