From Vision to Reality: Resilience and Growth Lessons From Tunde Buremo- CEO, Cardify.
Discover the journey of turning challenges into success and the wisdom gained along the way.
Everyone has dreams, but not everyone can bring those dreams to life. Turning a vision into reality is no child's play—it takes grit, hard work, courage, and showing up every day, even on days when you don't feel like it. For Tunde Buremo, the challenges he faced while growing his company weren't enough to deter him from chasing his dream of becoming a successful founder.
We had a conversation with him where he shared his hard-earned wisdom on turning challenges into success and how he was able to build and grow Cardify. As founders, creatives, and business owners, we can draw lessons in resilience and growth from Tunde Buremo's journey. Read on to learn about Tunde's path—one thing is certain, you’ll gain valuable insights as a founder and business owner
.Hello, can we meet you?
My name is Tunde Buremo, and I am the Founder of Cardify.
Can you tell us about your background and what inspired you to start this company?
I've always had a deep interest in technology and its potential to solve real-world problems. Before starting Cardify Africa, I spent several years working in the fintech space, where I observed firsthand the challenges surrounding financial inclusion in Africa. The fragmented payments ecosystem, lack of access to banking services for the unbanked, and inefficiencies in cross-border transactions were issues that deeply concerned me. These experiences, coupled with a strong desire to make a tangible impact, inspired me to start Cardify Africa. I wanted to create a platform that simplifies cross-border utility payments for everyone on the continent, regardless of their location or background.
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced when starting your business?
One of the most significant challenges was gaining trust. Fintech, especially in Africa, requires consumers to trust the system and the company behind it. Building that trust from scratch was daunting.
How did you overcome obstacles in the early stages of your startup?
Overcoming these obstacles required a combination of persistence, adaptability, and strategic partnerships. We invested heavily in security and transparency to build trust with our users. Most importantly, I surrounded myself with a team of passionate individuals who believed in our mission as much as I did. Their dedication and expertise were instrumental in overcoming the hurdles we faced.
Can you share a particularly tough decision you had to make and how you handled it?
One particularly tough decision was whether to expand aggressively into new markets or consolidate our position in existing ones. Expansion was tempting, given the demand, but it also carried risks. After much deliberation and consulting with my team, we chose to focus on solidifying our presence in a few key markets first. This allowed us to fine-tune our operations and customer experience before scaling further. It was a difficult decision, but in hindsight, it was the right one, as it set a strong foundation for our growth.
What are some key lessons you’ve learned as a founder?
One key lesson is the importance of resilience. The startup journey is filled with highs and lows, and it’s essential to stay focused and not get discouraged by setbacks. Another lesson is the value of listening—whether it’s to your customers, your team, or the market. Being open to feedback and willing to pivot when necessary can make the difference between success and failure.
How do you stay motivated and continue learning in your role?
Staying motivated comes naturally when you’re passionate about your mission. I’m driven by the knowledge that we’re making a difference in people’s lives. To continue learning, I surround myself with smart people, both within and outside the company. I also make it a point to stay updated on industry trends and regularly engage with other entrepreneurs to exchange ideas and learn from their experiences.
How do you manage work-life balance, especially in the demanding world of startups? Work-life balance is challenging, but I believe it’s crucial for long-term success. I make a conscious effort to set boundaries and prioritize my health. It’s about finding the right balance—understanding that there will be intense periods of work but also recognizing the importance of rest and recharge.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received in your entrepreneurial journey?
The best advice I received was to “focus on the problem, not the solution.” It’s easy to get attached to a particular idea or solution, but what really matters is solving the customer’s problem. Being solution-agnostic and focusing on the end goal has allowed us to innovate more effectively and stay relevant.
What do you think is the most important quality for an entrepreneur to possess?
I believe resilience is the most important quality. The entrepreneurial journey is a marathon, not a sprint. There will be setbacks, failures, and moments of doubt. Resilience allows you to push through those challenges, learn from them, and keep moving forward.
What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs looking to start their own tech startups?
Start by deeply understanding the problem you want to solve. Validate your idea with real users and be ready to iterate. Surround yourself with people who complement your skills and share your vision. Most importantly, stay adaptable—technology and markets evolve rapidly, and the ability to pivot when necessary is crucial. And remember, the journey won’t be easy, but it will be incredibly rewarding if you stay committed to your mission.
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