Here they are! Top 10 SEXIEST Nigerian start-ups in 2013

by Nubi Kay’

paga

This is a compilation of 10 sexiest Nigerian start-ups in 2013, and even though this first phrase is almost the same as the title, there is need to get some ambiguity out of the way.

First, not all of the start-up on this list were founded in 2013. In fact only a handful of them were launched this year. However since they are still start-ups as at the time of writing, that makes them eligible. Now for the definition of start-up, let’s just stick with: growing company still trying to prove its business model, has traction, raising revenue, possessing the possibility to pivot, and very much open to early stage (seed and growth) funding.

As for the term ‘sexy start-ups’, let’s keep it simple by saying these startup are offering cool products and services to users – mostly in a B2C setup and not the boring and not-so-sexy enterprise, B2B startup.

With that out of the way, here’s the top 10 sexiest Nigerian start-ups in 2013.

1. Nearest Locator (http://getnearest.com)
This is a product from Clout Smith Systems that allows you find the nearest utility buildings and infrastructure on your mobile devices. You can power up the app and simply search from the nearest bank, school, church, post office, mosque, ATM, gas station, cinema, and more. This is definitely a favorite for me as you can also get directions with the help of a map. Other use case can include finding the nearest polling unit during elections, or testing centers during exam season. With much value to offer, it is no surprises the co-founders are already getting acquisition offers. Most recent added features include the ability for users to find event and deals nearest to them. The app is available on BlackBerry App Store, Nokia OVI Store and Google Play Store for Android users.
Sexy Ranking: 6.5

2. Jandus Radio, (http://jandusradio.com)
With a female founder and the use of models in building its brand in diaspora, Jandus is 360′ sexy. The mobile application simply allows users keep with Nigerian, Africa, and Caribbean radio stations from anywhere in the world. This startup definitely went all in as regards platform as the app is available on Nokia, Android, iOS, Windows Phone, and BlackBerry. Then again it’s not all about radio as other features include podcast, OAP profiles, DJ Mixes, and Social Media Sharing. So in the end, it’s more about keep up with black music and sharing that experience with friends around the world.
Sexy Ranking: 9.0

3. Top-up Genie (https://www.topupgenie.com)
Topup Genie is a service offered by iThena Logic ltd, a startup founded by two young Nigerians that believe systems and technology can be used positively to impact lives starting with Nigeria, as stated in the About Us section of the site. Another interesting information on the site is that the service allows you buy airtime in 6 seconds or less. As a user, I do like the service, especially with the launch of the mobile app and my other favorite service offering from Top-up genie include: Flash Me Credit, where you preset an amount to be credited with if you flash a particular number, as well as the schedule airtime top-up for one or more telephone numbers.
Sexy Ranking: 7.5

4. Paga (https://www.mypaga.com)
If any startup is sexy in the mobile payment/money space, it’s got to be paga. Sexy enough to attract over 1 million users, the startup offers the ability to transfer funds and make payment for goods and services. With simple registration online, via SMS or an agent, users can easily deposit cash in paga accounts via agent, partner banks, or debit cards which can then transfered to other mobile phones or make payment online or via SMS. Paga offers it’s services for three different markets, business, individuals, and agents.
Sexy Ranking: 8.5

5. Chop Up (http://chopup.me)
The gaming space in Nigeria is becoming interesting with players like Maliyo and Kuluya Games. However, Chop-up seem to lead the pack in terms of adoption rate and adaptive innovation. Cho-up is a social gaming platform for mobile game lovers with an aim to make gaming more fun, social and interactive. Applying the Play->Connect->Share strategy, the startup has come up with Danfo, Danfo Reloaded, and Danfo Reloaded II, all contributing to the million download portfolio.
Sexy Ranking: 8.0

6. Traclist (http://traclist.com)
Social startup are more likely to be sexy. So it’s no surprise Officemotion Software Company’s Traclist made the list in good standing. Traclist is a social plaform that gives you access to a wide range of products from many different stores in Nigeria. So you can browse products, follow stores for updates on inventory and sales, and even share items with friends on social media. As a merchant you can open your online store on traclist, and this gives your inventory better visibility, and a possibility to even outsource fulfillment services such as payment and delivery which Traclist offers to handle on your behalf. I did open a store a made a couple of sale this year. It’s always cool and somewhat sexy when you can make extra cash on the side.
Sexy Ranting: 8.5

7. Easy Appetite (http://easyappetite.com)
Easy Appetite is Nigeria’s pioneering food delivery portal. As a co-founder, we like to think of it as a “grub-hub” that connects you to the more than 100 of the best restaurants, bukkas, pizza houses and fast-food outlets serving your location; further bridging the gap between you and your food. We asked ourselves; why should you have to leave your house (in our case, desks) just to get food from that fabulous restaurant? Now tell me that’s not sexy.
Sex Ranking: 9.0

8. Tranzit (http://tranzit.ng)
The taxi app, TaxiPark went off and returned as Tranzit but with a better offering. The free web/mobile enabled transportation and delivery service now allow you locate interesting, or required places and events based on your location. With few taps away you then get connected to a licensed, vetted transportation and delivery pickup service. So you can now relax when it comes to finding and travel to and from points of interests. Definitely a good sell to tourist or newcomers.
Sexy Ranking: 6.5

9. DoBox (https://dobox.tv)
This startup plays in a very interesting space – local content. As an entertainment-on-demand (EOD) portal, DoBox allows users access movies, videos, music, TV drama series, documentaries on PC, Mac, and mobile apps – Android, BlackBerry, and iOS. Perhaps what makes this startup sexy is it’s no-subscription approach. Users only pay for what they watch, and there are options of either streaming or storing for a set period of time, except when buying (or better yet digital renting) a copy of the content. Little wonder, MTN partnered with the startup to start offering EOD for data.
Sexy Ranking: 7.5

10. Kwirkly (http://www.kwirkly.com)
This is sexy startup that plays in the area of advertising. With a focus on small business, Kwirkly’s aim is to do the extraordinary with ordinary brands and products. This startups simple help out other startups and small business with advertising, online presence, social media, communication, and even offline activations using the outsmart rather than outspend technique. Not convinced? Check out their blog.
Sexy Ranking: 8.5

As for the not-so sexy start-up, it’d be unfair not to recognize the likes of ProWork, Fora, BudgIT, Jobberman, Church+, 500 Shops, Gigalayer, Insidify, TechTouch, and other players building great products and services for both local and global markets.

Disclosure: I am affiliated to Easy Appetite, one of the Startups on the list as a co-founder with a recent exit in September 2013.

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Nubi Kay’ is a internet entrepreneur and social media strategist with ventures including: Easy Appetite – an online takeaway site, OTEKBITS – a technology media company, and Wild Ripples – a new media outlet. You can follow him on twitter at @NubiKay.

 

Op-ed pieces and contributions are the opinions of the writers only and do not represent the opinions of Y!/YNaija.

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