US-based Zimbabwean Tech Entrepreneur, Afriblocks CEO and Co-Founder Tongayi Choto recall meeting Ryan Roslansky the CEO of LinkedIn after visiting their headquarters in San Francisco, California, USA.
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| From Left Tongayi Choto and Brandon Quinn |
Tongayi visited LinkedIn offices for a meeting with his mentor Brandon Quinn who is also a Product Manager at the professional networking company.
My day 1/5 in San Francisco was insightful, after having a few meetings, I met with one of my mentors, advisors, and brother; Brandon Quinn. This was our first time meeting in person (ever) and talking about what we love, connecting people, and building the technology infrastructure for the future of work in Africa.Helping African professional freelance talent to connect with remote opportunities, especially in the current economic uncertainty, globally.As I visited LinkedIn offices (where Brandon works as a product manager), I loved the atmosphere and work culture. One thing I certainly did not expect though, was to bump into their CEO.On our way to lunch, Brandon stopped to talk to a gentleman, and I remember thinking, that can’t be the LinkedIn CEO, they just look alike, no way he can just be available like that. He was wearing swag that said “marketing”, my mind concluded this was Ryan from marketing, that looks like the CEO. He also had on Nike dunks!He then talked to me and I naturally started to explain what we are doing at AfriBlocks, he listened attentively, and said: “That is great, we should connect on LinkedIn and talk more, we are super interested in doing work in Africa.”The entrepreneur in me, then asked if could get his number … Brandon quickly jumped in, “You know he is the CEO right?”At this point the only thing I could say was, let’s connect on LinkedIn then!Anyway, I use LinkedIn on a daily basis, to connect with people and to share what we are doing at AfriBlocks with the world. Today made me realize .. there is power in connecting online but connecting with people in-person is just as important and I appreciate the fact that Ryan Roslansky took time out of his busy schedule to listen to this young entrepreneur from Zimbabwe whose ambition is to change the way the world works with and pays African Talent.
- Tongayi Choto.
Founded by Tongayi Choto and Roger Roman in July 2020, AfriBlocks is a global pan-African marketplace of vetted African freelance professionals with offices in Harare and Los Angeles. The company is trying to address the high unemployment rate that plagues many African countries by making it easier for people to find work. Tongayi Choto graduated from the University of Zimbabwe in 2014 with a BSc in Computer science and Mathematics.
Last year, Afriblocks became the first Zimbabwean Startup to receive backing from Techstars Seattle - a major US investor.
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