#CNNAfrica tech chat: 'Opportunities here are huge. Why be anywhere else?'

Updated 1331 GMT (2131 HKT) January 15, 2015

Story highlights

Twitter chat: How to take your startup to the next level
Rebecca Enonchong, Juliana Rotich and Erik Hersman were the special guests

(CNN)CNN's African Start-Up hosted a Twitter chat on how to take your startup to the next level on January 14.

Using the #CNNAfrica hashtag, tech lovers and entrepreneurs joined special guests Rebecca Enonchong, founder of AppsTech, Juliana Rotich, executive director of Ushahidi Inc and BRCK CEO Erik Hersman for a lively debate.

If you were unable to join us, here's what you missed.

We started with a question encouraging our tech entrepreneurs to think back to when they began:

Q1: What advice would you give to your younger self about launching a tech startup? #CNNAfrica pic.twitter.com/mfGT7aadQk
— CNN African Start-Up (@cnnafricanstart) January 14, 2015

A1: Being young and crazy really helps when building your startup. When you're older you think too much and don't take risks #cnnafrica
— Rebecca Enonchong (@africatechie) January 14, 2015

@cnnafricanstart Q1: Prototype, prototype, prototype #CNNAfrica
— Juliana Rotich (@afromusing) January 14, 2015

@cnnafricanstart Q1: Remember that building a business is a long-game, it doesn't happen overnight, so plan to be doing it for a while.
— Erik Hersman (@whiteafrican) January 14, 2015

Tech lovers around the world also got involved in the chat using the hashtag #CNNAfrica:

@cnnafricanstart "Start early, get your idea on the ground and work on it". Many good ideas die before they take off #CNNAfrica
— Jayell (@DopeAF_) January 14, 2015

The second question looked at the most usual mistakes young entrepreneurs do:

Q2: What are the most common errors entrepreneurs make while growing their biz? How can they be avoided? #CNNAfrica pic.twitter.com/lwbPoZnWJy
— CNN African Start-Up (@cnnafricanstart) January 14, 2015

.@cnnafricanstart Q2: we don't test (or even ask) our customers what they want enough. Get out and talk to your customers.
— Erik Hersman (@whiteafrican) January 14, 2015

Tweeter Wendy Lee agreed:

A2: Doing what they want instead of what the customers want. Understand your customer base. Don't assume. #CNNAfrica
— Wendy Lee (@wleerpcv) January 14, 2015

Choosing a great team is an integral part of building a thriving business, so we asked our guests what they looked for in potential recruits.

A3: I have a "Star Wars Theory" of hiring, I look for people who are gifted, but unknown, and they can make their name with me. #CNNAfrica
— Erik Hersman (@whiteafrican) January 14, 2015

@cnnafricanstart A3 #CNNAfrica Conscientiousness, suitability and yes - a great attitude :) + http://t.co/2ahN7QxeC9
— Juliana Rotich (@afromusing) January 14, 2015

Of course, a chat about startups couldn't go on without tackling the issue of raising money:

Q4: How do you get investors interested in your business? #CNNAfrica pic.twitter.com/ScS8rMVbLq
— CNN African Start-Up (@cnnafricanstart) January 14, 2015

A4: Investors want to see a prototype, build something before you ask for money. #CNNAfrica
— Erik Hersman (@whiteafrican) January 14, 2015

Being transparent and passionate seemed to be the key advice from our experts and other participants:

@cnnafricanstart A4: Tell your story as best & as clearly as possible. Show how you solve a problem & the market you are after #CNNAfrica
— Juliana Rotich (@afromusing) January 14, 2015

The discussion then tackled the topic of selling early or holding out for a bigger exit:

A5: It really depends. Talk to your team, advisers, investors. I held out and lived to regret it. If the deal is good, go for it #cnnafrica
— Rebecca Enonchong (@africatechie) January 14, 2015

Entrepreneur Gossy Ukanwoke, founder of Beni American University in Nigeria, shared some practical and level headed advice:

A5: Look at your projections. If they show you are better off selling, then sell. Hold out if it shows there are better offers. #CNNAfrica
— Gossy Ukanwoke (@gossyomega) January 14, 2015

Our next question was about the importance of mentors and the qualities they can bring to a business:

A6: Having a mentor helps you to see the big picture. Sometimes also provides psychological support. Can't be underestimated #cnnafrica
— Rebecca Enonchong (@africatechie) January 14, 2015

A6: A great mentor brings perspective and objectivity to a startup. #CNNAfrica
— Erik Hersman (@whiteafrican) January 14, 2015

PR guru Ronke Lawal shared what she thinks a good mentor is:

A good mentor will allow an entrepreneur the space to rationalise their thought processes, encourage them to aim high & think big #cnnafrica
— Ronke Lawal (@ronkelawal) January 14, 2015

In question 7 we moved on to the topic of effective press coverage:

Q7: What's the best way to promote your tech