Retnan Daser, founder of Everyday Money is among Africans breaking boundaries across the globe. He shared his inspiring journey of securing the French Tech Visa, highlighting both the challenges and opportunities of expanding a business globally.
Speaking at the Open Day session of eMigr8, Daser, whose fintech startup helps businesses manage expenses by automating financial policies into compliance frameworks, revealed that his initial attempt to secure the UK Innovator Visa was unsuccessful due to poor structuring of his application.
“I had the right profile, but I didn’t structure my application effectively,” he said. “Looking back, with the right guidance, the process would have been smoother.”
Determined to find an alternative, the entrepreneur explored the French Tech Visa (Talent Passport)—a decision that ultimately transformed his entrepreneurial journey.
His journey started in 2022 after years of building innovative solutions in Nigeria. As a key figure in the Nigerian tech space, he co-founded nHub, Northern Nigeria’s first tech hub, and led Logical Address, a startup that aimed to provide Nigerians with digital home addresses.
His fintech solutions also contributed to government revenue collection, processing over €2 million in vehicle administration transactions for Niger and Imo States.
Despite these successes, Daser longed to create a global product. His research led him to the French Tech Visa, which required acceptance into a recognized French incubator. Through networking, he connected with Schoolab, a government-approved incubator, which endorsed his startup.
“Networking matters—introductions can open doors faster than cold applications,” he said. “I reached out to someone on LinkedIn, and that one connection changed everything.”
Following successful completion of his incubation, the entrepreneur said he arrived in France in May 2024 and joined Station F, one of the world’s largest startup campuses, home to global companies like Google, Facebook, and TikTok.
“Station F is more than just an office space—it’s a thriving ecosystem,” he explained. “Investors come there looking for promising startups, and that exposure is invaluable.”
Looking back on his journey, Daser highlighted the importance of structured documentation, innovation, and financial planning.
“Your application must be well-structured to avoid unnecessary rejections,” he advised. “And don’t underestimate financial planning—exchange rate fluctuations can make a huge difference in meeting requirements.”
Now immersed in France’s thriving tech ecosystem, Daser is focused on scaling his startup globally and encourages other entrepreneurs to embrace opportunities beyond their home countries.
“If you’re considering a global move, don’t give up. Pivot, adapt, and keep pushing forward,” he said.
Also speaking at the open day session, Bade Adesemowo, chief technology officer and co-founder of eMigr8, said that the French Tech Visa offers a compelling pathway for startup founders, tech professionals, and investors looking to establish themselves in France.
He explained that the visa is designed to attract entrepreneurs seeking to expand their businesses, skilled tech employees exploring career prospects in French companies, and investors interested in funding innovative startups.
He emphasized eMigr8’s commitment to helping individuals become globally competitive by qualifying for international talent visas.
“Many leading economies have created visa pathways to attract skilled professionals, and the eMigr8 Tech Visa platform is designed to equip you with the knowledge, tools, and coaching needed to navigate these processes successfully,” he stated.
