In this special episode of the David Oshin Podcast, Nathaniel Ike, CEO of Techclout Africa, shared his expertise on the hurdles and uncertainties that startups face when building and scaling their businesses.
David Oshin: Welcome to the show, Nathaniel. I’d love for you to introduce yourself. Who is Nathaniel?
Nathaniel Ike: Hi, thanks for having me. My name is Nathaniel, and I’m an emerging entrepreneur. I love experimenting with new ideas and exploring various spaces. Even while I was a student, I started as a photographer before getting into other ventures.
David Oshin: That’s fascinating. You mentioned being an emerging entrepreneur, but I’ve also seen you describe yourself as a “shameless businessman.” Can you explain what you mean by “shameless”?
Nathaniel Ike: In this part of the world, many people care too much about others’ opinions. They’re concerned about what happens if their business doesn’t succeed. What will people say? How will they handle failure? Many are ashamed to talk about their business because it’s not perfect.
David Oshin: I see.
Nathaniel Ike: But at the end of the day, nobody will feed you but yourself. You must be resilient and willing to take risks. If you’re not shameless about promoting your business, people won’t know about it. That’s why I call myself shameless.
David Oshin: That’s a great perspective. How has this mindset helped you push out your business ideas and connect with others?
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Nathaniel Ike: It’s all about mentality. As an entrepreneur, you’ll face discouragement, but consistency is key. Building a business is different from scaling it. You’ll encounter many challenges, but with the right mindset, you can overcome them.
David Oshin: Excellent point. Let’s discuss scaling a business in Africa, particularly in Nigeria. What are your thoughts?
Nathaniel Ike: Africa has many problems, and they can be discouraging. The environment isn’t always conducive to building businesses. However, some people still succeed. Beyond passion, you need capital, support, and the right mindset.
David Oshin: That’s true. How do you think entrepreneurs can access capital in Nigeria’s current economy?
Nathaniel Ike: To access capital, entrepreneurs need to have a solid business plan, a clear vision, and a strong network. They should explore options like venture capital, angel investors, and crowdfunding. Additionally, leveraging technology and digital platforms can help bridge the funding gap.
David Oshin: Thank you, Nathaniel, for sharing your valuable insights with us today.
Nathaniel Ike: Thank you, David, for having me.
