Daniel Oba is the founder of Chat2Cars, a South African-based tech startup that has revolutionized the car listing space. After losing both his parents in Nigeria, Daniel moved to South Africa. Daniel pursued a degree in Electrical Electronics at the University of Johannesburg. He worked as a consultant for several years but always knew he wanted to become an entrepreneur. His big break came when he identified an opportunity in the car listing space and founded Chat2Cars. The platform has gained popularity among South Africans due to its ease of use and innovative features. In this article, we will delve into Daniel’s background and journey to becoming an entrepreneur, as well as his vision for Chat2Cars.
Early Days: Struggles in University
Daniel admits that he struggled in university but knew that as an international student, nobody would employ him. He had to find a job for himself and create an opportunity to succeed. Daniel was not a straight-A student and struggled to survive while in school. He had to find a way to make money, so he started fixing fellow classmates’ computers. From there, he got his first call-out to do networking for a company, and he realized that there was money in entrepreneurship.
Discovering the Niche in the Car Industry
As someone working in the car industry, Daniel noticed a gap in the car listing industry. Despite the existence of a few companies providing this service, none of them were black-owned. He observed that these companies were generating a significant amount of revenue, with one of the leading ones having over 2000 dealerships on their platform and charging a minimum of 7,500 for listing. Daniel realized the untapped potential of the market and saw the need for a black-owned car listing platform that could compete in terms of marketing with other websites.
As a consultant in the car industry, Daniel also noticed a lack of interest from clients in purchasing insurance, and even when they did, they weren’t fully convinced of its necessity. With this in mind, he saw an opportunity to provide a solution that met people’s needs on the go without charging them excessively. This led to the creation of Chat2Cars, initially a car listing platform but now a tech company that offers a range of solutions for all car-related problems.
The Vision for Chat2Cars
Daniel’s vision for Chat2Cars is to provide a one-stop shop for all car-related solutions. The app provides users with a way to communicate with other drivers, report wrongdoings, and get roadside assistance in case of emergencies. The app also comes with a top-of-the-line car-checking system and allows car dealers to list and sell cars on the platform. The ultimate goal is to generate funds to keep the app free for everyone. Chat2Cars is not just a car listing platform; it is a tech company that provides solutions for all car-related problems.
The Success of Chat2Cars
Chat2Cars has quickly gained traction, and Daniel’s team was recognized for their hard work. They won the app of the year award with FNB and the University of Johannesburg. The team was thrilled with their success and decided to take their business to the next level. They traveled to Finland to explore new opportunities and gain new insights into the tech industry.
Today, Chat2Cars is an established tech startup that continues to grow. The platform has even implemented facial recognition technology, making it even more secure and user-friendly. Daniel and his team have created a business that not only provides a valuable service but also helps motorists connect with each other in a meaningful way.
Conclusion
Daniel Oba’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and hard work. He faced adversity early in his life, but he refused to let it defeat him. Instead, he used it as inspiration to create something great. His journey serves as a reminder