Things to Love About a TECNO Phone @TECNOMobileSA

Hi Guys, 

From useful features and trendy design to great value for money, there are many things to love about a TECNO smartphone

Love is in the air, as February marks the month of love with Valentine’s Day being celebrated (or not celebrated, depending on your relationship status). However, a relationship situation to definitely celebrate is the one you have with your smartphone, which brings so much connectivity, functionality, convenience, and entertainment to your life. There’s much to love about a TECNO phone, with the following being just some of the standouts.

A Trendy Look and Comfortable Feel

The look of a phone is the first thing that people notice, and TECNO phones bring very pleasing and trendy aesthetics with their designs. They allow you to stand out, making a statement to others that you are serious about looking your best with a premium handset (even though its price is far from emptying your bank account). They are also comfortable to hold and fit into your hand, pocket, or bag with ease.

Top Tech at Affordable Prices

Speaking of emptying your bank account, the prices of some phones these days make them inaccessible to many people. One of TECNO’s core missions is to bring the best tech packed into a smartphone at an affordable price, democratising the accessibility of a reliable, useful device. What’s not to love about that? Instead of sacrificing quality to bring the pricing down, with lower tech included or inferior parts, TECNO’s devices are a testament to the fact that devices with quality tech don’t need to cost you an arm and a leg.

More Than Just a Smartphone

When you purchase a TECNO smartphone, you are not just getting a phone. Even more value comes out of the box with a charger, USB charging cable, earphones, screen protector and phone cover also included with the device. This is not a guarantee with every phone you buy these days, where in some instances you must pay extra for these essential accessories. The charger and charging cable come with a six-month warranty, the earphones have a three-month warranty, and the TECNO phone is covered by a 13-month warranty.

Every TECNO device is also dual SIM and network open, meaning no matter what cellular network you are on, you can use the device.

Useful Features and Google Mobile Services

TECNO phones come with HiOS, an operating system that brings some helpful and useful features. These include App Twin, which allows you to log to two social media accounts at the same time, Social Turbo, which provides much more functionality to WhatsApp, Bubbles, which floats notifications at the top of other apps ensuring you never miss important info, and Smart Panel, which allows you to quickly access your favourite and frequently-used apps.

There are many more useful features to explore and love, thanks to HiOS. Every TECNO device also comes preloaded with all your favourite Google Mobile Service apps, so you don’t have to worry about struggling to access them.

Lag-free Multitasking Thanks to Memory Fusion

If you haven’t yet heard of this very useful technology incorporated into TECNO phones, then you are in for a treat! One of the most frustrating things is your phone lagging when you are multitasking while trying to meet a deadline, or another similar example. With Memory Fusion, these situations are non-existent.

Memory Fusion draws unused read-only memory (ROM) and channels it to random access memory (RAM) operations. This enhances the device’s multi-tasking capacity, translating into seamless switching between applications that are running concurrently in the background, quickly retrieving frequently accessed files and apps, and stabilising the phone’s systems for more sustainable performance and longer battery life.

TECNO Devices at Great Deals

TECNO currently has special deals with some of its retail partners to bring you useful and reliable smartphones at even more affordable prices. Bringing ease, convenience, and great value for money are some of the key guiding principles of TECNO phones, which pack the best tech into them.

Currently, the SPARK 10 5G is available for R3,499 at Edgars (availability varies per retailer per product and while stocks last). That’s an amazing saving of R1,500. Other TECNO devices with special offers at Edgars include the SPARK 10C (R2,599 – save R900), the SPARK GO 2023 (R1,799 – save R700), and POP 7 (R1,599 – save R400).

Ackermans and PEP also have special offers on TECNO phones at present with SPARK GO 2023 available for R1,899 at both (save R400), and POP 7 available at Ackermans for R1,699 (save R300) - (availability varies per retailer per product and while stocks last).

Visit the TECNO South Africa Facebook page to find out more about these offers and to stay up to date with all the latest goings-on, news, competitions, and deals.

Availability

TECNO devices are available from select retail partners, including Ackermans, Dunns, Edgars, Game, HiFi Corp, Jet, Makro, Mr Price, PEP, Pick n Pay, Shoprite, TFG, Vodacom and Woolworths (availability varies per retailer per product and while stocks last). Be on the lookout for special deals and offers to further increase your value for money.

Aum Namah Shivay!

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Your Lifestyle and Technology Blog for the Last 11 Years!

Things to Love About an itel Phone @itel_SA

Hi Guys, 

itel’s affordable phones not only look and feel good but also boast surprising features and specs for phones in their price range

Having celebrated Valentine’s Day this week, love is certainly in the air. Whether you have a significant other or not, a relationship you may not have thought about recognising and celebrating is the one you have with your phone.

It’s your constant companion, which brings you connectivity with family, friends and loved ones; convenience and functionality; entertainment, and much more. In a world where technology reigns supreme and phone choices are plentiful, a brand to definitely look at is itel, which brings affordable phones that not only look and feel good but also boast surprising features and specs for phones in their price range. Here are some of the standout features and specs to love about itel devices.

Eye-catching Designs and Comfortable to Use

Starting with the most obvious, being the outside, itel phones boast a trendy look. The design philosophy of these phones is a harmonious blend of sleek aesthetics and practical functionality, resulting in devices that not only catch the eye but also enhance the overall user experience. They come in a variety of colours and finishes, allowing users to express their personal style. Their weight and size also make them comfortable to hold and use, which is more important than people first think.

Democratising Phone Accessibility

Playing mostly in the entry-level to mid-range space, the pricing of itel phones makes them more accessible for more people. An example is the itel P40, which you can pick up for R1,599 on a current special offer. A quality, reliable phone doesn’t need to cost you a small fortune, as demonstrated by itel phones.

Everyday Photography Needs Met

While the saying goes ‘You get what you pay for’, the camera setup and performance on most itel phones (especially the newer models) is decent, especially when compared with the price of the device. In the budget-conscious segment, itel phones often provide cameras suitable for everyday photography needs, with quite a few adjustable settings to enhance the quality of pictures.

Long-lasting Battery Life

With loadshedding ramping up and access to charging devices becoming more and more limited, having a phone that can last power-wise is essential. itel phones pack large, long-lasting batteries into them, meaning you don’t have to worry about your phone dying at crucial times. An example would be the itel P40, whose 6,000mAh battery translates into three days off of one charge (average – dependent on the heaviness of phone usage).

Reliable and Durable

Having a phone that won’t need to be replaced anytime soon can’t be overstated. One that is reliable durable and dependable. itel phones fall into this category because despite being affordable the quality of their builds has not been sacrificed.

More Than Just a Phone in the Box

When you buy an itel device, you are not just getting a phone in the box. Along with the affordable price, even more value comes out of the box with a charger, USB charging cable, earphones, screen protector and phone cover also included. This is not a guarantee with every phone you buy these days, where in some instances you must pay extra for these essential accessories.

Note: The availability of these features and specs may vary depending on the model of the itel device in question.

Special Offers on itel Phones

You can get a new itel device at an even more affordable price, with deals currently running at several retail partners. These include Mr Price, which is offering the itel P40 at R1,599 (save R400), the itel V52 at R699, and the itel A48 at R899 (save R300) - (availability varies per retailer per product and while stocks last).

Ackermans and PEP also have special offers on itel phones at present with both the itel P40 and itel A04 available for R1,699 (save R300) and R999 respectively at Ackermans. If you’re looking for a more basic model that adequately covers your connectivity needs, the itel it2163 is selling for only R159 at PEP (availability varies per retailer per product and while stocks last).

Visit the itel South Africa Facebook page for more information on these current deals and others, competitions, and new offerings.

Availability

Various itel smartphones, including the P40, A05s, A60s, A60, A04, A18, and V52 LTE are available from select retail partners in South Africa. These include Ackermans, Edgars, HiFi Corp, Incredible, JET, Mr Price, PEP, Pick n Pay, Shoprite, and TFG (availability varies per retailer, per store and while stocks last). Visit the itel South Africa Facebook page to stay informed on the latest news.

Aum Namah Shivay!

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and mystery unboxings. #TheLifesWay Link to other platforms - https://linktr.ee/thelifesway

Your Lifestyle and Technology Blog for the Last 11 Years!

Things to Love About Your Phone @TECNOMobileSA @itel_SA

Hi Guys, 

We often take our phones for granted in terms of what they bring to our lives. They are our constant companions, yet we forget to appreciate all they can do and how they enhance our lives

In the over 50 years since the first commercially available handheld cellular mobile phone was made available, phones have come a long way. Starting as basic devices with only a select few functions, they have evolved to become all-we-need-in-life in the palm of our hand. In this month of love, TECNO and itel unpack the main reasons why you should love your mobile phone.

It Keeps You Connected

Staying in touch with family, friends and loved ones in a portable way was the initial function of a mobile phone. That is what they were designed to do. Not being tied to one place because of a corded phone allowed more freedom and certainly brought more convenience to life. Nowadays, phones still serve this function, but there are now far more choices when it comes to communication methods. From old-school calls, emails and SMS to new-school WhatsApp, social media DMs, and Snapchat, whatever your preference, your phone keeps you connected.

It Keeps You Informed

Information at your fingertips is powerful, and as phones evolved getting ahold of info became more and more accessible. Online news websites and social media mean that finding out what is happening locally and globally has never been easier. Identifying fake and biased news is one challenge, but staying informed is crucial.

Online courses have also opened up learning and skills development to more people, particularly those who are free, with constant self-improvement now a reality for many.

It Keeps You Entertained

Whether your choice of entertainment is watching series and movies, scrolling through social media, playing games, or some combination of these, finding ways to combat boredom is easy with your phone. Taking your entertainment with you wherever you go is an added benefit, so whether you are in transit, on your lunchbreak at work, or looking to kill time while waiting for an appointment, your phone has you covered.

It Brings Convenience and Ease to Your Life

No matter what you need to do, or whatever want you have, there’s bound to be a mobile app for that. From ordering and delivery of food, and easy navigation, to weather, security and much more, app developers are constantly looking to bring more convenience and ease to people’s lives. Just browse through the various app stores, and you’ll find some remarkable apps that you won’t believe you were living without.

Availability

TECNO and itel devices are available from select retail partners, including Ackermans, Dunns, Edgars, Game, HiFi Corp, Jet, Makro, Mr Price, PEP, Pick n Pay, Shoprite, TFG, Vodacom and Woolworths (availability varies per retailer, per store and per product, and while stocks last).

Keep an eye out for special offers that are currently available for both TECNO and itel devices, or those that are upcoming. These include POP 7, SPARK GO 2023, SPARK 10C, SPARK 10 5G, and SPARK 10 Pro for TECNO, and the P40 for itel. To find out more news about these, follow TECNO’s Facebook page and itel’s Facebook page.

Aum Namah Shivay!

Subscribe to my YOUTUBE Channel for historical tech, new gadgets, stationery, product reviews

and mystery unboxings. #TheLifesWay Link to other platforms - https://linktr.ee/thelifesway

Your Lifestyle and Technology Blog for the Last 11 Years!

Capturing the Things You Love in Life Through Mobile Photography @TECNOMobileSA @itel_SA

Hi Guys, 

With your phone being a constant companion in life, it is the perfect tool to capture and keep memories of special occasions and memorable moments

For most people, a quick scroll through the gallery on their phone will reveal just how much they use the camera to capture photos and videos. Whether you are a content creator or someone who just wants to snap memories of things around you in life, a phone is the perfect tool to do so. It is with you wherever you go, and nowadays the high quality of the camera setup on most phones makes for some incredible pictures and videos. Some might not be as Gram-worthy as others, but they help to remind you of the happy memories and moments in life. Here are some tips from TECNO and itel about how to get the most out of mobile photography.

Let the Tech do the Work for You

You don’t have to be a photography expert to take quality pictures and videos. The technology contained in the mobile camera setup does a lot of, if not all the work for you. One such example is TECNO’s SPARK 10 Pro, which boasts a 32MP front camera with a three-tier adjustable brightness flashlight so that you’re able to capture stunning selfies no matter where you are or the lighting conditions around you. There are also numerous settings and filters that you can choose from to enhance your pictures and videos. Play around with these to see what results you can achieve.

Find the Right Setting

Just as important as the tech behind photos and videos is the content and location where you shoot them. The right background and setting can naturally enhance their appeal and beauty without too much effort. When you are at a venue check out the options you have and choose one that is going to help your photos and videos pop! Something vibrant, colourful or quirky that will be attention grabbing.

Back-Up With Cloud Storage

Even though TECNO and itel phones have enough storage space for pictures and videos, for added peace of mind it is recommended that you backup these with cloud storage. If something does happen to your phone (think lost, stolen, broken), your pictures and videos will still be accessible as they are in the cloud. There are various options to choose from, some free and some paid-for, but this is a valuable resource to take advantage of.

Watch Tutorials to Learn More

There is no shortage of tutorials around mobile photography on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and Google. Everything from framing, unpacking technical settings, and choosing the right content, to behind-the-scenes tips, and creative ways to create content, there’s plenty of teachings and inspiration to draw from. Browse through these and learn about different ways to shoot content that you may not have thought about before, or new things about the tech that you aren’t too familiar with.

More Than Just Photos and Videos

You may not realise it, but your mobile camera isn’t for just taking photos and videos. You can also use it to scan documents, and TECNO’s camera setup has Google Lens incorporated into it, which has several functions. These include helping you with homework, finding more information about products, and translating documents. Simply scan your camera over the document or product and watch as more information becomes available.

Availability

TECNO devices are available from select retail partners, including Ackermans, Dunns, Edgars, Game, HiFi Corp, Jet, Makro, Mr Price, PEP, Pick n Pay, Shoprite, TFG, Vodacom and Woolworths (availability varies per retailer per product and while stocks last).

Keep an eye out for special offers that frequently happen for both TECNO and itel, which bring quality and reliable devices at an even better price. To find out more news about these, as well as to keep up with the latest goings-on, updates and competitions, follow TECNO’s Facebook page and itel’s Facebook page.

Aum Namah Shivay!

Subscribe to my YOUTUBE Channel for historical tech, new gadgets, stationery, product reviews

and mystery unboxings. #TheLifesWay Link to other platforms - https://linktr.ee/thelifesway

Your Lifestyle and Technology Blog for the Last 11 Years!

Making the Most of Autumn with Your Device @TECNOMobileSA @itel_SA

Hi Guys, 

As we move into Autumn, now’s the time to explore and adventure more. With your phone by your side as you go, here’s how you can make the most out of the change of seasons, with cooler weather on the way

As Autumn arrives, the weather starts to cool down. Now is the time for you to enjoy both outdoor and indoor activities more, with less of the heat. Your phone will be with you wherever you go, and there are many ways to use it to enhance your experiences. Here are some suggestions from TECNO and itel to make the most of Autumn.

Capture the Beauty of the Changing Season

With Autumn comes leaves changing to magnificent colours. Oranges, reds and yellows create a picturesque scene worthy of being captured by photo and video and shown off on social media. A walk in your local park or going on a hike (if you prefer longer distances and have the fitness to do so) will reveal beautiful scenes to you. The best part is that the scenery doesn’t move, allowing you time to plan and capture the perfect picture or video to highlight the breathtaking colours that come with the change of season. Play around with the camera settings and features available on your device (which TECNO phones have many of) to allow the tech to do most of the work for you when it comes to capturing content.

Embark on a New Adventure

There are many places and things to explore in the world around you, and they don’t necessarily have to cost a lot. Browse through Google Maps or simply Google Search to find places of interest that you haven’t visited before and then plan an outing. Perhaps its an educational trip to a museum or national heritage site, or a stroll through a park checking out the birdlife, or even something as simple as a coffee at a quirky café. Both TECNO and itel phones come pre-loaded with Google Mobile Services, which makes this exercise easier.

Try Something New in the Kitchen

With family and friends coming around to your home for an Easter get-together, or simply just coming to visit, why not try making something new for them to eat and drink. Autumn fruits include apples, avocados, bananas, figs, grapes and much more, and this season is the perfect time for you to whip up a new treat. And who can forget about the Autumn favourites pumpkin and squash! Use Google to look up Autumn recipes on your phone (and you can store them for future reference on your phone as well), or search through the many cooking apps available on app stores (including TECNO and itel’s Palm Store, or Google Play), and fall in love with seasonal cooking.

Binge Watch your Favourite Series and Movies

With the cooler weather coming, perhaps you don’t want to venture outdoors. Why not stay in and enjoy your chosen form of entertainment. Watching your favourite movies and series has never been easier on your phone. Multiple streaming apps allow you access to them, and the best part is that you can take them with you wherever you go. Like mobile gaming, which may be more of your thing when it comes to entertainment. Browse through the app stores and explore the thousands of available apps. You never know what you will find.

Availability

TECNO and itel devices are available from select retail partners, including Ackermans, Dunns, Edgars, Game, HiFi Corp, Jet, Makro, Mr Price, PEP, Pick n Pay, Shoprite, TFG, Vodacom and Woolworths (availability varies per retailer per product and while stocks last).

Keep an eye out for special offers that frequently happen for both TECNO and itel, which bring quality and reliable devices at an even better price. To find out more news about these, as well as to keep up with the latest goings-on, updates and competitions, follow TECNO’s Facebook page and itel’s Facebook page.

Aum Namah Shivay!

Subscribe to my YOUTUBE Channel for historical tech, new gadgets, stationery, product reviews

and mystery unboxings. #TheLifesWay Link to other platforms - https://linktr.ee/thelifesway

Your Lifestyle and Technology Blog for the Last 11 Years!

Customise and Personalise Your TECNO Device to Reflect Your Style and Tastes @TECNOMobileSA @itel_SA

Hi Guys, 

Despite many people having the same smartphone model, each device can be unique, thanks to customisable settings that can be used to personalise the device for an individual to reflect their style and tastes

From wallpapers and themes to fonts, ringtones and layouts, there are plenty of ways for you to customise and personalise your phone. It’s a reflection of your style, tastes, and interests, and even though you have the same phone model as others, it can definitely stand out from the rest. Here’s the lowdown on the customisable settings on TECNO phones that you can experiment with to make your phone uniquely you.

Static, digital and AI-generated wallpapers

The wallpaper on your home screen is your first canvas for creativity. Some people snap a picture, perhaps of loved ones or pets, and use that as their background, while others choose from the wide array of static wallpapers that come pre-loaded or that can be downloaded online. TECNO’s newest phones take it one step further with the AI wallpaper generator. You type in what you are looking to create, for example, a dog playing in a field, choose the style that you want the wallpaper in and watch as the generator works magic creating the wallpaper based on your idea. The possibilities are endless with the AI wallpaper generator, and you can change the wallpaper as often as you like to keep things fresh.

Create your own theme

In addition to creating wallpapers based on your ideas, on TECNO’s phones, you can also create your own themes. Choose from various elements including colours, lock screen home screen background wallpapers, icons, fonts, and much more to mix and match to create a phone theme that’s just right for you. Or you can simply choose from one of the pre-loaded ones if you need some more time to think more about all the elements or download some online.

Your favourite ringtone

The stereotypical ‘ring ring’ of a phone has mostly disappeared, replaced by all manner of ringtones, and even people’s favourite songs alerting them to incoming calls. It makes it easier to realise that it’s your phone that’s ringing, so that you don’t miss important calls, but is also an indication of your audio tastes. Who would believe how far ringtones have come from the days of polyphonic ones. While some come pre-loaded on the device, others can be downloaded from online to be used.

Customising the phone’s layout

Navigating around your device and accessing your frequently used apps and tools should be quick and easy, and the layout of the device can assist with this. However, this can also be used to customise and personalise the phone, as not everyone will necessarily enjoy the same layout. The first choice to be made is between gesture or three-button navigation, depending on your preference. Functions on TECNO phones such as multi-window, which allows for multiple floating windows on the screen at once to enhance the ease of multi-tasking, and Smart Panel, which adds a slide-out tab on the home screen to access all your frequently used and favourite apps, can also be used to customise your phone just the way you like it. There’s also Eye Care, which adjusts the brightness of your display, particularly if you have sensitive eyes.

Availability

Go and explore all these customising and personalising options and settings so that your phone is perfect for you (options and settings may vary depending on the device model). TECNO devices are available from select retail partners, including Ackermans, Dunns, Edgars, Game, HiFi Corp, Jet, Makro, Mr Price, PEP, Pick n Pay, Shoprite, TFG, Vodacom and Woolworths (availability varies per retailer per product and while stocks last).

Keep an eye out for special offers that frequently happen for TECNO phones, which bring quality and reliable devices at an even better price. To find out more news about these, as well as to keep up with the latest goings-on, updates, and competitions, follow TECNO’s Facebook page.

Aum Namah Shivay!

Subscribe to my YOUTUBE Channel for historical tech, new gadgets, stationery, product reviews

and mystery unboxings. #TheLifesWay Link to other platforms - https://linktr.ee/thelifesway

Your Lifestyle and Technology Blog for the Last 11 Years!

Up Your Winter Hydration Game With @VitaCocoZA Natural #CoconutWater

Hi Guys,

Most of us are pretty diligent about staying hydrated in the hot summer months especially when we exercise and enjoy fun in the sun. But did you know that getting dehydrated in winter can happen just as quickly as in warmer weather? And more often than not winter is the time we let our guard down when it comes to hydration, as our bodies’ thirst response is reduced, fooling it into thinking that it’s properly hydrated.

One delicious hydration solution that will see you through colder winter months is Vita Coco 100% Natural Coconut Water. Based on one single ingredient – fresh, natural coconut water from young, green coconuts - Vita Coco is bursting with naturally occurring potassium and essential electrolytes.

Staying hydrated with coconut water during winter has many health and beauty benefits and can contribute towards helping the following:

Lowering blood pressure
Lower weather temperatures can often lead to hypertension, due to blood vessels narrowing, but thanks to its electrolyte content, coconut water can help in regulating blood pressure.

Decrease colds and flu
By preserving your body’s precious fluid levels, you can assist in keeping infection at bay. Winter is synonymous with drier air, which can quickly rob your body of fluids, making you feel tired, weak and more susceptible to sickness. By regularly hydrating with coconut water, your body is better able to fend off these illnesses.

Skin care solved
Your skin often bears the brunt of winter with hash winds robbing it of protective lipids and indoor heating drying it out. By failing to stay hydrated, your skin will look tired and those tell-tale signs of dark circles under your eyes can often appear. So to help counteract this, up your fluid intake to improve and maintain your body’s circulation of nutrients and oxygen to give your skin an irresistible radiance. Coconut water is a great skin hydration solution, as it moisturises it from the inside out.

Keep the winter kilograms at bay
Your body needs ample fluids to break down fats and convert it to energy. Added to this, if you don’t drink enough fluids in winter, your body will quickly hold on to every drop, retaining fluids and making the numbers on the scale go up a notch. Thanks to its zero fat content, coconut water won’t wreck your diet and will also eliminate unnecessary cravings by making you feel fuller after drinking it. Also, because coconut water is an isotonic drink, it provides a great pick-me-up before, during or after exercise - spelling success for your winter workout. Don’t forget to keep hydrated even during those winter months!

Vita Coco is available in Woolworths, Pick n Pay and Spar stores nationwide, as well as independent retailers, lifestyle and fitness centres. It retails from R24.95 for the 330ml and R54.95 for the 1 Litre.

About Vita Coco
Vita Coco is the brand that started the coconut water beverage trend when it was first introduced in New York, in 2004. Founded by long-time friends Michael Kirban and Ira Liran, Vita Coco has gone from a two-man start-up business into a growing global beverage brand now available in 30 countries. In Europe, Vita Coco is sold at nearly 20,000 retailers and South Africa is sold at Woolworths, Pick n Pay, Spar stores and independent retailers nationally. For more information on Vita Coco, visit http://www.vitacoco.com/za/.

Cheers!!!

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The Game Changer That Has Been Shaping Businesses Globally #INTERNET @UCookSA

Hi Guys,

What would life look like now without the internet? We’ve only been using it for a couple of decades, but in that time, we’ve come to rely on it for everything: it is a doctor, a dictionary, a credit card, a travel agent, a psychologist and our main method of communication. Arguably one of mankind's greatest inventions, it has completely altered the way in which the world does business. It has transformed the landscape for new businesses especially, bringing about a veritable landslide of opportunities.

The age of the internet has also given rise to a slew of modern millionaires – more, in fact, in the last five years than throughout the entire history of mankind. The success stories of this era are those of youthful origin – digital disrupters, dressed in jeans and T-shirts, surging their way into every industry and defined by their courageous (if not cut-throat) entrepreneurial spirit. Beyond the Mark Zuckerbergs of this world, there are similar success stories: Evan Spiegel, the founder of Snapchat, was just 24 when he became a billionaire two years ago, while the three Airbnb founders, all in their early 30s are now worth a cool $3 Billion each. These innovators show how the entrepreneurial narrative has evolved over the last few decades. You no longer need to be 35+, or have a degree and lots of corporate experience to set down this path. We chatted to one of SA’s youngest entrepreneurs who understands this all too well.

Torr, co-founder of the online dinner kit delivery service UCOOK, describes his tech start-up experience as “propelling off a cliff in a homemade plane and hoping you’ve engineered it to fly.” Clearly some good work went into the engineering of that plane, because UCOOK’s subscribers have grown by 1000% in the last year, with deliveries now spanning the nation. Both sincere and light-hearted, he lacks the detached austerity often associated with the tech sphere’s market leaders, and he is all the more refreshing for it.

“I don’t think I was anatomically designed to be an employee. I have never taken well to authority and have the attention span of a gerbil.” says David with a glint in his eye, hinting that his school years were far from mundane. But it was only in his mid-20s that he decided go all-in on his true passion: food.

“The South African landscape possesses a thriving aspirational food and cooking culture and I felt that the positioning of high-end food online made sense. As I examined the success of retailers like Woolworths during tough economic times, it occurred to me that relative spend on food goods in South Africa compared to earnings is very high in the upper LSM environment. Aside from the business sense it made, I also love food. A lot.”

And while going it alone can bring with it a high level of reward, he is quick to issue a warning on the hindering factors that most start-ups will experience: “The first problem lies in the funding environment,” he muses. “While the country is home to a healthy plethora of private equity firms, seed level investment is an activity that few people are interested in participating in.

This makes starting a business fairly difficult. It becomes even more difficult if the investment ask is one that looks to the distant future before realizing returns, which is the case with many tech businesses.

Finding the right team to get your business off the ground can also be a struggle. “Hard-to-find funding means hard-to-find salaries, which for many people with the capacity and aptitude required, can be a deterrent.”

Against the odds, they’ve built a team of 50 and managed to acquire funding even though at times, a few setbacks threatened to derail them almost entirely.

“This article would have to span 30 pages if I were to list all of the errors and mistakes made during UCOOK’s short life.” jokes Torr. “The highlights read as follows: deleting our entire website, delivering the first batch of boxes without any recipe cards, our payment gateway collapsing, resulting in the team having to contact 1000+ people personally and ask them to EFT for the week’s orders. When things go wrong, we are often quickly defeated by the size of the problem or the lack of clear means to remedy it. However, I’ve learnt that most challenges that seem insurmountable at first can be overcome by starting small.”

His advice? “See each failure as a vaccination against future failure. You’re going to fail, things will rarely go to plan, but do not let those failures burden you, learn to adapt and improve and never accept any failure as utter defeat.”

Torr’s sage words belie his 26 years, and it becomes very apparent as we chat that a high level of intuition has accompanied all the hard work. But in a world where single razors or dog food delivered to your door have become multi-million dollar businesses, is it possible to predict which ventures are the most viable?

“Convention states that an idea has potential if it can deliver on visible market demand or solve an evident lack in the marketplace.”

“Today, things are a little different, entire industries have been invented creating success stories that have exceeded expectation. I’m definitely not insinuating that market research and the validation of an idea’s monetary potential are redundant measures, I am saying that sometimes the market doesn’t know what it wants until the solution is delivered. So innovate and don’t let the markets expectations weigh down on your dreams”. Perhaps that’s easier said than done, but Torr’s anything-is-possible attitude is certainly infectious. How else could he have convinced four friends to join him unpaid while working on second jobs as they attempted to get UCOOK off the ground?

While UCOOK still has a big mountain to climb, there are aspects that make up for all the late nights, slip-ups and seven day work weeks.

“There are few things more satisfying then watching something that you were part of creating, grow. Better yet, come success or failure no degree or corporate job will teach you more about yourself, than going at it alone. There is a new adventure that awaits every entrepreneur, each journey different but much the same. Few things will bring you more satisfaction than the materialisation of your own destiny.”

 

Cheers!!!

 

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