AfriBlocks Network
In the world of startups, where the odds of success are often dwarfed by the frequency of failure, perseverance becomes not just an asset but a necessity. For Samuel Ngoka, founder and convener of the BizSquare Community, failure is not a roadblock but a stepping stone. With his title of "1x failed founder," Ngoka has learned to embrace setbacks as part of the entrepreneurial journey, seeing them as opportunities to grow, learn, and try again. His journey as a founder embodies resilience and a commitment to turning challenges into catalysts for innovation.
From Setback to Success
Samuel Ngoka's story is not uncommon among founders. After experiencing failure in his initial venture, he chose not to retreat but instead to push forward, creating the BizSquare Community—an organization designed to support other entrepreneurs and tech professionals who face similar hurdles. Drawing from his experiences as a venture capital analyst and business development manager, Ngoka became acutely aware of the challenges founders face, particularly when it comes to funding and the isolation that often accompanies entrepreneurial pursuits.
“I witnessed the loneliness, lack of support, and difficulties of being a founder and even trying to raise funds,” Ngoka shares. Rather than allowing these obstacles to overwhelm him, he used them as fuel to build the BizSquare Community, which now thrives as a space for collaboration, learning, and support.
This sense of community is what distinguishes BizSquare from many other networks for founders. Rather than focusing solely on profit or individual success, BizSquare encourages its members to work together to create meaningful impact. Founders, tech professionals, and entrepreneurs within the BizSquare Community exchange ideas, collaborate on projects, and most importantly, realize that they are not alone in their struggles.
A Support System for Entrepreneurs
Ngoka's vision for BizSquare goes beyond providing a space for networking. The platform serves as a much-needed support system for founders who are often navigating turbulent waters in their businesses. BizSquare’s mission is clear: to empower founders to keep pushing forward, regardless of the challenges they face.
Ngoka emphasizes the importance of this sense of community. "Helping founders and giving them the platform to learn and access collaborations—that is the real happiness,” he explains. The tangible impact that BizSquare has had on its members is a source of pride for Ngoka. It fulfills his initial vision of creating a space where entrepreneurs could find the resources, advice, and moral support they need to thrive.
As the community grows, Ngoka remains excited about what the future holds. "I find excitement in what’s next for BizSquare," he says, highlighting his optimism for the platform’s continued growth and the increasingly significant role it will play in the lives of its members.
The Challenge of Building a Strong Team
As any founder knows, a key factor in building a successful company or community is assembling a talented and motivated team. For Ngoka, finding the right people has been one of the most significant challenges he has faced while growing BizSquare. “Teamwork makes the dream work,” he says, acknowledging the difficulty in locating individuals who possess both the skills and the passion to work towards a common mission.
Ngoka understands that his team is critical to the long-term success of BizSquare. As he continues to scale, he is mindful of providing career development opportunities for his team members, ensuring that they not only contribute to BizSquare's mission but also grow personally and professionally along the way. "I look forward to providing career improvement opportunities to help my team upscale their skills and creativity," Ngoka says, emphasizing the importance of growth for both the community and its team.
Looking to the Future
Ngoka has ambitious plans for the BizSquare Community’s future. He intends to scale not just for the sake of expansion but to enhance the services and opportunities that the community provides to its members. Leveraging partnerships with accelerators, venture capital firms, and other companies, Ngoka hopes to secure additional funding for the community, thereby broadening the resources available to BizSquare members.
Ngoka's ultimate goal is to create a platform that doesn’t just survive but thrives by delivering real value to its members. “Be a person of value and master the art of execution,” he advises other aspiring founders. In his view, these are the two essential ingredients to building a successful product or business.
His advice is simple but profound, reflecting his deep understanding of the entrepreneurial journey. Ngoka knows that creating a business or a community requires immense sacrifice, both financially and personally. Yet, despite the difficulties, he remains steadfast in his belief that focusing on value creation and strong execution will lead to success.
Samuel Ngoka’s story is one of resilience, community, and an unyielding commitment to helping others succeed. Through the BizSquare Community, Ngoka has created a thriving platform that not only supports entrepreneurs but also inspires them to persevere through the inevitable challenges of the startup world.
His journey from a "failed founder" to a leader of a successful and impactful community underscores the power of perseverance and the importance of building something greater than oneself. For those considering the entrepreneurial path, Ngoka’s advice rings true: focus on adding value, master execution, and always be prepared to learn from failure.
The BizSquare Community remains active and accessible across social media, providing ongoing support to entrepreneurs seeking a space where they can collaborate, innovate, and grow. You can find BizSquare on LinkedIn and Instagram.
