EMPOWERING ENTREPRENEURS: MY EXPERIENCE AS A PANELIST AT COHORT 4 EXPLORE PROGRAM GRADUATION

On 12^th December 2024, I had the distinct honor of serving as a panelist during the graduation of entrepreneurs in the Explore Entrepreneurship Program by 54 Collective VC. This event marked the culmination of the journey for the 4th Cohort, a group of about 70 entrepreneurs drawn from Kenya, South Africa, and Nigeria. Notably, while the program began in Kenya, it expanded to Nigeria and South Africa starting with this cohort. It was a privilege to address these entrepreneurs and reflect on my own journey, having graduated from the program as part of the 2nd Cohort. Adding to the joy of the occasion, my wife also graduated, an accomplishment that filled me with immense pride, especially as she was among the 5% of entrepreneurs who successfully completed the rigorous program. Her achievement was all the more remarkable given that she participated while we were planning our wedding.

The Role of the Explore Program in My Entrepreneurial Journey

The first question directed at me was about the role the Explore Program had played in my entrepreneurial journey. I shared how the program played a transformative role in refining Afyalytics, a digital health platform focusing on non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Initially conceived during another incubator program, the idea of Afyalytics didn’t pick up traction. However, when I subjected it to the Explore Program by 54 Collective VC , it gained much-needed clarity. The program provided the structure to turn an abstract idea into a viable reality.

The Explore Program also underscored the importance of evidence-based entrepreneurship, emphasizing how critical market research is to the development of sustainable business solutions. This shift in perspective ensured that every decision I made was informed by data rather than assumptions or passion for addressing non-communicable diseases. Additionally, the program deepened my understanding of prototyping, equipping me with tools to test and validate ideas while exploring the most suitable business models. These lessons were pivotal in shaping Afyalytics into what it is today.

Why I Brought My Wife Into the Program

When asked why I enrolled my wife in the program, I explained my desire to introduce her to the entrepreneurial world. Before we got married, she had been employed. Upon moving in with me, she had to leave her job. Having experienced the transformative impact of the Explore Program myself, I saw it as the perfect opportunity for her to gain foundational entrepreneurship skills, including customer discovery, market research, and business model development. I expressed my pride in her perseverance; despite the dual challenge of participating in the program and planning our wedding, she successfully graduated. Her endurance during such a demanding time was truly inspiring. A pat on her back for the perseverance.

Challenges Faced During and After the Program

Another question probed the specific challenges I faced during and after the program. I candidly spoke about the difficulty of working alone, as I didn’t have a co-founder at the time. The program’s rigorous demands meant that I had to handle all the work by myself, stretching me thin. Despite the challenges, I recognized that it was better this way because Afyalytics was deeply personal to me, inspired by the tragic losses of both my parents to NCDs—my mother to hypertension during pregnancy and my father to carcinoma cancer. Finding someone who truly shared this vision was a challenge.

At one point, I thought I had found a suitable team member, but they left shortly after I secured $5,000 in funding. It was puzzling because I expected the funding to motivate them to stay and help take the idea to market. Despite the setback, I learned to persevere as a solo entrepreneur. As the vision bearer, I couldn’t let the absence of support derail the mission.

What I Would Do Differently

When asked what I would do differently if I could go back to the early stages of my business, I highlighted the importance of rigorous market research. Before joining Explore, I believed that passion and personal circumstances were enough to drive entrepreneurial success. However, I learned that passion must be paired with data-driven insights. Customer discovery and immersing oneself in market research are crucial to creating solutions that meet real needs. If I had the chance to start over, I would place even greater emphasis on conducting comprehensive market research to inform every step of the process.

Advice for Graduating Entrepreneurs

The final question sought my advice for the graduating entrepreneurs as they embarked on their entrepreneurial journeys. I emphasized two key points:

1. Leverage Your Networks: I encouraged them to view their networks as valuable social capital. Networks can unlock opportunities for funding, mentorship, partnerships, and growth. I urged the graduates to actively nurture relationships with peers, mentors, and stakeholders they encountered during the program. Leveraging these connections could help accelerate the development of their ventures and open doors to opportunities they might not access otherwise.
2. Commit to Lifelong Learning: Entrepreneurship is an evolving field, and industries are constantly changing. Staying updated on industry trends and continuously improving one’s knowledge base is critical. I stressed the importance of adapting to changes and being proactive in seeking new insights to remain competitive and relevant in their respective sectors.

Closing Remarks

As I concluded my remarks, I extended my heartfelt congratulations to the 4th Cohort for their remarkable achievements. I commended their dedication and resilience throughout the program and wished them success in their entrepreneurial endeavors. Finally, I expressed gratitude to 54 Collective VC for the honor of sharing my experience and being part of such a significant occasion.