Startups in Kenya can only grow and move to the next level if their founders put in place proper management mechanisms, according to Julius Tago, founder of software company Joe Soft.
Tago used the example of his own experience when he told HumanIPO his company fell away years ago because he went to work abroad and had to start from scratch upon his return.
“You should have passion for what you do, this will drive you more,” Tago said.
“Accept help, you may not know about other concepts of business like marketing, get other people to manage this. Management is key, ensure you have good management and also ensure that you bite what you can chew.”
His first company, which was started in 2003, was dedicated to “automating Kenya” with the startups involved in web design and solutions for hospitals, billing systems, payroll and human resources systems.
Other that, Joe Soft also did some hardware repair.
Tago had to move abroad for work and since his employees were on a contract basis, there was no one to take up the mantle in his absence and the company went down in 2010.
Upon his return to the country Joe Soft came up again with the help of a new investor and six months down the line the company is now involved in creating customised technology solutions for companies in the hospitality field, car dealerships, insurance and they are also in talks with hospitals and schools for the same.
According to Tago, the future of internet connectivity is mobile, especially smartphones and this is why they are maximizing on the concept for their solutions.
Additionally, instead of selling their services and solutions to the end consumers, Joe Soft works with businesses because when dealing with a business you get to deal with one person but when dealing with many people it becomes quite complicated.
So far the response has been good, especially in the hospitality industry where Joe Soft has managed to create solutions that let people identify companies, order from them and also allows the companies to see how their performance on Facebook and Twitter and offer their clients loyalty reward schemes.
The company charges between KSh100,000 (US$1,190) and KSh500,000 (US$5,952) for its services.
“Serious companies should be on social media since the latter has taken over in advertising. They can use the platform to know how the public rates them,” added Tago.
Commenting on the current tech scene in Kenya, Tago said there are now more people ready to invest in ICT solutions as they are not only workable, but they also take pride in homemade solutions for local problems.
