In a recent interview with a group of journalists, Nelson Ajulo, the Chief Executive Officer of 15 Wins and Zarttech Ventures, delved into the significance of technology in addressing mental illness and the potential for Nigerian startups in the FinTech ecosystem. He stressed the importance of employing best practices in medical technology to provide comprehensive wellness, particularly in response to the increasing prevalence of mental illness.
Ajulo underscored the influence of technology in bridging best practices from various global regions to individuals in need. He discussed the recent rebranding of their platform from KoKo to Heilen, with a focus on offering healing services for holistic wellness. According to him, Heilen is geared towards addressing present and future challenges, with a focus on the mind, body, and spirit.
Furthermore, he addressed the pricing and accessibility of the platform, acknowledging that there will be variances in pricing due to currency disparities. Nevertheless, the platform advocates for international trade and ensures sustainability and accessibility for both local and international users and practitioners.
In considering the growth projection in the African market in comparison to the European market, Ajulo highlighted the potential for Heilen to reshape perceptions about spiritual healing in Africa and contribute to economic growth by connecting local experts with international audiences.
Ajulo also highlighted that Heilen aligns with the startup ecosystem as a platform that offers solutions to connect experts to individuals, facilitate payment settlements, and manage service bookings, particularly in the spiritual medicine sector. He disclosed plans to launch a fundraising campaign for $1.4 million in seed funding to introduce the products into the market.
When addressing the Nigerian startup ecosystem, Ajulo emphasised the extensive opportunities in Nigeria and its potential to utilise best practices to educate the global ecosystem and promote African expertise. He cited Heilen as an exemplar of a platform striving to introduce the best practices of spiritual healing in Africa to the international community.
In terms of ensuring a positive reception of the platform in the Nigerian market, Ajulo stressed the significance of policies and lobbying to ensure stakeholders comprehend the platform’s solutions and how they complement traditional medicines.
When questioned about the absence of unicorns in Nigeria’s FinTech ecosystem, Ajulo expressed his belief that the concept of unicorns may not always be the optimal approach, emphasising the significance of impact-driven solutions that generate societal benefits alongside profitability. He mentioned that within the 15 Wins portfolio, there are platforms with the potential to become unicorns within the ecosystem.
In the selection of startups and ventures to support, Ajulo underscored the importance of solutions that positively impact society and drive both profit and social good. He highlighted the interconnected approach of their investment portfolio, where ventures can interchange in terms of technology infrastructures and administrative support.
Lastly, in discussing the future for ventures like Heilen in Nigeria, Ajulo emphasised the platform’s potential to stimulate economic growth, promote local and international trade, and contribute to Nigeria’s economic prosperity by addressing holistic wellness needs and fostering human connections.
Overall, Ajulo’s insights provide valuable perspectives on the opportunities and challenges in leveraging medical technology to address health issues in Africa, particularly in the context of mental and spiritual wellness. His viewpoints shed light on the role of technology in promoting holistic wellness and establishing impactful solutions in the startup ecosystem.
Leveraging Medical Technology in Africa to Address Health Challenges
