FOLA OLATUNJI-DAVID, GOOGLE’S HEAD OF STARTUP SUCCESS AND SERVICES, LAUNCHPAD AFRICA

Shrewd business people know that economic down-turn is, contrary to popular belief, the perfect time to start a business. As South Africa faces serious economic challenges right now, consumers want innovation, the ability to save money, skilled people are unemployed and looking for work, and businesses are likely to have fewer competitors. But, with the right mindset, it’s picking season for aspirant and fledgeling businesses.
Fola Olatunji-David, Google’s Head of Startup Success and Services, Launchpad Africa. Fola has seen 35 startups (five South African) through theGoogle Launchpad Accelerator Africa programme, including Pineapple (an insurance business allowing millenials access to full insurance cover in a fair, transparent and community-driven way) and Zomila (an app that provides free online career guidance and funding for students looking to enter university).