The Aurora Tech team spoke to Folake Owodunni, founder of Emergency Response Africa, and overall winner of this year’s Aurora Tech Award. ERA’s mission is to provide fast, reliable, and affordable emergency care, in pursuit of “an Africa where everyone can receive emergency medical care in 10 minutes or less”. Here’s what they learned about this year’s inspirational winner, who hails from Nigeria.
I draw my inspiration to keep going from the fundamental reason why I embarked on this journey in the first place. Having experienced a frightening emergency situation with my family, I was immensely grateful for the assistance we received when we needed it most.
However, I also became acutely aware of the countless situations where individuals lack access to such crucial help. This realization deeply resonated with me, and I firmly believe that every human being, particularly Africans, deserves the right to access help during emergencies. Being part of the solution to address this disparity is my driving force. Even during the most challenging times, this motivation propels me forward and fuels my determination to make a meaningful impact.
Rapid advancements in technology, particularly in Nigeria's mobile and internet infrastructure, have significantly impacted our work at Emergency Response Africa (ERA). With the widespread access to mobile phones and the internet, individuals facing emergencies increasingly turn to online platforms for assistance. While it may seem unusual to seek help online during critical moments, the limited availability of traditional emergency services in our environment makes this trend understandable.
At ERA, a substantial portion of our users discover our services through online channels, underscoring the importance of leveraging digital platforms to reach those in need. Moreover, we recognize the potential of emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance our operations. We are actively exploring AI-powered solutions to optimize our dispatch processes and resource allocation, factors that we are carefully considering as we develop our company's technology roadmap for the future.
As a female entrepreneur, one of the main challenges I've faced is securing adequate funding. It's not just about obtaining funding, but also about accessing the right amount at the right time. Often, female entrepreneurs receive smaller amounts of funding, enough to survive but not to invest significantly in strategic initiatives that could propel the business forward.
To navigate this challenge, we've been proactive in seizing any opportunity that comes our way. Additionally, we've been deliberate in our fundraising efforts, targeting
investors who align with our business vision, and ensuring that they have the resources needed to support us effectively. This approach has helped us overcome funding hurdles and stay focused on our growth trajectory.
In terms of securing funding, we faced a significant disappointment early on in our journey. After winning a pitch competition, we were confident that we had secured the necessary funding to launch our business. However, months went by without receiving any financial support, leaving us in a challenging position where we couldn't move forward, but couldn't afford to step back either.
Despite this setback, we remained resilient and actively sought out alternative opportunities. Eventually, our perseverance paid off when we secured grants and investments from angel investors, including some remarkable women who shared our vision and believed in our mission. This initial funding boost in 2021 marked a pivotal moment for us, allowing us to kickstart our operations and make significant progress toward our goals.
If I had to pinpoint one person who has had the greatest impact on my life, it would undoubtedly be my parents. I am fortunate to have been raised by two individuals who embody love, support, and entrepreneurship. Throughout my upbringing, my parents owned and operated their businesses, demonstrating resilience and determination in the face of challenges. While I may not have fully grasped the complexities they encountered during my childhood, I now deeply appreciate the sacrifices they made to sustain their businesses for over three decades.
Their unwavering commitment to entrepreneurship has profoundly influenced my own journey. Despite initially not envisioning myself following the entrepreneurial path, knowing that my parents have paved the way before me and provided unwavering support has made it easier for me to pursue this endeavor. They serve as role models whose guidance and example continue to shape my aspirations and drive me toward success. Without a doubt, my parents have left an indelible mark on my life.
To facilitate greater success for women in entrepreneurship, it's important to recognize that support for female-led startups extends beyond financial assistance. While funding is undoubtedly important, it's equally essential to address the unique challenges that women face, especially when balancing entrepreneurship with family responsibilities.
As a woman who embarked on the entrepreneurial journey while raising a family, I understand firsthand the significance of having adequate time and support during the early stages of business development. For me, having the flexibility to prioritize family obligations while still receiving support to nurture my venture was invaluable.
Practical initiatives aimed at supporting women entrepreneurs should consider the diverse life circumstances they navigate. For instance, programs should offer flexible scheduling options that accommodate individuals with caregiving responsibilities, such as evening or weekend sessions.
Additionally, providing opportunities for women to engage in entrepreneurial activities alongside their families can foster a supportive environment and alleviate the burden of balancing multiple priorities. By tailoring support programs to address the specific needs of women entrepreneurs, we can empower them to fully commit to their ventures and maximize their potential for success.
