TalentQL Joins Techstars Toronto Accelerator Program

TalentQL, a company specializing in African talent recruitment and outsourcing, has been accepted into the Techstars Toronto program.

This announcement follows closely on the heels of Plentywaka, a Nigerian bus-booking platform, which also recently secured a place within the same accelerator program.

Company Background and Founding

TalentQL was established last November by a trio of experienced entrepreneurs: Adewale Yusuf, Opeyemi Awoyemi, and Akintunde Sultan.

Prior to founding TalentQL, Yusuf was a co-founder of Techpoint Africa, a leading Nigerian tech media outlet. Awoyemi previously co-founded Jobberman, a prominent online recruitment platform, while Sultan established DevCareer, a nonprofit focused on accelerating tech talent.

How TalentQL Operates

The company maintains a “talent pool” where developers initially register and undergo a series of evaluations.

Engineers who successfully complete these assessments gain access to the company’s “talent network,” connecting them with potential employment opportunities.

Responding to Global Demand

The recent global pandemic has intensified the demand for remote and cost-effective talent solutions internationally.

TalentQL aims to capitalize on this trend, believing Africa possesses a significant untapped resource of skilled tech professionals. CEO Yusuf emphasizes the company’s commitment to democratizing opportunity and decentralizing access for Africa’s top tech talent, with a presence also in the U.S.

Service Models for Clients

For clients within Africa, TalentQL primarily provides recruitment assistance.

Additionally, the company offers a service that involves hiring, managing, and providing tax and health insurance benefits to vetted engineers for international organizations.

Differentiating Factors

“We are dedicated to supporting talent with comprehensive benefits, including health insurance, essential tools, and a strong community,” stated Yusuf in an interview with TechCrunch.

“These offerings, we believe, distinguish us from competitors in the market.”

Addressing the Senior Talent Gap

Despite its progress, TalentQL faces a common challenge within the industry: a shortage of experienced engineering professionals.

Often, engineers with significant expertise seek opportunities in the U.S. and Europe or choose to launch their own ventures, mirroring a past issue encountered by Andela, which led to the layoff of 400 junior developers due to market demand for more senior skills.

Pan-African and Diasporan Strategy

Yusuf explains that the company is actively pursuing a Pan-African strategy, extending its reach to the African diaspora in the U.S. and Europe to address the senior talent gap.

To further its Pan-African ambitions, TalentQL is planning to establish a new office in Kenya in the coming months.

Importance of Local Expertise

While TalentQL operates remotely, Yusuf stresses the importance of having a local presence.

“We aim to have technical recruiters based in the countries from which we are recruiting, enabling them to understand the local culture and communicate effectively with engineers.”

Current Platform and Client Base

Currently, TalentQL’s platform features over 100 tech skills and boasts a network of more than 2,000 developers.

The company serves clients in the U.S., Europe, Nigeria, and Kenya, and is reportedly in discussions with Fortune 500 companies regarding placements for their African expansion initiatives.

Techstars Investment and Future Goals

In addition to the $300,000 in pre-seed funding secured last year, TalentQL will receive a $120,000 investment from Techstars as part of the 6-month accelerator program.

Yusuf believes that Techstars’ support will be invaluable in navigating the competitive tech talent marketplace, alongside companies like Gebeya and Decagon, and in establishing TalentQL as a global entity, rather than solely an African one.

Techstars’ Perspective

Sunil Sharma, managing director of Techstars Toronto and an investor in five Nigerian startups, highlighted the significance of Techstars’ investment in TalentQL.

“Nigeria’s technological advancements, particularly in sectors like finance, mobility, and e-commerce, are gaining increasing recognition,” Sharma stated. “The contribution of Nigerian and African talent to tech companies worldwide is substantial and we anticipate continued growth in this area.”