​Tochukwu Ifeanyi: From Mental Struggles to Startup Success​

Tochukwu Ifeanyi, a 400-level Accounting student at the Nile University of Nigeria, turned her challenges into a successful entrepreneurial journey. In her second year at university, she faced deep personal challenges. Stagnant and lost about her way, Tochukwu was in a state of mental confusion. But all that changed when she chanced upon the Collective Lab, a creative space at Nile University designed to help students bring their entrepreneurial ideas to life.

The Collective Lab provided Tochukwu with more than just resources; it gave her a sense of community and empowerment. She was surrounded by peers and mentors who believed in something in her, and she was part of something bigger than herself. The environment sparked something within Tochukwu—she realized she could turn her life around by doing something she was passionate about and creating something from nothing.

The Birth of Outsidee: A Game-Changer for Entertainment

While struggling emotionally, Tochukwu  Ifeanyi conceived something that would transform everything—a search engine for entertainment purposes called Outsidee. Outsidee was designed to let individuals easily find entertainment, be it a film or an event, all in one location. Tochukwu initially did not know if she should pursue her concept. However, her mentors advised her to try. Instead of pursuing a less personal concept in the fintech sector, Tochukwu followed her heart and launched Outsidee.

Her decision paid off when she took part in the WEMA Bank Hackaholics competition, a nationwide competition for creative startups. In a crowded lineup, Tochukwu’s idea for Outsidee stole the show. She was a winner in the women-owned startups category and was awarded N5 million in funding. Not only did this validate her entrepreneurial inclination, but it also provided her with the capital that she needed to scale Outsidee and make her dreams a reality.

The Collective Lab at Nile University’s Contribution to Her Success

She would not have succeeded had it not been for the Collective Lab at Nile University. The lab gave her a comfortable environment where she could relax and think out of the box, receive mentorship, and find a group that really understood her. More than being an institution, the Collective Lab helped Tochukwu regain her confidence and have faith in her ability to achieve her aspirations.

Looking Ahead: Tochukwu’s Entrepreneurial Future

With Outsidee gaining momentum, Tochukwu  Ifeanyi looks forward to expanding her platform and spreading her message to more individuals. Her journey from individual adversity to entrepreneurial success shows the power of resilience and pursuing one’s aspirations. As she expands her business further, Tochukwu also aims to mentor upcoming entrepreneurs, demonstrating the importance of perseverance and a proper support system.