Retnan Daser, founder of Everyday Money, is among the African entrepreneurs making waves on the global stage. His inspiring journey—from building fintech solutions in Nigeria to securing the French Tech Visa—highlights the challenges and opportunities of expanding a business internationally.
Overcoming Setbacks: From the UK to France
Speaking at the Open Day session of eMigr8, Daser shared how 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 admitted. “Looking back, with the right guidance, the process would have been smoother.”
Rather than giving up, he explored alternative routes and discovered the French Tech Visa (Talent Passport)—a decision that transformed his entrepreneurial path.
Building Solutions in Nigeria
Before setting his sights on a global market, Daser made significant contributions to Nigeria’s tech ecosystem. He co-founded nHub, Northern Nigeria’s first tech hub, and led Logical Address, a startup aimed at providing Nigerians with digital home addresses.
His fintech innovations also played a role in government revenue collection, processing over €2 million in vehicle administration transactions for Niger and Imo States.
Despite these achievements, he longed to create a product with international impact. 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 emphasized. “I reached out to someone on LinkedIn, and that one connection changed everything.”
Breaking Into France’s Thriving Tech Scene
After successfully completing incubation, Daser relocated to France in May 2024, joining 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 looking for promising startups, and that exposure is invaluable.”
Reflecting on his journey, Daser stressed the importance of structured documentation, innovation, and financial planning.
“Your application must be well-structured to avoid unnecessary rejections. And don’t underestimate financial planning—exchange rate fluctuations can make a huge difference in meeting visa requirements,” he advised.
Now immersed in France’s 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 urged.
The French Tech Visa: A Gateway for African Entrepreneurs
Speaking at the event, Bade Adesemowo, CTO and co-founder of eMigr8, highlighted the French Tech Visa as a compelling pathway for startup founders, tech professionals, and investors looking to establish themselves in France.
The visa is designed to attract:
Entrepreneurs seeking to scale their businesses internationally
Tech professionals exploring career opportunities in French companies
Investors looking to fund innovative startups
He also emphasized eMigr8’s mission to help individuals become globally competitive by qualifying for international talent visas.
“Many leading economies have created visa pathways to attract skilled professionals. The eMigr8 Tech Visa platform equips you with the knowledge, tools, and coaching to navigate these processes successfully,” Adesemowo stated.
As more African entrepreneurs break boundaries globally, Daser’s story serves as an inspiration—showing that with the right strategy, perseverance, and network, the world is full of opportunities.
