Already profiled by prestigious sites such as Forbes Africa and CP-Africa, it is clear that Tunde Kehinde and Yaw Boateng are succeeding in creating an experience that is completely unique. These friends and Harvard Business School graduates founded their website, Bandeka.com, in 2011 when the Nigerian-Ghanaian team realized that it was time to create a different kind of dating environment for professional African Ivy Leaguers. Together, they are working to create a dating experience that is poised to bring together Africans with similar educational backgrounds and go-getter goals.
According to their website, “Bandeka” is a play on the Swahili word, “bandika” which means “connect.” They describe Bandeka as “an invite-only community where well-educated Africans living around the world can connect, engage and develop lasting relationships.”In their own words, they state the rationale behind the site and their goal: “We formed Bandeka because it should be easier for smart, like-minded Africans to connect. Our platform makes it easier for awesome Africans to meet and date no matter where they are in the world. Ask your friends for an invite and start connecting!”
However, it is not so clear how the founders of Bandeka define “well-educated” or “smart.” It is the founders’ understanding that their invite-only policy keeps their community discreet and exclusive. In addition, requiring invitations from friends ensures that someone is directly connected with a new member every time.
Bandeka currently has offices in Nigeria, Ghana and the United States. They have also successfully put together mixers in Lagos, London, Boston, Chicago and New York with plans to have mixers in select cosmopolitan cities on the African continent.
What are your thoughts on Bandeka?
