#46: MAX (Metro Africa Xpress) - How the mobility tech platform is providing transportation & delivery services across Africa

Afrobility: Africa Tech and Business

Overview: Today, we’re going to talk about MAX - the Nigerian mobility tech platform. We’ll explore Max's story across 6 areas:

1. Context on motorbike transportation platforms in other emerging markets
2. Background on Nigeria transportation
3. Max.'s launch, early history, growth over time & fundraising
4. Product & monetization strategy
5. Competitive positioning & potential exit options
6. Overall outlook

This episode was recorded on Jan 30, 2022

Companies discussed: MAX (Max.africa, Max.ng), GiG Logistics, Red Star Express, Gokada, GoJek, Breakthrough Energy Ventures, Jumia Food, Konga, Uber, Africa Courier Express (ACE), Pathao, Flutterwave & Safeboda

Business concepts discussed: Ridesharing, Mobility in emerging markets, Debt Fundraising by startups,

Conversation highlights:

• (01:20) - MAX.Africa context
• (07:20) - Ridesharing in emerging markets (GoJek)
• (10:30) - Transportation Mobility in Nigeria
• (15:00) - Background on the founders - Tayo Bamiduro and Chinedu Azodoh
• (18:50) - Founding and early history of MAX
• (22:05) - Fundraising and early growth
• (38:20) - Metrics and traction
• (59:39) - Product & monetization strategy
• (1:16:51) - Competition and options for exit
• (1:31:30) - Bankole’s overall thoughts and outlook
• (1:45:25) - Olumide’s overall thoughts and outlook
• (1:53:55) - Recommendations and small wins

Olumide’s recommendations & small wins:

• Recommendation: Good time (Owl City & Carly Rae Jepsen): Love it! I can listen to on repeat for the rest of my life, Thinking in bets (Annie Duke). Life's Most Bitter Truth: What Your University Never Taught You (MJ Demarco):Talks about the value of time and having experiences and building financial independence in your youth. I'm one of the biggest Mj Demarco Fans so no doubt I love this video
• Small win: Celebrating birthday with friends
• Interested in investing in Africa Tech with Olumide: Read about Adamantium fund & contact me at [e-mail]
• Founders looking for funding: If you're a B2B founder working on Education, Health, Finance or Food, please contact me for funding at [e-mail]

Bankole’s recommendations & small wins:

• Recommendation: Levels - Flavour & Rebel - Shenseea
• Small win: Lots of sports weekend of Jan 27 - NFL, Chelsea FC, AFCON, UFC
• Other content: Jukedeck, AI- generated music startup acquired by TikTok - Jukedeck - https://soundcloud.com/jukedeck & Nearly All The Men in Lagos Are Mad - Amazon & How to Decide by Annie Duke - Amazon

Listeners, Operators & Investors: Email [e-mail], we’d love to partner or get your feedback.

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