Founder Magazine (FM): Randall, thanks for joining us. You’re behind both Verbosec and Zesta—can you tell us how your journey began?
Randall Newman: Thank you for having me. My entrepreneurial journey started in 2019 when my twin brother Henry and I founded Verbosec—a tech company focused on AI, software engineering, cloud hosting, and digital transformation in Gaborone . Then, in 2020, we ventured into food delivery by launching Square Eats, which later rebranded to Zesta in 2025 as part of our move toward creating a super-app.
About the Startups
Q1: What is Verbosec, and what problem does it address?
A: Verbosec is a full-spectrum technology company offering AI-driven solutions, software engineering, and digital transformation services to businesses, institutions, and governments across Africa. We aim to bridge the digital divide by making technology accessible and impactful.
Q2: Why did you launch Zesta, and how has it evolved since its inception?
A: Zesta started as Square Eats in 2020 to meet demand for reliable food delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2025, we rebranded as Zesta to reflect our ambition to broaden beyond food delivery into a super app offering various on-demand services.
Growth, Impact & Challenges
Q3: Verbosec has rapidly expanded its impact. What drives that growth?
A: We believe AI is central to solving Africa’s unique challenges. Our Nexus AI platform, built with support from Microsoft and OpenAI, provides advanced generative tools for writing, media creation, data analysis, and more—designed to make work faster and smarter.
Q4: What roles have innovation and community engagement played in your growth?
A: Innovation is at our core, but we also prioritise community. Our Connect2Change initiative, launched in 2023, aims to bridge Botswana’s digital divide by empowering underserved communities with tech access. We’ve also been recognized globally for our work, earning awards like the Global Business Outlook Awards.
Q5: What have been your biggest challenges in scaling these ventures?
A: Leading across multiple domains—from enterprise AI to logistics—poses logistical and strategic complexity. My role has shifted from hands-on management to focusing on strategic scaling and expanding AI capabilities.
Vision & Advice
Q6: What’s next for Verbosec and Zesta?
A: For Verbosec, the mission is to become a global AI leader rooted in Africa. We aim to expand Nexus AI and deepen Connect2Change’s societal impact. For Zesta, the goal is to evolve into a comprehensive super app offering a range of services beyond delivery.
Q7: What advice do you have for emerging African tech founders?
A: Focus on solving real challenges with scalable tech. Build platforms—not just products. Think regionally and globally, and let innovation be your bridge to impact.