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Tolulope Olukokun (ThinkBikes)
Tolulope Olukokun is the founder of ThinkBikes, a Nigeria-based business that manufactures electric bicycles.
Tolulope next to the newest variation of ThinkBikes
RETIRING FROM A CAREER IN HIGHER EDUCATION
Prior to founding the business, Tolulope was a lecturer at Federal University of Oye-Ekiti teaching mechatronics engineering—a combination of mechanics, electronics and computing.
With his expertise in engineering and a passion for electric mobility, Tolulope came up with an idea for electric bicycles and submitted the design to the Siemens Innovation Challenge—and won. This motivated Tolulope to retire from his career in education and give the product his full attention.
Small business owners load their electric bicycle with produce to sell
SUPPORTING SMALL BUSINESSES IN NIGERIA
With the prize funds from the competition and support from Innov8 Hub for an improved prototype, he officially launched ThinkBikes with a focus on helping small businesses transport their goods in Nigeria.
“Small businesses face difficulties in transporting their goods and they are the highest employer of labor,” shared Tolulope. “A solution to their problems is a solution to unemployment and [the] underdevelopment of our economy.”
Tolulope’s bikes, which feature a storage compartment, are available for lease or to purchase at an affordable rate. In the past six months, ThinkBikes has sold more than 50 units and has a goal of selling 1,200 in 2023.
THINK BIKES IN THE BECAUSE ACCELERATOR INCUBATOR
Tolulope joined the Because Accelerator’s online business incubator in the spring of 2022, where he said that one of the helpful aspects of the program was meeting weekly with his coach, Nick Howle.
“Nick has been very instrumental to our growth at ThinkBikes,” shared Tolulope. “He has also introduced us to a couple organizations and people.”
In five years, Tolulope hopes that ThinkBikes will be present in five other African countries, as he believes ThinkBikes can be an asset to small businesses around the continent who struggle to transport products to customers affordably.
The Because Accelerator is a completely free online training and mentorship program for entrepreneurs who have product-focused ideas and businesses in areas impacted by poverty.
- Tags: Accelerator Impact
