The Africa Startup Festival 2024, held in Lagos, Nigeria, brought together some of the continent’s most exciting startups, including SkillConnect, a platform set to transform the creative industry. Intrigued by their mission and early buzz, we at Tech Cabal reached out to the team to learn more about their vision and their experience at the festival.
A Bold Vision from the Founder
In an exclusive conversation with Tech Cabal, Patrick Ubuane, the Founder of SkillConnect, shared the inspiration behind the platform:
“SkillConnect is about solving critical challenges in the creative industry. From ensuring top-notch deliverables to eliminating payment disputes, we’re committed to creating a fair, professional, and seamless marketplace. No more ‘what I ordered vs. what I got,’ or chasing clients for payments. This is our promise to both creatives and customers.”
This vision has already resonated with many, as evidenced by the over 2,000 people on their waitlist eagerly anticipating the platform’s launch from February 2025.
The Leadership Driving SkillConnect Forward
SkillConnect isn’t just an innovative product; it’s the brainchild of a passionate and skilled leadership team. Alongside Patrick, Osagie James Osemwegie, Co-founder and CTO, plays a crucial role in the platform’s development. Speaking about the technical backbone of SkillConnect, he said:
“We’ve designed SkillConnect to be as intuitive as it is robust. Our priority is to provide a seamless user experience while ensuring reliability and scalability as we grow. The creative industry deserves tools that empower them to focus on what they do best creating.”
Louis Bessam, Co-founder and Head of Operations, oversees the platform’s overall execution and strategy. Reflecting on the festival experience, he shared:
“Attending the Africa Startup Festival reaffirmed the demand for SkillConnect in the creative industry. Our mission is to create a platform that not only bridges gaps but also elevates the industry by fostering trust and professionalism. The feedback we received at the festival has inspired us to push even harder toward our vision.”
SkillConnect at the Africa Startup Festival
Led by Yvonne Ojo, the Product Manager, the SkillConnect team also comprising Cordilia Nwaoko (Marketing Manager) and Emmanuel Adedoyin Sorounmu (Senior Frontend Developer), took the opportunity to engage with festival attendees individually.
Rather than taking the stage, the team walked the floor, connecting with curious attendees, investors, and industry professionals. Over the course of the festival, they engaged with 120 individuals, including 30 investors and 15 industry stakeholders, offering personalized demonstrations of the platform’s MVP.
Yvonne shared her reflections:
“The festival was an invaluable experience for us. It was exciting to meet so many people interested in SkillConnect, and their feedback will be instrumental in shaping our final product. The one-on-one demos allowed us to showcase how simple yet effective our platform is at addressing real pain points in the creative industry.”
What Stood Out About the Platform
From our perspective, SkillConnect’s innovative approach and user-focused design were clear highlights. The app addresses long-standing frustrations, such as “what I ordered vs. what I got” scenarios and payment disputes, while fostering trust and accountability between customers and creatives.
Attendees who tried the app during individual demos praised its intuitive interface and transparent processes. One investor commented, “SkillConnect is not just a tool; it’s a solution that the creative industry has needed for years.”
Forging Connections and Partnerships
Beyond showcasing the app, SkillConnect’s team focused on building relationships. They engaged with potential investors and partners, discussing collaborations in skill development, technology integration, and community-building initiatives. By the end of the festival, they had initiated conversations with five key organizations, setting the stage for impactful partnerships that could amplify the platform’s reach.
Why We’re Excited About SkillConnect
At Tech Cabal, we’re constantly on the lookout for startups tackling real problems with innovative solutions. SkillConnect’s approach stood out for its practicality and potential impact on Nigeria’s booming creative economy.
The combination of a clear mission, a rapidly growing waitlist, and a strong team signals a bright future for the platform. As Founder Patrick Ubuane put it: “SkillConnect is here to transform the creative industry into a space where talent and professionalism thrive.”
Looking Ahead to February 2025
SkillConnect is set to launch officially from February 2025. If you want to be part of this transformation, join the waitlist today via this link. For more details, visit their website at www.myskillconnect.com or follow them on Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok (@myskillconnect).
With their personalized approach, strategic connections, and a clear vision for the future, SkillConnect is well on its way to becoming a cornerstone of Nigeria’s creative economy.
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