[Interview] Patrick Osaji, CEO, Glow Telecommunication, The Netherlands
Patrick Osaji, Nigerian entrepreneur, started Glowtel in Netherlands as a service to ease international calling costs both for individuals and companies. His interview with Africa Business Communities:
Please introduce GlowTel, its operations and location.
GlowTel is a service provider offering VoIP services to individuals and companies. As a company it is owned by myself and a few shareholders and financed through savings and private funds. We currently have clients from over 10 countries and are working furiously to double this. My office is located in Veraartlaan 8, Rijswijk, The Netherlands.
Why did you start GlowTel?
Before starting GlowTel (in 2010), I worked with Lebera Bv as a sales man and Ortel Bv as a sales coordinator. I started GlowTel because during my years of working for Telecom companies, it seemed to me that a good number of immigrants spent large amounts of money on phone calls without realizing it. I did some research on per-minute costs and ways to cut down these costs, such as eliminating connection fees and per minute billings. I also created a free call for users within the network undermining your location or country of resident.
How would you describe the Startup Environment in The Netherlands in terms of support that is given by the government and banks?
Starting up is not easy – though I would assume that this is the case anywhere. I had to do most things myself in the beginning. However, there are avenues to get information and lots of training programs organized by the Entrepreneur Community in the Netherlands.
Regarding banks, as far as I know, they only offer support when you have a good business track record with proven profits in your first three years of business.
What do you want people and companies who read this interview to do?
First, anyone interested in our services can install our app ‘GlowTel’. We are working on growth and expansion, and publicity and finance are key ingredients for us to continue in our innovation and research for new ideas. Those interested in expanding our market either by investing or reselling our products can always contact us.
To would-be entrepreneurs – be bold and don’t over-hesitate in embarking on projects you are thinking of.
