I'm Gerald Okonkwo

So at this point in my life I've decided to start up a Tech-blog - TechbyGerald; to share my IMPOSSIBLE experiences so far while starting a tech company in Nigeria (Sub-Saharan Africa) and hopefully readers can learn one or two things from it. O Shoot! I forgot to properly introduce myself - I'm Gerald Okonkwo founder / CHM (Chief Handyman - my own interpretation of CEO) of iFixng.com (an online platform for hiring and engaging the services of handymen and artisans in Nigeria), I'm the last born child of a family of four boys and a dad (my sweet mom is late sadly; but that's not the topic for today) from Anambra state in Nigeria.
I had my primary school education in Our lady of Apostles private School, Yaba after which I attended the Yaba College of Technology Secondary School for my junior days in secondary school both in Lagos and later proceeded to attend the Cornerstone Int'l School Asaba, Delta State. I attained my Bachelors in Engineering (Computer Engineering) at Madonna University in Nigeria and later went to study a Post graduate Diploma in Project Management at the London Academy Business School.

That's me in my Coverall -2017

My Journey of becoming an Entrepreneur started in 2012 during my Industrial training (IT) program in school I started my very first company - Wefix Maintenance Company (Now Wefix Company Ltd) a maintenance and facility management company and four years later (in 2016) I started my first TECH COMPANY; iFixng.com.
Entrepreneurship is a very difficult, but yet very simple and interesting venture that has one simple rule - CONSISTENCY, especially in a place like Nigeria where we're saddled with various challenges daily, it's really not Funny trust me, but just be consistent.

Thanks Ya'll for reading and stay tuned for my next post where I'll focus more on; how I started iFixng.com and the challenges I had to face. ☺

Shola of Paystack Shares His Accepted YCombinator Application

Shola & Ezra Co-Founders of Paystack. If you play in the tech community, then you'll definitely know Ycombinator (for those who don't it's a tech accelerator in the United States) , they never accepted any Nigerian tech company until this genius; Shola Akinlade CEO of Paystack ( paystack is an online payment processing solution, if you've never heard of them you need help, we also use them over here at iFixng.com ) managed to break that jinks which eventually opened Michael Seibel's eyes to see what we've got over here , real genius I must say!. Shola gave us the privilege to take a look at what his paystack application looked like with commentary and backstory which I'll like to share with you today, hey Shola if you're reading this, thanks a lot. Paystack’s YC Application Company name: Paystack Company url, if any: https://www.paystack.co/ We launched with paystack.co, and it was about a year later that I was able to buy the .co...

Visit to Cotonou: A Guide for Tech Enthusiasts

"A guide to Cotonou's tech ecosystem" Cotonou , the bustling economic hub of Benin and a rising star in the West African tech scene. From vibrant markets to emerging tech startups, Cotonou offers a unique mix of culture, innovation, and networking opportunities for tech enthusiasts. This guide will help you navigate the city's dynamic tech ecosystem while enjoying its rich culture. Why Visit Cotonou? Cotonou is increasingly becoming a hotbed for innovation in West Africa. With its growing number of startups, tech hubs, and government-backed initiatives like Sèmè City, the city presents exciting opportunities for entrepreneurs, investors, and tech professionals. Whether you're looking to network, invest, or simply explore, Cotonou has much to offer. Tech Hubs & Innovation Spaces Sèmè City Open Park Known for its motto, “Walk in with an idea, walk out with a prototype,” Sèmè City is the government's flagship initiative to drive tech innovation and entrepr...

It's Never About an App

Often times I get this from friends and other budding startup founders "I'm building an app bla bla bla...", I usually cringe each time I hear that cause it almost seems as though the entire journey of creating an experience, a solution, a disruptor revolves around building an App. It never has, building a business involves creating processes, structures, building networks and relationships long before the idea of an App is introduced especially in a Nigerian or African context. An App in my best opinion is an interface (mobile or desktop) introduced to simplify already existing processes and structures, reach new audiences and acquire new users, Big Chief (Victor Asemota) couldn't have explained this any better in a tweet; He Nailed it! Apps are processes manifested in an Interface, let's make this real, take my company Parkit for instance; my approach to taking up this endeavor would never have made sense by simply saying I want to create an app for vehicle w...

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