Damilare Onajole started playing with computers in late 2002. His first computer was a Pentium II, Windows ‘98 runned computer, actually owned by his father for business. Engrossed by the awe the internet holds, he picked up his first HTML 3.2 lessons from www.w3schools.org

I had this interview with him recently. Enjoy it….

SN: Please tell us about yourself, your background and interests?

Damilare: I am Damilare Onajole, a self self-taught technopreneur currently studying Philosophy at Lagos State University. I started doing web development in 2003; it all started as a hobby, then became a business a few years later. Problem solving has always been my hobby, so I naturally fell into web applications development and internet businesses.

SN: What is the name of your blog/start-up/company?

Damilare: I have been doing technology businesses actively since 2006, mostly helping small businesses build websites and web applications. In mid 2007, I had a stint with a UK company, and as a result I developed a huge interest in Internet Media, this cuts across Web Design, Internet Marketing, Search Engine Optimization and more, so I set up an outfit called MeshMedia Services. MeshMedia Services has got a couple of products, but the one we are most excited and busy with at the moment is www.websiteMesh.com.

SN: Please tell us about your blog/start-up/company?

Damilare: WebsiteMesh.com’s ultimate goal is to get lots of small businesses in Nigeria on the internet, this would then be followed with a massive reliance on internet media for business growth. Internet usage is growing tremendously in the country, but small businesses are not catching up. We did a survey and discovered that the cost and ease of getting a website discourages most entrepreneurs, so we made pricing our edge. With as low as 15,000 Naira a small business will get a complete website package with a content management system to manage his ‘online office’

SN: What is unique about your blog/startup/company?

Damilare: Unlike most companies, we have a strong edge of the technology we use. We use wordpress, which is widely tested and used; we also spend very little time getting a website up. We spend a minimum of 5 hours getting a website up, so it’s like a website factory with us. So we have a price and efficiency advantage over other companies.

SN: How many people are currently using your website services (e.g. feed readers, visitors)?

Damilare: We started WebsiteMesh.com in October 2008 and we have had over 15 customers, we have not started out internet campaign yet. We have not done an intensive search engine optimization, but we are currently #1 on live.com when you search for ‘web design Nigeria’ that is to tell you that we are ready to take over the Internet Media Industry in Nigeria

SN: What kind of marketing and/or advertising strategy do you use for your website?

Damilare: Strictly PPC and Search Engine Optimization

SN: What are the main web technologies/tools you use to monitor the performance of your website?

Damilare: Google Analytics and a custom developed script.

SN: What is the monetizing/revenue model for your website?

Damilare: Sales

SN: Which websites are the main competitors in your market segment/sector?

Damilare: Our competitors are clustered, its a fresh approach to website design/creation and we have a long term vision, so I would say we don’t have a key competitors.

SN: What challenges do you currently face as a web entrepreneur?

Damilare: Wow, Internet connection sometimes want to make me cry :), then as we are still waiting for a global payment company in Nigeria, e-commerce still remain in its infancy, and its a major challenge

SN: What do you think of new startups and innovation coming out of Nigeria today?

Damilare: We simply still have a long way to go compared to what is availably globally. But I am certain we can do it, and we will.

SN: What new Nigerian startups, in your opinion, should be watched?

Damilare: Watch out for something called ‘Sowapa’ very soon! Let it ring a bell for now

SN: Do you have any thoughts on our Universities and their curriculum in terms of promoting and encouraging entrepreneurship and innovation amongst students?

Damilare: Our curriculum currently not doing that, but ironically, a number of students are actively into entrepreneurship. I opted out of University in my 3rd year, but I am back again this year, not only just to complete my degree, but to make a change. I have started plans to roll out some initiatives, like bringing in NGO’s to empower undergraduates, mentor students and more. Most importantly, I am aspiring to be my School’s Student Union President. I believe that would bring about an incisive change in that constituency.

SN: What do you think the Government (both Federal and State) should do to improve the culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in Nigeria?

Damilare: The best way to encourage anything is to reward it. The governments should reward existing innovative initiatives and entrepreneurs, especially young ones; this will attract others into entrepreneurship. This will have a positive impact on the economy as a whole.

SN: Do you have any advice for people who want to launch new startups?

Damilare: Be iterative; don’t try to do everything from the start. Be careful about partnership, Don’t give up easily, Be consistent. Get a good mentor

SN: Do you have any business advisor/mentor?

Damilare: I learn from most people around me, my previous employers, my friends and yes books.