How to Invest in African Startups - Junior Kanamugire | WIB Podcast E15

In this podcast episode, Junior shares his journey as a civil engineer turned entrepreneur, discussing his experience founding Pikiwash, a motorcycle washing startup. He gets into the challenges he faced, the mistakes made, and the lessons learned along the way. From conducting market research to pivoting the business model, Junior provides valuable insights for aspiring founders and investors.

Topics:

0:05:30 - Junior's Journey and Early Life Experiences
0:12:00 - Problem-Solving Skills in Civil Engineering
0:17:49 - Overcoming Challenges and Taking Action
0:24:04 - Junior's Decision to Return to Rwanda
0:29:16 - Identifying the Problem for PikiWash
0:32:43 - Motivation Behind Starting PikiWash
0:40:39 - Falling in Love with the PikiWash Business
0:43:14 - Transition from Civil Engineering to Picky Wash
0:44:32 - Challenges Faced and Lessons Learned from PikiWash Business
0:45:57 - Realization of Seasonal Customer Patterns
0:46:40 - Struggles with Additional Service Offerings
1:00:00 - Reflection on Business Failures and Lessons Learned
1:15:00 - Transition to New Ventures and Opportunities
1:30:00 - Discussion on Entrepreneurship Support Organizations
1:45:00 - Insights into the VC Funding Process
2:00:00 - Impact of Personal Experiences on Business Decisions
2:15:00 - Importance of Customer Feedback and Market Research
2:30:00 - Conclusion and Future Business Endeavours

[bestsneakers]

Great conversation. I didn't even realize I had just listened to and watched some parts of a two-hour and thirty-minute-long podcast. Excellent. I am planning to start visiting Africa to see how I can contribute to the exceptional future that so many countries and their people will create and experience. Thanks.

[kevinn.]

This is the episode that got me liking your channel, Youssef. I’ve watched 80% of your videos ever since then.

[folrry]

I appreciated that most of his replies were instructive and rather insightful.
African entrepreneurs need to know that a lot of startup founders don't get investments (this isn't an African-only problem. It's the reality of startups. It's just more difficult in Africa. There's a sound logic to that).
They also need to know that VCs invest in high-growth startups. The probability of you not getting VC investment for your startup idea is also higher. Alot of founders really need to dig into what VC investment entails.

[vika.k.avictormoyo]

Loving the content.. Interesting guests, loving the stories... Very inspiring... 👍👍👍👍 Good to hear Africa business stories. I also follow 'Diary of a Ceo.' Keep it up...

[evanh]

Great podcast! Loved the honesty and openness! Listened all the 2h30min in one shot..it is that interesting..great work!

[gideondiotoh]

A really inspiring conversation with Junior. Man thank you for creating a platform to light up minds and encourage imaginations to germinate to fruition. Great conversation I feel very inspired

[joelr]

Great Podcast. Loved the rawness and Honesty. Good Job!

[taratibuaxel]

Amazing interview .... Keep up the good work !!!

[vika.k.avictormoyo]

Hi, the reverb is causing the audio to not be clearly audible in some parts. I'm enjoying the content so much. Tip: Either try to change your venue to a smaller room or enclose your space to contain the reverb (Try les reverb if you are using plugins). Shout out from Zimbabwe. 🇿🇼 Hope it helps 🙏

[mkshyaka]

Great content, just found this channel and love it. The sounds either has too much base or there is not enough sound proof, its really hard to hear clearly. Recommendation to improve the sounds.
Otherwise, amazing and this is the podcast we need in Rwanda.
Thank you

[S.Fidens]

Unfortunately few founders would agree to bundle up their ideas to collectively reach that critical point to be market, financial and impact-relevant!
Thanks for the truthful chat, fellows!