In this episode of The Startup Leap, we sit down with Coen, the founder of Tyme Bank, to discuss the incredible journey of building a digital bank in Africa and expanding into Southeast Asia. Coen shares the challenges of creating a bank without traditional elements like paper, cash, or ATMs, and how they achieved profitability in just five years despite raising initial capital from over 250 potential investors. We delve into the importance of partnerships, customer trust, and innovative distribution strategies that have led to serving 17 million customers and onboarding half a million new users every month. Coen also provides insights into navigating regulatory landscapes, making tough decisions in capital-constrained markets, and the role of personal growth in effective leadership.

Tune in for a deep dive into the world of digital banking, financial inclusion, and future expansion plans.

00:00 The Vision of a Paperless Bank

00:19 Overcoming Funding Challenges

00:55 Rapid Growth and Expansion

01:23 The Importance of Local Partnerships

01:51 Introduction to the Interview

02:13 Describing Coen's Leadership Style

03:28 The Story of Sisyphus and Startup Life

05:46 The Origin of Tyme Bank

07:30 Building a Digital Bank from Scratch

17:57 The Role of Humility in Customer Understanding

19:04 Challenges in Retail Partnerships

25:46 Expanding into Southeast Asia

29:06 Market Expansion Strategies

29:38 Balancing Growth and Profitability

30:33 Navigating Financial Challenges

33:36 Founder Dilemma: Push or Step Back?

37:46 Leadership and Ethical Frameworks

39:54 Evolving Business Vision

45:26 Regulatory Navigation in FinTech

49:02 Distribution vs. Product Focus

53:27 Future of Finance: Crypto and Blockchain

54:49 Time Bank's Future Plans

56:10 Quickfire Questions and Wrap-Up

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Youtube: https://youtu.be/mjJkn-1bzDk

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#DigitalBanking #Fintech #TymeBank #StartupJourney #AfricaTech #Entrepreneurship #FinancialInclusion #AfricanStartups #GlobalExpansion #SouthAfricaTech #StartupLeadership #VCFunding #ScalingStartups #CustomerCentricity #StartupStories

In this special episode we dive into the journeys of two exceptional entrepreneurs: Riham Satti, an Oxford Neuroscientist turned founder of MeVitae an AI startup bringing fairness to the workplace, and Dhiraj Mukherjee, co-founder of Shazam, one of the world's first music recognition apps, 2billion downloads, acquired by Apple for $400m+ in 2018.

Hosted by Maria and Yvonne, this episode explores the trials, triumphs, and learnings of these founders. Discover Riham's accidental plunge into entrepreneurship and the strategic decisions that fueled her company's growth. Hear Dhiraj's insights on fundraising during tumultuous times and the importance of relentless drive and vision in successful founders.

We also delve into dilemmas faced by founders, such as handling risky partnerships and co-founder challenges. Tune in for valuable advice on balancing personal and professional life, the significance of storytelling, and the power of tech for good.

00:00 Introduction and Background

01:17 Meet the Founders: Riham and Dhiraj

04:33 Riham's (MeVitae) Journey to Entrepreneurship

08:19 Dhiraj's (Shazam) Entrepreneurial Path

13:22 Fundraising Insights and Strategies

16:56 Partnerships and Business Models

20:09 Listener Dilemma: Navigating Partnerships

21:25 Shazam's Early Days and Apple's Acquisition for $400m+

22:59 Co-Founder Dilemma: Trust and Progress

24:09 Navigating Co-Founder Relationships

26:08 Lessons Learned from Entrepreneurial Journeys

29:12 Tech for Good and Identifying Potential

32:22 Lightning Round: Misconceptions and Admired Figures

34:43 Forming Early Stage Teams and Acquisition Strategies

37:41 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

40:05 Future Plans and Closing Remarks

46:25 Reflections and Advice for Entrepreneurs

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Youtube: https://youtu.be/PjBimaAuiEM

👉 Tell us what you think in the comments, we’d love to hear from you!

#StartupLeap #Shazam #MeVittae #Entrepreneurship #TechForGood #AIStartup #FounderLessons #RihamSatti #DhirajMukherjee #StartupAdvice #CoFounderTips #FundraisingTips #StartupJourney #SiliconValley #AppleAcquisition #MariaAndYvonne

In this episode, we hear from Dare Okodjou, founder of Onafriq, Africa’s largest digital payments network, formerly MFS Africa. 500 million wallets across 42 countries, over $300m raised in funding. This episode is drenched in depth of experience. Perfect for founders whether early or later in their journey.

Dare shares his entrepreneurial journey from working at MTN Group, leading mobile money innovations, to founding Onafriq in 2009 with the vision of making cross-border payments seamless.

The conversation delves into the challenges faced in the early days, including navigating work permits and bond loan issues, assembling a team, and raising initial funds. Dare discusses the strategic moves behind the rebranding to Onafriq, key partnerships, the role of culture and people in scaling operations across Africa, and the significance of maintaining focus. He also talks about future opportunities in the mobile money payment space, the role of stable coins, and his personal strategies for managing stress and maintaining work-life balance.

00:00 Introduction to Startup Challenges

00:40 Meet Dare Okodjou: FinTech Pioneer

01:24 The Birth of Onafriq

01:42 The Meaning Behind the Name

04:16 Early Challenges and Decisions

09:35 Building the Team and Raising Capital

15:34 Strategic Partnerships and Growth

20:46 Defining Moments and Lessons Learned

26:39 Scaling Across Diverse Markets

27:47 The Importance of Pan-African Coverage

29:52 Future of Mobile Money Payments

37:05 Acquisitions and Expansion Strategy

42:59 Managing a Diverse Team

46:25 Reflections and Advice for Entrepreneurs

🎧 Don’t miss this important conversation share with any early stage founder or builder

Youtube: https://youtu.be/m3fdWDT7Nxk

👉 Tell us what you think in the comments, we’d love to hear from you!

#DareOkoudjou #Onafriq #FinTechAfrica #MobileMoneyInnovation #PanAfricanPayments #StartupScaling #AfricanEntrepreneurs #DigitalFinanceAfrica #FromMTNtoOnafriq #FinTechLeadership