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Women in Healthcare Innovation: Funmilola Aderemi on Building Pharmarun

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Funmilola Aderemi is a product manager with over 9 years of experience in technology. She is currently the co-founder and Chief Product Officer of Pharmarun, a Lagos-based healthtech startup simplifying the parts of pharmacy that are complicated, cumbersome, and time-consuming. In this exclusive interview with Alaba Ayinuola of Business Africa Online, Funmilola talks about her entrepreneurship journey and her passion for building technologies and innovating to make businesses scale. Excerpt.

 

Alaba: Could you briefly tell us about yourself?

Funmilola: My name is Funmilola Aderemi and I am the chief product manager and co-founder of Pharmarun. Before founding Pharmarun in 2021, I worked in Seamfix LTD, a cutting-edge tech company focusing on identity management, Jumia Nigeria in the early to hyper-growth days as well as MAX, the first mobility tech company in Nigeria. 

As a product manager, I have worked on various projects, from creating new products for existing customers to launching new products for new markets. I have also worked with clients on everything from brand identity to customer experience and product development.

Having started my career in customer experience at Jumia Nigeria gave me the opportunity to develop myself as an excellent problem solver when it comes to finding ways to improve products or services that can benefit both internal customers and external clients.

I enjoy getting out and about with friends and travelling but my favourite thing to really do is work with other people to find solutions to problems. Yes, even in my leisure time, I like to work. I love what I do because it helps me connect with people and solve problems on a level that no other job  can.

 

Alaba: Tell us about Pharmarun – Where, When and how did it start?

Funmilola: Pharmarun is a platform enabling fast and easy access to medication by providing the largest medication and health supply inventory in Africa and aggregating finance and logistics partners so that customers can get medication, when and where they need it.

Pharmarun is actually the brainchild of my co-founder(CEO) and Bestfriend Teniola Adedeji (B.Pharm). She worked in the retail pharmacy space for over 9 years and noticed a huge gap when it came to how people conveniently accessed medication and generally managed their health.

Teniola started this Solo and I worked on it casually with her as a friend before she asked me to come onboard officially only a few months in. We launched July 2021.

 

Alaba: What products do you offer and how are you funding your growth? 

Funmilola: We offer pharmacies alternative revenue lines when they are onboard with us. A  360 pharmaceutical and first aid service to users by providing 

  1. Easy medication purchase. This could be one time or recurring.
  2. Health management through recurring deliveries, interaction checkers, Home testing,Virtual consultations with licensed professionals 
  3. We offer a range of health bundles.

 

Alaba: How did you become an innovator in healthcare? 

Funmilola: Generally, I like to solve problems. Particularly complex problems. It just excites me. When my  cofounder came to me with this problem she was trying to solve, I wanted to contribute as a friend. We just continued to ideate on the problem and possible solutions. Let’s say I fell in love with the problem and became passionate about  doing my part to fix it.

Did you know Nigeria has about 5,000 registered pharmacies with almost 50% just in Lagos and Abuja. Someone has to care about the rest of the nation. It’s always about solving a problem for me, and this one is life threatening.

 

Alaba: Looking more broadly, what are the biggest opportunities and obstacles you see for innovation in the healthcare environment? 

Funmilola: Obstacles are challenges one must overcome to find and enjoy opportunities. At the moment I don’t see obstacles, however, we are in a developing nation and infrastructure is a common hindrance to swift/straightforward achievements. However, if I had to mention few bumps that could potentially slow down innovation, it would be as follows infrastructure, policies, Health literacy and education issue and funding

The opportunities are endless, like I said, Nigeria and its surrounding countries are developing nations so there is so much to be done, and the opportunities to solve problems and make money as well are currently endless.

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Alaba: How has COVID-19 affected receptiveness for innovation in healthcare? 

Funmilola: Covid 19 was a world leveller. It was a dark period that caused people to see the world in a different light because we had no choice. Healthcare is one of the industries that also revolutionised as a result of the pandemic.People become way more receptive to virtual care, investing more in maintaining good health amongst other behavioural changes. Covid 19 forced a validation in  innovation in healthcare.

 

Alaba: The COVID-19 crisis has raised more awareness on health equity issues. What role (if any) do you think innovators should or could play to address health inequities? 

Funmilola: Health inequities can be addressed by innovators by developing and implementing technology and solutions that meet the needs of marginalized communities. It can include developing remote-access mobile health solutions, creating community-based mobile health programs and  appropriate health education materials, as well as using data and to identify and address disparities in health. Additionally, innovators should work with community leaders and organizations can also help ensure that solutions are designed with the input and participation of the communities they aim to serve. No point building a product the users can not or will not use.

 

Alaba: What do you know now that you wish you had known when you were starting out as an innovator and entrepreneur? 

Funmilola: This is an interesting question. I wish I knew that the reception of collaborators will not be automatic. Apparently, it takes a bit of convincing for people to see reason, or want to change.

Team Pharmarun (Images: Supplied)

Alaba: What’s the future for Pharmarun in terms of new products and market expansion 

Funmilola: We are constantly innovating and my team is thinking round the clock how to make life easier for people and you create real value with our innovation. We will continue to share as we release new products. What we are most excited about is however, is that we are able to sort the problem of final consumers. You know me & you. No more going around from pharmacy to pharmacy, no more settling for alternative medicine because you can’t find the one that was prescribed. Our platform essentially allows customers access to infinite options of medication to manage their health. We also provide free pharmaceutical consultations and services.

 

Alaba: There are not a lot of female tech entrepreneurs in digital healthcare. Do you have specific advice for other women wanting to get started working in innovation?

Funmilola: Develop your skills and knowledge: Gain a strong understanding of the healthcare industry, including the key players and current trends. This will help you identify opportunities and develop a unique perspective.

Network and build relationships.

Be resilient: Starting a business can be challenging, and there may be setbacks along the way. Stay committed to your goals and be prepared to adapt as the market and industry evolve.

Embrace your unique perspective: Women often bring a different perspective to the table, and this can be a valuable asset in the healthcare industry. Use your unique experiences and insights to develop innovative solutions and build a successful business.

Seek out mentorship and support: Surround yourself with people who have experience in the field, who can guide you and offer valuable advice.

It’s also important to mention that in recent years, the healthcare innovation ecosystem has been making an effort to make women visible, especially with funding and grants for early-stage ventures. Try looking into those opportunities as well.

Afripreneur

Exclusive with Techbeaver CEO, Shina Arogundade

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Shina Arogundade is the CEO and Co-founder of Techbeaver, a dynamic development shop with a venture studio. With the primary focus to assist businesses in the development of their products, which include websites and mobile apps for both Android and iOS platforms. In this Interview with Alaba Ayinuola of Business Africa Online (BAO), Shina shares how Techbeaver is providing comprehensive support in product strategy and design, offering end-to-end solutions for companies that require efficient and rapid product development, especially non-technical companies and more. Excerpt.

 

Techbeaver and Its Solutions:

We craft seamless, responsive, and customer-centric products, and we consider this careful planning and mapping process to be the foundation of our building phase. As part of our venture studio, we have a talented pool of developers. In utilizing our depth of talent and engaging with the day-to-day challenges we observe, we have also embarked on creating internal products and appointing operators to oversee their management. 

Currently, we have two internal products, with our most prominent one being MyItura, a revolutionary health tech app that caters to a wide range of healthcare needs. Think of it as Shopify for healthcare providers. Our second internal product is still in stealth mode and is one we are confident will have a major impact once we go to market. 

Inspiration Behind Techbeaver:

Techbeaver was born out of a personal experience that I encountered. In my previous venture, we faced significant challenges in the development of our products. Customers and investors expressed dissatisfaction, prompting me to seek assistance from my lifelong friends and former roommates, Michael and Deolu, who both possess exceptional development skills.

However, it quickly became clear that their expertise came at a significant cost, especially considering their geographical locations (Deolu in the UK and Michael in the Netherlands). We collectively decided to explore alternative solutions, which ultimately led us to establish Techbeaver. 

Our vision was to establish a company where Deolu and Michael, as senior developers, could mentor and guide junior and mid-level developers. This not only allowed us to deliver high-quality products to our clients but also presented an invaluable opportunity for our junior developers to learn and grow by adhering to global standards. In 2022, Techbeaver officially came into existence.

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Thoughts on Digital Transformation:

Innovation has been a constant driving force for humanity. We continuously strive to discover new ways of doing things, seeking improvement, simplicity, and recognition for our achievements. This desire for progress has led us through various ages, from the stone age to the modern age, and now into the technology age, where concepts like blockchain and AI are becoming increasingly relevant. 

Back then we talked about inventions; now inventions are over and we’re talking about innovations in areas such as machine learning, AI, ChatGPT, generative AI, and many others. However, it is important to acknowledge that technology adoption remains very low, especially within Nigeria. Before speaking into the impact of AI and related technologies on other parts of the world, it is important for us as Nigerians to recognize and address our own low adoption rates. There is much work to be done in terms of driving technology adoption within our society. 

It is often discussed how AI may lead to job losses and reshape industries, but just as humans have proven their ability to adapt and survive, I am confident that we will adapt to these changes as well. Our greatest asset as individuals lies within our minds and our capacity to think critically, learn new skills, and embrace new trends. We are witnessing people of all ages, even the elderly, engaging with technologies like ChatGPT and actively pursuing knowledge in these areas. 

People will learn, companies will adapt, and organizations will utilize the latest technologies to build what suits them best. However, we need to focus on driving technology adoption and providing access to the internet and computer literacy for all, including children who currently lack these resources. It is only by actively pursuing adoption that we can fully explore how technology can positively impact our society.

Business Outcomes Startups can Expect by Leveraging Techbeaver’s Solutions.

In terms of business outcomes for companies that work with us, there are two key aspects to consider: the technology side and the non-technology side.

On the technology side, our team of developers works on multiple projects across various sectors, such as finance, healthcare, advertising, food, and ride-hailing. This diverse experience allows us to bring valuable ideas and expertise to our clients. We have the ability to build faster and more reliable systems by leveraging new technologies and creating state-of-the-art solutions. 

Additionally, our experience working with companies both within and outside Nigeria, including the US and Kenya, gives us valuable knowledge of different demographics, local laws, and market dynamics. This knowledge enables us to tailor our products to specific regions and advise companies on the best strategies for technology adoption and scaling.

On the non-technology side, our experience allows us to assist companies in the most cost-effective ways to build reliable systems. We also provide guidance on financing, product strategy, and product marketing.

One of the notable advantages of working with Techbeaver is our speed of delivery. We pride ourselves in our ability to meet deadlines and complete projects efficiently. Whether we commit to a three-month or six-month timeline, we consistently deliver high-quality solutions within the agreed-upon timeframe. We have successfully completed web apps in as little as 3-6 months, depending on the complexity of the project. Our clients can rely on us to be a fast and reliable team.

Biggest Challenges with Startups in Nigeria:

Startups in Nigeria face several significant challenges, including finance, market dynamics, and talent acquisition.

Finance is a common issue for startups in Nigeria. It can be difficult to secure the right funding and navigate equity arrangements. Understanding how to structure equity and debt arrangements and finding investors who are genuinely interested in supporting startups can be a complex and time-consuming process.

The market presents another major challenge. Many businesses struggle to enter the market successfully, and their initial expectations may not align with the reality of customer demand. Product strategy plays an important role in addressing market challenges, as startups need to build products that meet the specific needs of their target audience. Additionally, what works in one part of Nigeria may not work in another, and expanding to other countries may require unique approaches.

Talent acquisition is another challenge. Startups need to find the right individuals who possess the necessary skills, take initiative, aren’t just about their salaries but are driven to contribute to the company’s growth. It can be challenging to find talent that aligns with the startup’s goals, values, and company culture.

The reason I have been able to navigate through these challenges is as a result of the amazing communities I belong to – who are constantly rooting for me. It is important for startups to tap into supportive communities. Building strong networks and seeking guidance from experienced individuals who genuinely want to see you succeed can be invaluable. 

Why it is Critical for Businesses to Think like a Startup?

The question on the difference between a startup and an SME has been thrown at me a couple of times. The distinction between these two lies in their growth aspirations. Startups are built for rapid scale and aim to achieve in a few years what might take an SME several decades. Startups seek to quickly grow their customer base, attract investments, and expand their reach. By thinking like a startup, businesses can set themselves on the path of rapid growth and impact.

In Nigeria, we need more companies that think like startups. Scaling businesses at a faster pace allows for greater economic impact. Just as the music, entertainment, and creative industries have contributed significantly to the economy, the technology sector also has immense potential for growth and impact. By building startups that operate globally, earning revenue from outside Nigeria, and bringing those funds back to the country, we can add substantial value to our economy.

Thinking like a startup involves building products and services that cater to a global market, adapting to different regions’ needs, and creating solutions that improve the lives of millions. It requires a mindset focused on scale and continuous innovation. If businesses embrace this mindset, they can position themselves for sustainable growth and become key players in their respective industries.

Techbeaver in the Next 5 Years.

When we started Techbeaver, our goal was to build a Nigerian company with global relevance. We aspired to create products that would be used globally and have a positive impact on people’s lives. Over the next five years, we will continue to support businesses in building relevant and seamless products that make their operations easier and more efficient.

In addition to our client-focused work, we are passionate about our internal products. These products align with our values and have a positive influence on our immediate environment. Our aim is to build products that will remain relevant for years to come, regardless of the sector they operate in or the specific challenges they address.

This is where I see Techbeaver in the next 5 years.

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Embodiment Healthcare: Leveraging artificial intelligence to revolutionize patient care

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Embodiment Healthcare is transforming the Nigerian healthcare landscape with an AI-powered telehealth revolution. It’s innovative platform slashes wait times, accelerates clinical decisions, and delivers personalized treatment plans right to your doorstep. In this exclusive interview with Alaba Ayinuola of Business Africa Online (BAO), the Co-founders and Co-CEOs Johnbosco Ifeanyi Chigbo and Peter-Paul Ihenagwa, both trained pharmacists share more insight on embodiment healthcare and it’s solutions. Excerpt.

 

Can you tell us about your startup, Embodiment Healthcare, and its mission in the healthcare industry?

Embodiment Healthcare is a health-tech startup that leverages cutting-edge artificial intelligence to revolutionize patient care. Our mission is to democratize healthcare by making it more accessible, efficient, and personalized. We are committed to bridging the gap between medical services and patients who need them, using technology to create a more equitable healthcare landscape.

Could you explain your AI platform’s key features and capabilities, and how it sets you apart from other healthcare startups?

Our AI platform is designed with several key features that address the needs of modern healthcare providers and patients. These include:

  • Personalized treatment recommendations based on patient history and current health data
  • Natural language processing for improved patient engagement and automated documentation.

What sets us apart is our focus on not just one aspect of healthcare but the entire    ecosystem, ensuring that our platform can scale with providers and adapt to the changing landscape of health tech.

What specific challenges or pain points in healthcare does your platform address?

Embodiment healthcare is solving the 3 most vicious problems that bewilder healthcare in Africa: Accessibility, Affordability, Convenience and the one-size-fits-all approach that overlooks individual patient needs.. The average Nigerian spends at least 3 hours in the waiting room just to see a GP. It can take weeks to months to see a specialist. We believe that for healthcare to be effective, it has to be convenient. 

Existing healthcare is expensive due to scarcity and securing basic healthcare in Nigeria is a daunting task. Our platform streamlines administrative tasks, supports telehealth services, and promotes personalized medicine Our vision is to build an Africa where healthcare is accessible for all, irrespective of insurance or socio-economic status.

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How do you work with healthcare organizations to ensure the affordability and accessibility of your platform?

Currently, we are working on partnering with health insurance companies to increase the accessibility and affordability of our services. We also partner with specialist clinics to bring the best treatment portfolio closer to our patient door step. Currently we are working on partnering with a dermatology clinic to increase our treatment plans for dermatology conditions. We partner with healthcare organizations through various models to ensure our platform is both affordable and accessible. This includes subscription-based models, pay-per-use, and even custom partnerships depending on the organization’s needs. We’re committed to working with these organizations to find sustainable financial models.

What measures do you take to ensure the security and privacy of patient data when using your platform?

Patient data security and privacy are our top priorities. We adhere to strict data protection standards. We employ end-to-end encryption, regular security audits, and access controls to ensure data integrity and confidentiality. We employ highly advanced cyber security measures to ensure that our patient data safety is guaranteed. We also vet our doctors and ensure they adhere to strict professional and regulatory standards while handling our patient data.

Could you share the innovations that Embodiment Healthcare is working on?

We are continuously innovating, and some of our upcoming projects include further integration with IoT devices for expanded remote monitoring and implementing blockchain for secure patient data exchange. We’re also exploring the use of AI for genomic data analysis to advance personalized medicine. As well as integrating wearable technology for real-time health monitoring.

In addition, we are working on a partnership with a major telecommunication company in Africa to provide doctor on-call consultation using advanced technology. This will enable our patients to speak to a doctor by just dialing a unique code. We are also working on incorporation Natural language processing NLP, to enable users interact with a doctor in their local language using their mobile phones

What would you say about the growth of health tech-enabled solutions in Africa? And what are the recommendations

Health tech-enabled solutions in Africa are experiencing rapid growth, leveraging mobile technology and AI to improve healthcare accessibility and delivery. Early startups should prioritize user-centered design, understand local contexts, forge partnerships with healthcare providers, and focus on scalability and sustainability to maximize impact and address unique challenges in the region.

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Claire Rutambuka: Showcasing the beauty of diversity

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Claire RUTAMBUKA is an entrepreneur and the creator of Akâna Dolls. Beyond her professional background in International Trade, she has always been passionate about the creation of small and diverse objects. During her early childhood in Rwanda, she was fortunate to have toys and in particular a doll that she cared very much about. It was not only a privilege to have a doll but even more so to have one with her skin color. 

When Claire Rutambuka became a mother years later, she was surprised that she couldn’t easily find such a doll for her children that would showcase the beauty of little black girls. That’s how the idea of creating “Akâna Dolls” came about. Akâna is a word of Rwandan origin that can be translated as “little child”. It’s also a nod to the founder’s origins. 

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The brand was born from a mother’s desire to meet a need; namely, giving all children the opportunity to choose a doll they can relate to and adults an additional choice when it comes to gifting. After the first realization of the “Kaliza” doll, the ambition is to gradually expand the collection to include more skin shades and hair textures, so that every child feels represented.

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