Why Every Startup Needs to Talk to Its Customer

Why Every Startup Needs to Talk to Its Customer

Accounting
In the rush to build the next big thing, many entrepreneurs fall into the same trap: they assume they know what their customers want without ever asking them. At @iBizAfrica Incubation Centre- Strathmore University, a cohort of young women innovators is doing things differently. Through the Female Founders Academy, a three-month incubation program focused on early-stage ideas in agriculture, climate, and food innovation, a group of 30 university-level founders is learning that the best businesses do not begin with solutions, they begin with questions. And for the past two weeks, those questions have centered on a concept that could determine the fate of their startups: Customer Development. “Don’t solve a problem in your head. Go ask your customer.”— Robert Yawe, Trainer, Female Founders Academy What Is Customer Development? Customer Development…
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Scaling with Intention: Lessons from the Futuremakers Women in Tech Learning Series

Scaling with Intention: Lessons from the Futuremakers Women in Tech Learning Series

Accounting, SC Women in Tech
By the time most startups begin thinking about scale, they are already feeling the pressure, whether from clients, users, or investors, to grow fast. But as the founders in Cohort 8 of the Futuremakers Women in Tech Program learned this past week, scaling is not just about growth. It is about readiness. The Learning Series, a two-day blend of in-person and virtual sessions, brought together 60 promising women-led ventures from across Kenya for a deep dive into the building blocks of scalability and investment preparedness. And the message was clear: if you want to scale sustainably, you need more than a good idea. You need systems, strategy, and the right kind of support. Day 1: Is Your Startup Ready to Grow? The first session, held at @iBizAfrica at Strathmore University,…
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Get Payd: How One Startup is Cashing In on Fintech Innovation for SMEs

Get Payd: How One Startup is Cashing In on Fintech Innovation for SMEs

Accounting
Benaiah Wepundi, Founder, Get Payd In Africa’s ever-growing entrepreneurial landscape, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of the economy. Yet, many struggle with a fundamental challenge: delayed payments. That is where Get Payd, a fintech startup founded by Benaiah Wepundi, steps in, aiming to transform how SMEs manage their payments, allowing them to focus on what matters most—growing their businesses. During a candid interview for the Mozilla Africa Mradi Innovation Acceleration Programme, Benaiah shared his journey of launching Get Payd, the obstacles he faced, and how training from @iBizAfrica Incubation Centre gave him the tools to grow his vision. Get Payd: Born from Real-Life Struggles The concept of Get Payd is rooted in the daily challenges faced by many African entrepreneurs. Late payments can severely disrupt cash flow,…
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EMPOWERING EDUCATION: INSIDE THE GLC HP STRATHMORE HACKATHON

EMPOWERING EDUCATION: INSIDE THE GLC HP STRATHMORE HACKATHON

Accounting
GLC HP STRATHMORE HACKATHON Did you know that in 2024, almost 1.13 million primary school children in Kenya aged 6 to 13 years old have dropped  out of school, according to a recent survey? This alarming statistic highlights a range of challenges hindering access to education, including limited internet access, parental reservations about education, nomadic lifestyles, and financial barriers to school fees. Globally, approximately 5% of children are out of school, while many enrolled students struggle to meet educational standards. Disparities in access to quality education persist, particularly in underserved communities, as highlighted by a report from Usawa, a non-governmental organisation. In response to these challenges, the Global Learning Council (GLC), HP, and @iBizAfrica-Strathmore University have united to launch the GLC HP Strathmore Hackathon. This collaborative initiative aims to merge technology and education, addressing…
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