BUSINESS

Edtech Startup uLesson Secures $3.1mn Seed Funding Ahead of Market Launch

Published

5 years ago

November 27, 2019

FAB.NG

Nigerian edtech learning platform uLesson has closed a $3.1mn seed-level round led by TLcom Capital with participation by Sim Shagaya – the founder, to address infrastructure and learning gaps in Africa’s education sector. Targeting secondary school learners across the West African region, uLesson will launch officially in February 2020, having been in development and beta testing for 12 months. The seed round announced today allows the team to take the product to market in West Africa, before looking to develop educational content and a product for the East African market.

Founded by serial entrepreneur and founder of Nigeria’s Konga, Sim Shagaya, uLesson has built the technology to deploy curriculum-relevant content via smartphones, that allows learners to use the product without concern for internet limitations and costs. uLesson’s mobile offering rests on three pillars: academics, media & technology and curriculum content is delivered via streaming and SD cards. To-date, the Jos-based team has produced over 3,000 richly animated, personalised video learning modules, quizzes and tests that will be available on the uLesson android app, via a subscription model, in Q1 2020.

Low-income families in Africa can spend as much as 40% of household income on expensive schooling and supplemental education, yet the school system across the continent is recording poor academic outcomes. uLesson has been built to address these issues, by leveraging mobile technology to scale access to education and learning, at less than 10% of the cost of a traditional tutor.

The platform allows learners to experience personalised learning, practice tests, region-specific mock tests and assessed performance and progress for students and parents, including rich reporting dashboards for detailed analysis. Tailored towards the WAEC curriculum region (Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Liberia and Gambia), uLesson’s current content focuses on core subjects of Maths, Physics, Chemistry and Biology for secondary school students.

Speaking on the investment and upcoming launch of uLesson, CEO Sim Shagaya says,

“Education systems across Africa are in crisis and uLesson has been developed to radically shake-up the system and bring better access to high-quality curriculum-relevant educational content to learners across the continent. As our population grows extremely rapidly, the current public and private approach to education investment is chasing a goal that is moving further away. We want to lower the entry point for access to education for young Africans, and technology is the only way this challenge will be met. With this in mind, today is not just an investment in uLesson – it’s an investment in Africa’s future.”

As part of the seed round, Ido Sum and Omobola Johnson, partners in TLcom’s executive team, will join the board alongside former Konga CEO, Shola Adekoya. Speaking on the investment, Ido Sum adds,

“In uLesson, we found a company that fitted perfectly with our ethos – an entrepreneur-led startup building affordable, mass-market mobile first solution tackling one of Africa’s largest challenges. In Sim, we have an entrepreneur with an unrivalled track record in building technology products for Africa. His team is building solutions for a massive opportunity, and we strongly believe they are about to make a serious dent in the education market across the continent.”

The global edtech market is projected to reach $341bn and Africa will be a key market fuelling this growth, due to rising smartphone adoption on the continent combined with a high youth population [40% of Africans are under the age of 15]. At present, student to teacher ratios in some parts of Nigeria are 1:70, compared to an average 1:10 in the United States. The dearth of quality teachers, tutors and educational infrastructure on the continent, according to Shagaya, represents a ticking “youth bomb” for the region’s unprecedented demographic growth.

Shagaya concludes,

“We work collaboratively, passionately & relentlessly, utilizing every tool available, to deliver high quality affordable education to all Africans. Education, Financial Inclusion & Health need to be tackled on the continent. Remarkable progress in developing financial products has been made. Of the other two, Education represents an immediate opportunity that can be addressed with the tools provided by digital technology (smartphones, wireless internet, data storage and analytics). uLesson believes it has a model that can work in substantially addressing these challenges.”

For additional information on TLcom, contact Tommy Rufai of Wimbart | [email protected]

Related Topics:Edtech Startup uLesson Secures $3.1mn Seed Funding Ahead of Market Launch uLesson

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BUSINESS

5 Myths About The Job Market And Their Solutions

Published

1 week ago

December 8, 2024

Adaeze Okechi

5 Myths About The Job Market And Their Solutions | fab.ng

Myths about the job market can mislead job seekers and professionals navigating career transitions. Many individuals fall prey to outdated beliefs that no longer reflect the dynamic employment landscape.

Myths about the job market often include misconceptions about required qualifications, salary expectations, and career progression.

One prevalent myth suggests that a traditional four-year degree guarantees immediate employment when in reality, skills, adaptability, and networking play crucial roles.

Another widespread misconception is that changing careers is impossible after a certain age, which undermines the potential of experienced professionals seeking transformation.

Myths about the job market also perpetuate the idea that stability means staying in one role for decades. Modern career paths are increasingly non-linear, with professionals expecting to change jobs multiple times.

The solution lies in continuous learning, developing transferable skills, embracing technological advancements, and maintaining a flexible, growth-orientated mindset.

Myths about the job market can be debunked through proactive research, upskilling, and understanding emerging industry trends.

Let’s take a quick look at these myths and how to solve them below.

Myth 1: You Need a Four-Year Degree to Succeed

While a college degree can open doors, it’s not the only path to a fulfilling career. Many successful professionals have built thriving careers without a traditional degree.

Solution:

Skill-Based Learning: Focus on developing in-demand skills through online courses, boot camps, or certifications.
Networking: Build relationships with professionals in your desired field, regardless of their educational background.
Freelancing and Gig Work: Gain experience and build a portfolio through freelance projects.

Myth 2: The Job Market is Saturated

It’s true that competition can be fierce, but there are still plenty of opportunities for skilled individuals. The key is to identify niche markets and unique value propositions.

Solution:

Niche Down: Specialise in a specific area within your industry to stand out from the crowd.
Continuous Learning: Stay updated on industry trends and emerging technologies to remain competitive.
Personal Branding: Build a strong personal brand to attract potential employers and clients.

Myth 3: You Should Only Apply to Job Postings

While applying to job postings is a traditional approach, it’s not the only way to land a job. Proactive job hunting can yield better results.

Solution:

Networking: Connect with people in your industry and let them know you’re looking for opportunities.
Informational Interviews: Schedule informational interviews to learn about potential job openings and company culture.
Cold Emailing: Reach out to hiring managers directly to express your interest in a position.

Myth 4: You Should Stay in a Job You Hate

Staying in a job you despise can negatively impact your mental health and career progression. It’s essential to prioritise your well-being and seek new opportunities.

Solution:

Set Career Goals: Define your long-term career aspirations and create a plan to achieve them.
Upskill and Reskill: Invest in your professional development to enhance your job prospects.
Network Strategically: Build relationships with people who can help you find new opportunities.

Myth 5: The Job Market is Only for Young People

Age discrimination is a real issue, but it doesn’t mean older workers can’t find fulfilling careers. Experience and wisdom are valuable assets in the job market.

Solution:

Highlight Your Experience: Emphasise your skills and accomplishments, focusing on how they can benefit your potential employer.
Adapt to Change: Stay updated on technological advancements and industry trends.
Mentor Younger Professionals: Sharing your knowledge and experience can boost your credibility and open doors to new opportunities.

Remember, the job market is constantly evolving. By debunking these myths and taking proactive steps, you can increase your chances of finding a fulfilling career.

So, don’t let these misconceptions hold you back. Keep learning, keep networking, and keep believing in yourself.

Key takeaways:

Myths about the job market can hinder your job search.
A four-year degree is not always necessary to succeed.
Skill-based learning and networking can help you land a job.
The job market is not saturated, but you need to niche down and continuously learn.
Applying to job postings is not the only way to find a job.
You should not stay in a job you hate.
The job market is not only for young people.
Older workers can still find fulfilling careers by highlighting their experience and adapting to change.

By understanding these myths and implementing the suggested solutions, you can empower yourself to navigate the job market with confidence and achieve your career goals.

Check out more updates here.

BUSINESS

Master The Art Of Budgeting In Business With These 5 Tips

Published

2 weeks ago

December 2, 2024

Adaeze Okechi

Budgeting In Business With These 5 Tips | fab.ng

Effective budgeting in business is crucial for success. It ensures financial stability and drives strategic growth. Whether you’re a small startup or an established company, proper budgeting in business helps control costs and maximize profits.

Here are five essential tips to master the art of budgeting in business.

1. Set Clear Financial Goals

Every successful budget starts with clear goals. Define what you want to achieve financially. Are you aiming to reduce costs, increase revenue, or expand operations?

Set specific, measurable, and realistic targets. This step provides direction and helps prioritize spending.

Align goals with strategy:

Ensure your financial goals align with your overall business strategy. For instance, if growth is a priority, allocate more resources to marketing and product development.

Budgeting in business becomes more effective when tied to clear objectives.

2. Track and Analyse Expenses

Understanding where your money goes is vital. Track all expenses, no matter how small. Categorise them into fixed (rent, salaries) and variable (utilities, supplies) costs.

Use accounting software to automate this process and reduce human error.

Review regularly:

Analyse your spending patterns monthly or quarterly. Identify areas where you can cut costs or optimise spending. Regular expense tracking ensures your budgeting in business stays accurate and adaptable.

Pro Tip:

Use historical data to forecast future expenses. This helps you prepare for seasonal fluctuations or unexpected costs. Knowing your spending trends enhances control over your finances.

3. Create a Realistic Cash Flow Forecast

Cash flow is the lifeblood of any business. A realistic forecast shows when money will enter and leave your business.

Include all income sources and expected expenses. This prediction helps you anticipate shortfalls and plan accordingly.

Why it matters:

A solid cash flow forecast prevents financial surprises. It ensures you have enough liquidity to cover day-to-day operations. Effective budgeting in business relies heavily on accurate cash flow management.

Example:

If you know a major expense is coming in a particular month, you can adjust spending in other areas. This proactive approach avoids cash shortages and keeps operations smooth.

4. Prioritise Essential Spending

Not all expenses are created equal. Identify which costs are essential for business operations and which are not.

Focus on spending that drives growth or maintains critical functions. Cut or postpone non-essential expenses during tight periods.

Evaluate ROI:

Assess the return on investment (ROI) for each expense. Prioritise high-ROI activities like marketing campaigns that generate leads or equipment upgrades that boost efficiency.

Budgeting in business becomes more impactful when resources are allocated wisely.

Key Areas to Prioritise:

Payroll and essential staffing
Marketing efforts with proven results
Product development
Maintenance of critical infrastructure

5. Monitor and Adjust Your Budget Regularly

A budget isn’t static; it’s a dynamic tool. Regular monitoring and adjustments are crucial. Compare actual performance against your budgeted figures.

Identify discrepancies and adjust as needed. This flexibility helps you respond to unexpected challenges or opportunities.

Stay proactive:

Review your budget monthly. If you’re consistently overspending in a certain area, investigate why. Maybe costs have increased, or perhaps there’s inefficiency.

Adjust your budget to reflect these changes. Continuous monitoring makes budgeting in business more resilient and accurate.

Use technology:

Leverage budgeting software to streamline this process. Many tools provide real-time updates and automated reports. This technology helps you make data-driven decisions quickly.

The Importance of Budgeting in Business

Effective budgeting ensures you allocate resources efficiently. It minimises financial risks and maximises profitability. Without a budget, businesses can easily overspend or miss opportunities.

Proper budgeting in business helps set clear financial priorities and keeps operations running smoothly.

Key Benefits:

Financial Control: Keeps track of income and expenses.
Strategic Planning: Aligns spending with business goals.
Risk Management: Prepares for unexpected challenges.
Performance Measurement: Helps assess financial health and progress.

Common Budgeting Mistakes to Avoid

Mastering budgeting requires avoiding common pitfalls. Here are a few mistakes to watch out for:

Underestimating Costs: Always factor in potential price increases or hidden fees.
Ignoring Cash Flow: Profit isn’t the same as cash flow. Ensure you have enough liquid assets.
Overestimating Revenue: Be conservative with income forecasts. Unrealistic expectations can lead to shortfalls.
Failing to Involve Teams: Include department heads in the budgeting process. They offer valuable insights and ensure buy-in.

Avoiding these mistakes strengthens your approach to budgeting in business and improves financial outcomes.

Implementing Budgeting Tools

Technology simplifies the budgeting process. Numerous tools help businesses create, track, and adjust budgets. Look for software that integrates with your accounting system. This integration saves time and ensures accuracy.

Top Features to Look For:

Real-time expense tracking
Customisable reports
Forecasting capabilities
Multi-user access for collaboration

Implementing these tools streamlines your budgeting in business and enhances decision-making.

Conclusion:

Mastering the art of budgeting in business isn’t just about numbers. It’s about setting clear goals, tracking expenses, forecasting cash flow, and continuously adjusting.

These five tips will help you build a strong, flexible budget that drives success. Stay proactive, use technology, and prioritize essential spending.

With effective budgeting, your business will thrive financially and strategically.

If you found this article helpful, consider reading more here.

BUSINESS

Top 7 Hidden Business Opportunities In Nigeria

Published

3 weeks ago

November 25, 2024

Adaeze Okechi

Business Opportunities In Nigeria | fab.ng

The economy in Nigeria presents abundant hidden business opportunities for savvy entrepreneurs. Business leaders can build sustainable ventures that generate significant profits by exploring these emerging sectors.

From renewable energy to agribusiness, various business opportunities in Nigeria await those willing to innovate. Entrepreneurs who invest in niche markets, such as waste management or digital services, can tap into unmet needs and create impactful solutions.

Understanding local challenges helps identify business opportunities in Nigeria that address critical issues like energy shortages and waste disposal.

For instance, affordable solar energy solutions can offer substantial returns while improving lives. Similarly, the growing demand for e-commerce and logistics presents fertile ground for digital entrepreneurs.

Strategic investments in the right sectors not only maximize profitability but also drive social and economic growth. By capitalizing on these hidden gems, entrepreneurs can turn potential into success stories.

Exploring and seizing business opportunities in Nigeria today ensures a strong foothold in tomorrow’s competitive market.

1. Renewable Energy Solutions

Nigeria faces frequent power outages, creating a demand for alternative energy sources. Investing in solar and wind energy solutions for homes and businesses presents a profitable opportunity.

Entrepreneurs can offer affordable solar panel installation, maintenance services, and off-grid power solutions. The sector benefits from government incentives and a growing push towards renewable energy adoption.

2. Waste Management and Recycling

With Nigeria’s rapid urbanization, waste management remains a significant challenge. Recycling businesses focused on plastics, paper, and metals can transform waste into valuable products.

Opportunities also exist in e-waste recycling and organic composting. Innovative waste collection and sorting services can address the country’s environmental needs while generating income.

3. Agribusiness Ventures

Nigeria’s agriculture sector offers diverse opportunities, from crop and livestock farming to food processing. High-demand crops like cassava, rice, and maize present profitable ventures.

Poultry and fish farming also show significant potential. Processing agricultural products, such as turning cassava into flour or palm oil into packaged goods, adds value and opens export opportunities.

4. E-commerce and Digital Services

Online shopping is booming in Nigeria, particularly in urban areas. Entrepreneurs can tap into niche markets like fashion, electronics, and groceries through specialized e-commerce platforms.

Logistics services, mobile payment integration, and customer education initiatives further enhance this sector. Digital marketing and affiliate marketing also offer lucrative avenues.

5. Health and Wellness Industry

The growing health-conscious population creates demand for fitness centres, organic foods, and wellness services. Establishing gyms, offering personalized training, and selling natural supplements can be highly profitable.

There is also a rising interest in alternative medicine and skincare products based on natural ingredients.

6. Real Estate Development

Nigeria’s real estate market thrives due to rapid urbanization. Affordable housing projects, commercial spaces, and hospitality services are in high demand.

Entrepreneurs can focus on developing residential properties or managing commercial facilities. Property management services for landlords and tenants are also valuable.

7. Educational and Skill Development Services

With a growing youth population, educational services are crucial. Opportunities exist in vocational training, online learning platforms, and tutoring services.

Training programs for high-demand skills like coding, digital marketing, and entrepreneurship can address skill gaps and attract a broad customer base.

These hidden opportunities offer promising avenues for entrepreneurs in Nigeria. By addressing existing challenges and leveraging emerging trends, businesses can thrive in this dynamic market.

Check out more articles on business here.