About this episode
How do you go from selling holly at the age of six to building a technology company transforming supply chains?
In this episode of From Garage to Growth, we sit down with Xavier Dikor Mbouma, founder and CEO of DATAFRET, to explore the entrepreneurial journey that shaped one of Africa’s emerging supply chain technology companies.
From his multicultural upbringing to launching multiple ventures before finding product-market fit, Xavier shares the lessons he learned about resilience, adaptability, and why some of the best businesses are built through continuous iteration.
An Entrepreneur from Day One
Xavier’s entrepreneurial journey began long before he entered the world of technology.
He reflects on selling holly as a child, the early business lessons that stayed with him, and how those experiences developed the mindset that would later help him navigate the challenges of building a startup.
The Power of Pivoting
Few startups succeed with their first idea.
Xavier shares why founders shouldn’t fear changing direction, how DATAFRET evolved over time, and why staying focused on solving customer problems is more important than staying attached to a single business model.
Reinventing Supply Chains
Supply chain inefficiencies continue to slow businesses across Africa and beyond.
Xavier explains how DATAFRET is using software to improve visibility, streamline logistics, and help businesses make smarter operational decisions in an increasingly connected economy.
Building Through Diversity and Mentorship
Growing up across different cultures shaped the way Xavier approaches leadership and entrepreneurship.
He discusses the value of diverse perspectives, the mentors who influenced his journey, and why surrounding yourself with the right people can dramatically accelerate both personal and business growth.
Advice for Founders
Reflecting on his entrepreneurial journey, Xavier shares practical lessons on resilience, continuous learning, embracing change, and building businesses that solve real-world problems.
Whether you’re launching your first startup, interested in SaaS and logistics, or looking for inspiration from a founder who has successfully navigated multiple pivots, this episode is packed with valuable insights.