At the just concluded Gitex Nigeria – Tech Expo & Future Economy Conference recently in Lagos, visitors to the TIELLE stand experienced one of the most disruptive innovations redefining the travel and fintech space in Africa.
For Solomon Sanusi, Founder of TIELLE and Media Director at Social Media Centre Marketing, this year’s participation carried a special significance. On September 4, 2023, exactly two years ago, the idea of TIELLE was born. Today, the project has moved beyond concept, achieved MVP status in the last seven months, and it is now in its alpha stage, gearing up for launch, he said.
Sanusi said TIELLE is designed to revolutionize the way people plan, fund, and experience travel. The app combines cutting-edge AI with a user-friendly design, providing personalized itineraries, real-time updates, exclusive local experiences, and flexible financing tools. Its innovative loan and savings platform empowers users to travel stress-free while maintaining financial security.
He said the global travel app market is projected to surpass $20 billion by 2028, while the travel industry itself is forecast to reach $15.5 trillion by 2030. TIELLE is strategically positioned to capture this opportunity, targeting pain points like fragmented planning, generic recommendations, and financing gaps.
According to him, the business model involves Flexible Travel Loans: Low-interest, tailored loans for immediate adventures; Smart Savings Plans: Automated deposits, savings calculators, and goal tracking; Integrated Travel Tools: Destination guides, budget planners, and exclusive deals; All-in-One AI Travel Assistant: Personalized recommendations and real-time support.
TIELLE’s model is built around interest on travel loans, subscription fees for premium features, affiliate commissions from travel partners, and in-app advertising.
On competitive advantage , Sanusi said unlike traditional platforms, TIELLE integrates financing, savings, and travel planning into one seamless app, delivering an all-in-one experience for users.
The startup is seeking $300,000 to $500,000 in seed funding to finalize development, launch in key markets, acquire its first 50,000 users, and secure partnerships with travel agencies, airlines, and financial institutions, he said.
According to him, with post-pandemic travel on the rise and financial uncertainty pushing demand for flexible financing, TIELLE’s solution is timely and relevant. Research already points to a strong appetite for travel-focused financial services across Africa.
On how the App empowers people, Sanusi said “Consider Chidi, a 19-year-old from Lagos who dreamed of studying engineering in Canada but faced financial barriers. Through TIELLE, he combined his savings with a travel loan, making his journey possible. This story exemplifies how the app is set to empower dreams and transform lives”.
As TIELLE pitch Gitex Nigeria Unplugged, and prepares for launch, the company is also gearing up to pitch at more startups event both locally and globally opening the door for investors to be part of what could be Africa’s next great travel-tech success story.
“TIELLE is not just about travel financing; it’s about giving people the power to pursue their dreams,” Sanusi emphasized. “The best is yet to come”, he said.
