Denis Opudo
Asuqu is a Nigerian based startup was launched in 2015. The startup is an online marketplace which offers creative and professional services, that looks at connecting freelance professionals to customers all over Africa. According to a report released by Distrupt Africa at the beginning of 2017, the company managed to get a five-figure dollar funding from Nigerian investors residing abroad. The startup also managed to roll out B2B and SME-focused services on the back of the investment.
The startup has opened its branches in Yaba, Lagos, which is called The Village looking forward to practical surrounding to freelancers to work and a place for them to use as an office allowing them a quiet space to meet with customers. For the two years, the company has been operational; it has been able to note that there is a gap between freelancers and customers.
According to Rabiu Musah founder of Asuqu, customers always prefer to have a one on one interaction and have an experience with the person doing their work. However, it becomes tough for freelancers to deliver their jobs within the required time because of the basic challenges they encounter in their environment, internet and power. After seeing the pain and suffering the freelancers are going through, the only solution is to fill the void.
The other company’s point of focus was to create a forum in which both the customer and freelancer can have a chance to meet and interact directly. The village is on 200 square meters piece of land with personal office space, a VIP area, and an open-air working space that can accommodate fifty freelancers. The company has a membership package who enjoys several privileges like access to power, internet cleaning, free water and coffee, security and number of services.
