Afripreneur
Women in Healthcare Innovation: Funmilola Aderemi on Building Pharmarun
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
- Easy medication purchase. This could be one time or recurring.
- Health management through recurring deliveries, interaction checkers, Home testing,Virtual consultations with licensed professionals
- 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.
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
Oyindamola Ossi on building AI-powered e2e talent platform getting professionals hired globally
Oyindamola Ossi is an award-winning leader at the intersection of Technology, Global Human Resources, and digital innovation with over 10 years of transformative expertise. She is an AI Evangelist and the founder of VampAI, the “Tinder” for jobs. An e2e talent matching platform that helps ambitious talents match with businesses and get hired 7x faster by leveraging Artificial intelligence to craft compelling CVs, prepare for interviews in real-time, connect with employers, track their job applications, and ultimately land dignifying jobs in record time. In this interview with Alaba Ayinuola of Business Africa Online (BAO), Oyindamola shares her entrepreneurship journey and how her startup, VampAI is providing in-demand tools that help talents match faster with businesses and land dignifying jobs. Excerpts.
Alaba: Can you tell us about your journey into building AI Technologies. What galvanised you to start Vamp?
Oyindamola: Throughout my corporate career across 3 regions (Africa, The Middle East and Europe) I worked with talent, and I see first-hand how 3 in 5 early to mid-level professionals struggle to either articulate their skills sets or lack the confidence to qualify their experience in a way that gets them closer to the job. I tried to address this problem by offering 1-2-1 interview preps, CV and Linkedin clinics but I quickly realised how unsustainable that can be, if I wanted to achieve my goal of helping 100 million talents match with dignifying jobs by 2030, we needed to leverage technology to scale our solution for growth, sustainability, and impact. This is how VampAI was born.
Alaba: How did you identify your niche in the market and What makes your proposition special?
Oyindamola: I knew our niche was a problem early professionals faced because I have seen it, but it became apparent when data also confirmed it. We realised there was a significant gap between job seekers and recruiters in terms of time, quality of matches, and inclusivity. Our proposition is special because it combines AI-driven CV building, interview preparation, job board and AI talent matching into one seamless platform. This end-to-end solution not only empowers candidates to present their best selves but also enables businesses to find and connect with talent faster and more accurately.
Alaba: How do you prepare yourself for an AI-driven world? What is it that excites you about what you’re building?
Oyindamola: I have embraced the ethical use of AI and I believe everybody should, I’m particularly excited about the potential of AI to solve human challenges at scale. AI is re-imagining how we do everything from how talent matches with jobs to how medical diagnostics are carried out.
To prepare for an AI-driven world, I stay ahead by investing in continuous learning and keeping pace with the latest technological advancements.
What excites me the most is how AI can level the playing field and create a fairer hiring landscape, so I wake up every day with a fresh energy to ensure our products solve that pain-point for our users.
Alaba: How is AI/ML transforming Hiring practices and what is your key message to HR leaders?
Oyindamola: AI and ML are transforming hiring by automating administrative tasks, improving candidate matching accuracy, and reducing unconscious bias. These technologies also enable real-time insights, which make decision-making faster and more data driven. My key message to HR leaders is to embrace AI but use it as an enabler rather than a replacement for human intuition. AI can make the hiring process more efficient and equitable, but the human element empathy, understanding, and culture fit remains crucial.
Alaba: How do you feel as an African female tech entrepreneur based in the diaspora?
Oyindamola: Being an African female tech entrepreneur in the diaspora is both a privilege and a challenge. I feel proud to represent a growing wave of underrepresented voices in tech, and it motivates me to push boundaries. However, the journey comes with its unique challenges, from breaking into networks to overcoming biases. My background gives me a distinct perspective on diversity and inclusion, which is reflected in the products we build. I see my role not just as a founder but as a trailblazer for other women and minorities aspiring to enter tech.
Alaba: What are your top predictions and must-watch technologies? How much of these technologies would be influenced by adoption of Hiring/ Recruitment technologies?
Oyindamola: I believe the future of tech lies in advancements in AI, quantum computing, and augmented reality (AR). For recruitment, AI will continue to evolve, making the hiring process more automated and personalised. Predictive analytics and sentiment analysis will also play major roles, allowing companies to forecast hiring needs and better understand candidates. The adoption of these technologies will drive efficiency and inclusivity, particularly in helping HR teams make data-backed decisions while avoiding common hiring pitfalls.
Alaba: Where do you see your VampAI in the next 5 years?
Oyindamola: I see VampAI being the leading e2e talent platform providing in-demand tools that help talents match faster with businesses and land dignifying jobs. We aim to expand into new markets, particularly in emerging economies where access to opportunities is limited. Our goal is to be at the forefront of innovation, continually refining our tools to not only meet but anticipate the needs of both job seekers and businesses. We plan to introduce more personalised AI-driven features, ensuring we remain the go-to platform for talents looking for their next role and for businesses looking to match with qualified talents.
Alaba: What advice would you give to aspiring tech entrepreneurs?
Oyindamola: Focus on solving real problems, listen to your users, go for it, and don’t stop till you make it happen. The world is literally waiting for your solution.
Anny Robert, a Lagos-based artist, specializes in capturing black elegance in single frames, emphasizing authenticity and mutual exchange between subject and potential. His work navigates life’s dualities seamlessly, blending themes of humanity, divinity, myth, and identity. Through his art studio, Anny sparks conversations on emerging social commentary, challenging viewers to reevaluate beliefs and embrace cultural heritage with introspection. In this Interview with Alaba Ayinuola of Business Africa Online (BAO), Anny shares his journey into the world of art, inspiration and how he is leading a creative revolution in African storytelling using photography. Excerpts.
Alaba: Could you tell us about your journey into the world of art and what inspired you to establish Anny Robert Art Studio?
Anny: My journey into art began during the COVID pandemic. As a portrait photographer, my work relied heavily on people, and when the lockdown hit, everything stopped. It made me realize how dependent I was on physical interaction and that I needed to find new ways to express my creativity without those limits.
That’s when I started exploring new fields. I learned 3D modeling, got into Blender, and began creating remotely. The shift in focus was freeing in a way—it allowed me to start experimenting beyond traditional photography. And after the lockdown, I found myself fully immersed in creating art pieces that blended photography with other forms of visual storytelling.
Another driving factor was my desire to tap into the global market. I realized that if I wanted to reach a certain level, I needed to embrace things like exhibitions, awards, and other markers of artistic achievement. Up until then, I had been entirely focused on commercial work, and it became clear that I needed to expand my focus. Establishing the Art Studio was my response to that realization it’s a reflection of my evolution as an artist and my drive to push creative boundaries.
Alaba: In what ways do you believe photography can be a catalyst for cultural exchange and economic growth in Nigeria?
Anny: Nigeria has a rich and diverse culture, with so many stories and histories that often go untold. Photography and videography give us a chance to share these stories, and give people a glimpse into our culture, our way of life, and what makes us unique. This can help boost tourism and the economy. By capturing our landscapes, landmarks, and cultural highlights, photography plays a big role in attracting people and showing them what Nigeria has to offer.
Alaba: Anny, you have risen to become one of Nigeria’s successful celebrity photographers. Can you briefly tell us how you got to the top and managing stardom?
Anny: I’ve always focused on carving out a clear niche for myself. My background in graphic design really helped me stand out because it influenced the way I approach and create my photographs. It gave my work a unique edge, from how I conceptualize to how I deliver the final images. People are naturally drawn to something fresh and different, and I think that played a big role in my rise to where I am today.
Alaba: How do you feel being mentored by one of Nigeria’s top photographers and what is your advice for budding photoghers building their brands?
Anny: It was a great opportunity, and I’m deeply grateful for everyone who has supported me along the way. My journey wasn’t a solo effort; many people and photographers have influenced and guided me to where I am now.
For budding photographers looking to build their brands, my advice is to be intentional about your work. Treat your photography as a business, not just a hobby. Establish a clear structure, build strong relationships with clients and brands, and always strive to improve. Focus on competing with yourself aim to surpass your previous work and continually push your boundaries. Intentionality and a desire for growth are key to advancing in this field.
Alaba: What steps do you recommend for photographers who are looking to turn their passion into a sustainable business?
Anny: If you’re turning your photography into a sustainable business, there are several key aspects to consider from the start. Focus on setting up a solid structure and being meticulous with your data. Keep track of your numbers, including client information, expenses, income, and profits.
Regularly review your performance month by month to identify trends, such as peak and slow periods. Being intentional about managing these details will help you understand your business better and make informed decisions for growth.
Alaba: How do you envision the role of government and financial institutions in fostering growth within the creative industry, particularly in the field of photography?
Anny: To foster growth within the creative industry, the government needs to create a supportive environment for creatives to thrive. This means setting up systems and infrastructure that make it easier for us to work and succeed. Even when conditions aren’t ideal, creatives will continue to produce great work, but having a supportive framework would amplify our potential and make our work more impactful.
For financial institutions, there should be tailored financial facilities that support creatives turning their work into businesses. Just as financial institutions focus on other sectors, they should also recognize the importance of the creative sector. We’ve seen the music industry thrive, partly due to financial backing from various sources. Similar support for other creative fields could help them grow and succeed on a global scale. Creating an enabling environment, like those found in other countries, would significantly benefit our industry.
Alaba: What are the most significant opportunities and trends shaping the future of photography, particularly in the Nigerian context?
Anny: Looking at the future of photography in Nigeria, some things stand out for me. Firstly, social media is sparking new levels of creativity, as people bring fresh, unique ideas to their photos. Collaboration among creatives is also on the rise, which is great as it helps everyone grow and innovate together.
Finally, many photographers are expanding beyond traditional photography and exploring new possibilities just like I did. I personally believe, embracing these trends can help photographers thrive in our changing world.
Alaba: Lastly: What advice do you have for aspiring photographers who are navigating the challenges of building their brand and finding their niche in the industry?
Anny: For aspiring photographers, my key advice is to break down your big goals into smaller, manageable steps. Large ambitions can feel overwhelming, but tackling them bit by bit makes them more achievable. Focus on what you can do right now and set small, actionable goals to work towards.
Finding your niche is also crucial. Discover what you’re truly passionate about and excel in that area. A strong niche helps build a recognizable brand when people think of a certain type of photography, like portraits or weddings, they should think of you. Specializing makes it easier for others to identify your expertise and remember you for that particular style or subject. Building a reputation in a specific niche will make you stand out and attract the right opportunities.
Stephen Adeyemo is a social entrepreneur, product designer, and founder of Resavation, a rental application addressing the challenges of renting accommodation in Nigeria. Stephen contributes to digital economy policy at the Nigeria Economic Summit Group (NESG) and is a proud member of Forbes BLK, driving innovation and strategic solutions in proptech to enhance access to housing in Nigeria. In this interview with Alaba Ayinuola of Business Africa Online (BAO), Stephen shares his entrepreneurial journey and he is building Resavation and redefining the proptech space. Excerpt.
Alaba: Could you briefly tell us about your entrepreneurship journey and what inspired you to launch Resavation?
Stephen: My entrepreneurship journey started in 2017 when I came across Unilever Young Entrepreneurs Awards and this made me write my first business plan but I wasn’t selected. Fast forward to 2018 when I got into Obafemi Awolowo University, I had a challenge renting first accommodation as a freshman, it was time consuming and stressful and I was exploited by my house agent paying double of my rent to him. This horrible experience made me birth Resavation to solve difficulty renting accommodation in Nigeria.
Alaba: How did you identify the market need and who are your target audience?
Stephen: The market need for Resavation was identified through personal experience and market research. As a student at Obafemi Awolowo University, I faced challenges renting accommodation, including lengthy property searches and scams. This highlighted a gap in the market for a reliable, digital rental solution. Further research revealed widespread difficulties with transparency, trust, and convenience in Nigeria’s rental sector. Our target audience includes young professionals, students, and families looking for safe, hassle-free rental experiences. We focus on tech-savvy individuals in urban areas who prefer digital solutions for property search, inspections, and rent payments.
Alaba: How does Resavation work and what is your revenue model?
Stephen: Resavation is a digital platform that simplifies property rentals by allowing users to search for properties, book inspections, and pay rent online. Users can browse verified property listings, schedule visits, and complete transactions securely, minimizing the risk of scams. Landlords can list properties, manage tenants, and receive payments through the platform. Our revenue model is commission-based: we charge a percentage on successful property rentals, collect fees from landlords for premium listings, and offer subscription plans for additional services like rent savings plans and credit score boosting tools for tenants.
Alaba: Can you tell us how Resavation is currently leveraging AI in addressing the challenges facing the real estate sector?
Stephen: Resavation leverages AI to address key challenges in the real estate sector by enhancing user experience, optimizing property recommendations, and improving security. Through AI-powered algorithms, we use content-based filtering to match users with properties based on their preferences, ensuring personalized property recommendations. Additionally, AI helps us verify property authenticity by analyzing property data and detecting potential fraud patterns. We also plan to integrate AI-driven solutions for rent savings and credit score boosting, enabling tenants to build financial credibility. This AI integration enhances trust, efficiency, and personalization, addressing the pain points of Nigeria’s rental market.
Alaba: Where do you see Proptech in the next 5 years?
Stephen: In the next 5 years, PropTech is poised to revolutionize the real estate sector with increased digital adoption, AI integration, and blockchain technology. Property transactions will become more seamless and transparent through digital platforms, reducing the need for intermediaries and paperwork. AI will drive personalized experiences, from tailored property recommendations to predictive maintenance and smart building management. Blockchain is expected to streamline transactions and title transfers, enhancing security and reducing fraud. Virtual and augmented reality will also transform property viewing, enabling immersive, remote inspections. Overall, PropTech will make real estate more efficient, data-driven, and customer-centric.
Alaba: Where do you see Resavation in the next 5 years?
Stephen: In the next 5 years, I see Resavation becoming a leading PropTech platform in Nigeria and expanding across Africa. We aim to be the go-to digital solution for renting, offering seamless property search, inspection, and rent payment experiences. With continued AI integration, we plan to introduce advanced features like predictive property recommendations, rent savings plans, and tenant credit score boosting. Our vision is to expand into property management and sales, offering end-to-end real estate solutions. Additionally, by forming strategic partnerships, we hope to foster trust in the market and drive digital transformation in Africa’s real estate sector.
Alaba: Lastly and in your opinion, what are the most significant opportunities and trends in the proptech sector?
Stephen: The PropTech sector is brimming with opportunities, particularly in AI-driven property management, blockchain for secure transactions, and virtual reality for immersive property tours. AI offers personalized experiences, predictive analytics for property values, and tenant screening automation. Blockchain presents opportunities for transparent, fraud-resistant property sales and smart contracts. The rise of virtual and augmented reality can revolutionize property viewing, enabling buyers and renters to inspect properties remotely. Additionally, the growing demand for sustainable and smart buildings creates a trend towards energy-efficient solutions.
