In this episode of MERI Podcast, we engage with Bemnet Demissie, the founder of CNET, a pioneer in the Ethiopian tech industry known for introducing innovative solutions such as POS machines and ERP systems. Bemnet, also the founder of Red Cloud, shares the journey of becoming an entrepreneur in Ethiopia. Join us as we discuss: - Current Operations - Beginning of CNET - Challenges Faced - Ethiopian Tech Ecosystem More from our partners: Dashen Bank Website: https://dashenbanksc.com Telegram: https://t.me/DashenBankEthiopia EthioTelecom Download Telebirr Remit App on Playstore : https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ethiotelecom.telebirr.remit&hl=en&pli=1 Appstore: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/telebirr-remit/id6642675033 Website: https://www.ethiotelecom.et/ 00:00 - Introduction 01:58 - Opening 03:32 - Background 11:47 - Life before CNET 16:57 - The Story of CNET 20:50 - CNET impact measurement 24:06 - Looking back at the success of CNET 25:52- First commercial work 30:34 - Scaling up 31:31 - Challenges : going to prison 57:17 - Challenges : Scaling up 01:09:54 - Hiring fresh graduates 01:28:23 - Product design process 01:34:48 - Red cloud and other new businesses 01:49:06 - Independency and Data security 02:00:07 - Ethiopia tech ecosystem 02:07:07 - Ethiopian tech business opportunities 02:08:49 - Biggest lesson learned in business 02:09:00 - Hardest decision ever made 02:09:43 - Biggest mistake made 02:11:54 - Advice for entrepreneurs 02:12:12 - Hardwork vs Luck 02:13:19 - Missed business opportunities 02:15:20 - Acknowledgments 02:21:07 - Life Wisdom Social Links https://www.linkedin.com/company/meripodcast/ https://www.tiktok.com/@meripodcast https://twitter.com/MERI_Podcast https://www.instagram.com/meripodcast/ https://t.me/MERI_PODCAST https://youtube.com/@Meriwoch?si=yIpJ3byprnVNwKi1 Copyright Notice for Meri Podcast: All rights reserved. The content featured in this podcast is protected by copyright laws. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or modification of any portion of this podcast is strictly prohibited. For permission to use our content, please contact us at info@meri.et Thank you for respecting our copyright.