[Startup Interview] Ebenezer Adjei, Founder, Unicorn Microsystems Limited, Ghana
Unicorn Microsystem Limited, a Ghana based IT start up has since its inception three years ago been on an overdrive to tap into the growing IT needs of a burgeoning SME clientele through bespoke solutions ranging from business applications, website development, mobile app design and consulting.
Ebenezer Adjei the founder and CEO of the startup talked to Africa Business Communities about the DNA of the startup, the hurdles it has had to overcome and the ambitions of the company.
Tell us about your company
Unicorn Microsystem is an IT start-up company set up to provide innovative solutions to businesses/industries to enable them to be more productive and efficient. Our core mission is to offer our customers with systems to enhance their productivity. Our core IT services are enterprise business applications, website development, mobile app design and consulting.
Where is your company located?
We are currently located in Ghana in the city of Kumasi, the second largest commercial city of Ghana.
When was it founded and by who?
Unicorn was founded by Mr Ebenezer Adjei and Mr Osman Suulisin. We started Unicorn in September 2014, right after our university education. However, Mr Osman left the business not long after, and Dr. Priscilla Boateng became a shareholder.
How is the company funded?
The only shareholder, Dr. Priscilla Boateng and I fund the company. We mainly plough back profits to finance the business. But we are hoping to explore external sources of funds for expansion and growth.
What are your company’s Unique Selling Points?
What makes us unique is that, we first of all, take time to review the traditional chain of processes of our clients. Then we base our solutions on the bottlenecks identified through the process – that is, complete customization for each client need.
Also, our solutions are based on our client’s workforce; their capabilities, skills and knowledge. This fosters a cohesive acceptance and usability to the end-users.
Customer support is really our prime concern. We are always ready to meet them at their points of need.
How has the market responded to your services?
We have really struggled in establishing leads in the market. There are a lot of misconception about IT (fraud and others), so many were not willing to take their business online, but gradually this is changing and most organizations are taking the initiatives on how to achieve their digital goals.
Who are your clients?
Our clients are mainly small and medium scale enterprises (SME) in various industries except the Game industries. Statistics from the Registrar General’s Department suggest that 92 percent of companies registered in Ghana are micro, small and medium enterprises. SMEs in Ghana have also been noted to provide about 85 percent of manufacturing employment, contribute about 70 per cent to Ghana’s GDP, and therefore have catalytic impacts on economic growth, income and employment.
What are the ambitions of the company?
To be fully established and recognized as the number one enterprise software application company in Ghana and Africa in the next three years. We want to be the IT brand any company will want to work with or partner. We are looking at Mauritius, Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa. These are potential market places for us, especially with our health platform app.
What does your company need to grow and prosper?
To scale, Unicorn needs strategic partners that would help promote our brand. Also, we need multi-national organizations that would outsource projects to us through their value chain, and we also need financial investment.
What is the latest news?
Unicorn is a registered member of the association of Ghana industries and African partner pool. With respect to services, we are launching our flagship innovation projects in healthcare in August 2017. The theme is “Innovating Healthcare Delivery through ICT”- taking health facilities digital.
Also read:
[Startup Interview] Chika Uzor, Founder, GlamAfric, Nigeria
[Startup Interview] Lola Okugo, Founder, Transthat Nigeria
[Startup Interview] Frank Balestra, Founder, AB Minerals & Made for Africa Eco-Friendly solution
[Startup Interview] Lateef Apau Wiredu, CEO and Owner, Ilaha Ghana
[Startup Interview] Mike Bondo, CEO and Co founder, McShop, Democratic Republic of Congo
Africa Business Communities is conducting a series of interviews with startup businesses in Africa.
Are you a startup in Africa and interested in an interview? Great! Send an e-mail to bas@africabusinesscommunities.com
