Meet Godfrey Jonas, Founder & CEO of Owujupe Inc. - startGBC July 2024 #WnyNotMe GBC Entrepreneur Spotlight
In the month we celebrate Canada Day, we reflect on how glorious Canada is, the opportunities this gentle giant of a country provides, and the global impact it delivers in tackling social change.
This month we are delighted to highlight Godfrey Jonas, founder of Owujupe Inc. an amazing fintech company with a social conscience, dedicated to providing equal access to financial resources, by breaking down the barriers that prevent people from achieving their dreams.
About Godfrey Jonas
Godfrey is an award-winning blockchain development student, web3 entrepreneur and startup founder of Owujupe Inc. In April 2023, Godfrey decided to build a career in blockchain development so he could be equipped and better positioned for future opportunities. But Godfrey wanted to use this for social good, aiming to remove financial constraints and empower everybody to achieve equity.
We had the pleasure to chat with Godfrey recently, an individual startGBC is so proud to know, support and have in our network, to get his thoughts about the creation of Owujupe Inc.
Godfrey, what was the inspiration behind Owujupe Inc.?
I had to depend on my community at The Empowered Nation, a community supporting newcomers and helping them settle down upon arrival to Canada. I was able to pool funds needed to cover my tuition, at a time I was at risk of losing my academic admission.
Over time, I saw a reoccurrence of this same challenge across different individuals and that was where the idea for Owujupe was born. I assembled a small team, and we began researching and validating the idea in February 2024. During 2024 I completed the venture catalyst program with BEA & YSpace, where we conducted a customer validation survey whose results inspired the launch of Owujupe MVPv1 currently with over 40 members.
Owujupe is revolutionizing how individuals connect, collaborate, and support each other through collaboration and social financing. In May 2024, I enrolled in startGBC where I was equipped with knowledge on how to convert an idea to a business idea, implement customer validation and training on intellectual property rights, this helped me in incorporating Owujupe, currently called Owujupe Inc.
Owujupe Inc. is an ecosystem that provides innovative solutions driving financial security and social support by connecting individuals and communities, allowing them to pool resources, share knowledge and support each other financially.
Owujupe already provides other services, including education resources to ensure people have access to emerging technologies (Blockchain, AI and Internet of things) Literacy, financial literacy and the Owujupe community forum meetups.
Academic Background
Godfrey is completing a Post Graduate Certificate in Blockchain Development (T475) at George Brown College and holds a Bachelor of Computer Engineering (2015) - the Federal University of Technology Minna Nigeria.
What made you want to become an entrepreneur?
I chose to become an entrepreneur because of my obsession with problem-solving, value creation and the opportunity to put my gifts, talents and ability to bring people together to good use, which in turn brings fulfilment.
Why did you create your business?
Owujupe means goodness and it was created because I believe that everyone should be empowered with equal access to financial resources, breaking down barriers to achieving dreams.
What successes have you enjoyed so far with building your company?
Participation in a six-week venture catalyst program with Black Entrepreneurship Alliance and YSpace, Participation at the 2024 Collision Startup Alpha Program, access to a highly supportive community, mentorship, resources, and innovative and talented people.
What is one piece of advice you would give to aspiring entrepreneurs?
Always remember why you started
Any organizations or learning resources you would recommend?
startGBC, BEA & YSpace. Through support from startGBC, I was able to lead my team to exhibit at the Collision 2024 Conference.
Any books or podcasts you would recommend?
Start with Why by Simon Sinek & Cash Flow Quadrant by Robert Kiyosaki
Y Combinator & Shark Tank
Anything else you would like to share?
The miracle begins when you take the first step...
Website and Socials
Website: www.owujupe.com
Instagram: @owujupe
X (formally Twitter): @owujupe
Personal LinkedIn: @godfreyenanghajonas
