Founder Magazine: Nomsa, thank you for joining us. Could you share your journey and what led you to co-found Seipone.ai?
Nomsa Makgabenyana: Thank you for having me. My journey began in 2018 when I co-founded Seriti Insights, a software consultancy firm. In April 2022, we pivoted to focus entirely on Seipone.ai, an AI-powered media intelligence tool. This decision was driven by our belief in the potential of AI to revolutionize how brands understand and engage with their audiences.
About Seipone.ai
Q1: What exactly does Seipone.ai offer to its clients?
A: Seipone.ai is an enterprise SaaS platform that utilizes AI and machine learning to analyze consumer sentiments across social media platforms. Our tool understands multiple African languages, including Setswana and Swahili, as well as local slang. This enables brands to gain deep insights into public perception, manage their reputation, and make data-driven decisions.
Q2: How does Seipone.ai differentiate itself from other media monitoring tools?
A: Unlike traditional tools, Seipone.ai captures and comprehends 87% of data often missed by others. Our platform goes beyond sentiment analysis by understanding the emotions behind opinions, regardless of language or style. This comprehensive approach provides brands with a vivid picture of consumer sentiments.
Growth and Challenges
Q3: Seipone.ai has garnered significant attention. What do you attribute this success to?
A: Our success is a result of timing and innovation. The rise of generative AI, exemplified by tools like ChatGPT, has increased awareness of AI’s potential. Seipone.ai’s focus on understanding African languages and local contexts has resonated with brands seeking authentic consumer insights.
Q4: What challenges have you encountered in scaling Seipone.ai, and how have you addressed them?
A: Scaling has presented challenges such as securing funding and educating the market about AI’s value. To address these, we’ve engaged in partnerships with marketing agencies and participated in programs like Co-Creation Hub’s SeedR program. These initiatives have helped us build credibility and expand our reach.
Future Outlook
Q5: What does the future hold for Seipone.ai?
A: We’re focused on expanding our services to East Africa, starting with Kenya, and eventually to other regions like South Africa, Rwanda, and the Netherlands. We’re also working on enhancing our platform’s capabilities to serve a broader range of industries. Our goal is to empower brands across Africa with the tools they need to understand and engage with their audiences effectively.
Q6: What advice would you offer to aspiring entrepreneurs in Africa?
A: Embrace innovation and be adaptable. The African market is dynamic, and success comes from understanding local needs and leveraging technology to address them. Building strong partnerships and continuously learning are also key to navigating the entrepreneurial journey.