Impact of BongoHive’s programmes
Short success stories from our Startup Alumni
Deeply rooted in Technology, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, we have created incubation and acceleration programmes that guide startups through their entrepreneurial journey. Two such programmes are the Discover Pre-Accelerator; for aspiring entrepreneurs wanting to turn a business idea into a launchable startup, and Launch Accelerator which is designed for early-stage startups who want to accelerate their growth.
We recognise the value that collaborating with like-minded industry players brings to the success of our programmes. The collaboration ensures that we are delivering relevant material that helps startups shape their journey from the idea stage right through to getting investment.
Feedback from Startup Alumni
Some of our startups shared their personal stories on the impact that participating in the Bongohive Programmes had on their journey as entrepreneurs.
Vernon’s Story -A story that embodies rejection, resilience, entrepreneurship and wealth for impact
Vernon, a college dropout, quit his job to create a software development company with his childhood friend, Adam. As often is the case with having little entrepreneurial knowledge, his first business venture just did not take off but also left him broke and depressed. To make things worse, Vernon and his colleague interviewed for BongoHive’s Discover programme and were rejected. As the saying goes, ‘Every setback is a setup for a comeback,’ Vernon and his team were later helped by BongoHive’s Community Liaison, George, who provided assistance as he merged with Co-founders Chisepo and Micko to form Outsource Now, or as they had come to be affectionately known during Launch -The Techstreet Boys.
Launch was a turning point for Vernon and his Co-founders. Malama, Finance Lead at BongoHive at the time, helped him transition and sharpen his accounting skills. Vernon also came out of his shell because of interacting with the larger BongoHive Community. The startup has now evolved from general IT Consultants to mobile point-of-sale devices powered by Android. Vernon and his Co-founders focused on growing their business. Their first step to actualise their business was to seek external investment. Their first investment offer was for over $100,000, which they turned down, as they felt the business wasn’t mature enough for an investment that large. They eventually went for a smaller investment worth $50,000, which was accompanied by mentorship. It was during this time that they refocused from only serving restaurants to reaching out to micro-merchants. Outsource Now became ZPOS and has since seen increased growth.
ZPOS has now partnered with another BongoHive startup alumni, eMsika to help about 600 agro-dealers reorder agro-products through the ZPOS digital platform in order to save the dealers time and money.
Abigail’s story — A tale of passion, stumbling, being completely lost, discovery and a vision for an empire.
Abigail’s story begins at age four when she learnt to crochet and discovered she could do a lot with her hands. She has always been an overachiever and used this ability to earn extra income while at the University of Zambia. While in University, Abigail worked for aunty Tracy, who had a recycling business making bags from scraps of leftover material and plastic bags. Abigail found aunty Tracy quite the perfectionist, who always said in her stern and high-pitched voice — “Abbie, you have to pombosola, until you get it right.” (pombosola means undo) Abbie married right after university, and this was characterised by joblessness, cluelessness and stressful motherhood. Adversity, as confusing as it was, brought about her ‘Aha!’ moment. That is how Mummies and Munchkins was born; a fashion brand for maternity, baby clothes and accessories. After establishing what she believed was a successful business, she met Njavwa, a BongoHive Launch alumni who incessantly invited her to join BongoHive’s Discover programme. Reluctantly, she agreed to apply. She initially found the dissection and unpacking of her business idea quite offensive. The Discover programme was the beginning of introspection for Abigail, as well as an introduction to the tools, information and practical knowledge she needed to form a clear perspective of her business. Hence pivoting her towards her current focus. Abigail gained a new tenacity to bring to fruition her dreams, using her skills in marketing businesses to further her career and her life. Now she’s the one telling her team to “pombosola until they get it right.” Abigail continues to set her way in building her empire.
From both Vernon’s and Abigail’s story, there had to be a change that needed to take place for them to take their startups to the next level. Some of these changes included a mindset shift or a more practical approach, among others. These changes had to happen in order to suppress what blocked the startups from emerging as successful entrepreneurs. In this regard, there had to be enablers that facilitated this process. As BongoHive, we are pleased that our programmes were among the key factors that fueled the journey of these and many more startups.
For the latest information on our programmes, visit our website.
