For many entrepreneurs, the journey to success is as much about embracing innovation as it is about understanding human nature. Akintunde Opaleye, founder of ThinkNodes, has exemplified this through his work in leveraging AI to help businesses streamline operations and enhance efficiency. His story is one of foresight, resilience, and a deep understanding of the evolving technological landscape.
The Genesis of ThinkNodes
Akintunde’s entrepreneurial journey began at an early age, shaped by a unique blend of curiosity and access to technology that many of his peers in Nigeria did not have. “I was exposed to it very, very early,” he recalls. “My dad was really into tech, so he bought me a desktop when I was just a kid. That got me intrigued. I was the one people called when they had issues with their phones or wanted to install software, and it wasn’t long before I started getting paid tips for fixing things.”
This early exposure not only sparked a passion for technology but also laid the groundwork for his future ventures. “Even when I got into working for people as a business there, as a cloud architect, I just loved the possibility to think of a solution in the way that I would like to solve it,” Akintunde explains. This drive eventually led him to start his own consulting firm, which later evolved into ThinkNodes—a company that builds AI-driven solutions to optimize business processes.
From Consulting to AI Integration
Initially, ThinkNodes focused on consulting, offering advice on web and mobile app development, particularly in emerging technologies. However, Akintunde quickly realized that advising clients was not enough. “We saw that based on the advice or the architecture we gave people, they were still not able to build the ideal solutions,” he says. This insight led to a pivotal shift in the business model: ThinkNodes began taking a more hands-on approach, not just designing but also building the solutions their clients needed.
As AI started to gain prominence, ThinkNodes adapted again, integrating AI into their service offerings. “We got a lot of requests from clients saying they wanted to incorporate AI into their existing workflows,” Akintunde explains. This adaptability has been key to the company’s growth, allowing them to stay ahead of the curve in a rapidly changing industry.
Navigating Challenges and Learning Lessons
Like any entrepreneur, Akintunde has faced his share of challenges. One of the biggest hurdles has been managing client expectations and building trust, especially as ThinkNodes moves towards a model where they take equity in the products they help develop. “The roadblock is going to be in the part of trust,” he acknowledges. “They have to trust that we have them in mind and we just don’t want to get into their business and tell them what to do.”
To overcome this, Akintunde emphasizes transparency and a client-first approach. “Every step we take, right from the agreements to the services we render, is about how to make them move from point A to B, not about us,” he says. This focus on delivering real value to clients has helped build the trust necessary for long-term partnerships.
When asked about the lessons he has learned along the way, Akintunde is quick to highlight the importance of perseverance and emotional control. “The number one thing I would say is always know that the more tryouts, the better. Always make moves and understand that every move accumulates. There is no move that is wasted,” he advises. He also stresses the importance of keeping emotions in check. “You have to watch your emotions, question your thoughts, and understand that business is business at the end of the day.”
Finally, Akintunde underscores the importance of focusing on the customer rather than on personal success. “The focus should always be on the customers. It shouldn’t really be about you,” he says. This customer-centric approach is what he believes ultimately leads to success.
The Power of AI and Its Potential
Akintunde’s expertise in AI has positioned ThinkNodes at the forefront of a technological revolution. For businesses looking to leverage AI, his advice is clear: focus on how AI can simplify processes and enhance the customer experience. “AI, like every other technology, is about making things easier for us,” he explains. “Businesses should look at points in their operations that can be automated with AI, making things easier for their staff and customers.”
He also warns against integrating AI just for the sake of it. “It’s not just about integrating AI; it’s about how it can make things easier for customers and staff. How can this increase the experience that the customers are going to have?” This pragmatic approach to AI ensures that its implementation is always purposeful and impactful.
Bootstrapping Success
ThinkNodes’s success is even more impressive considering it was entirely bootstrapped. “It’s been blood, sweat, tears, money, sleepless nights, and hard work,” Akintunde says. Despite the challenges of self-funding, he believes this approach has made the company stronger and more resilient.
Reflecting on what he would have done differently if he had access to more capital early on, Akintunde mentions the potential for investing in clients’ products. “We have worked with a lot of companies, and that gives us the advantage to identify products that would do well. The money would be used towards reaching those types of clients and offering them not just our services but also some monetary resources.”
Looking ahead, Akintunde is focused on expanding ThinkNodes’s venture studio model, where they take a more active role in the businesses they help build. This model not only aligns with his passion for innovation but also opens up new revenue streams for the company.
Surprises and Insights
Every entrepreneurial journey comes with surprises, and for Akintunde, the biggest surprise has been understanding human nature. “The realization of human nature…at the end of the day, everybody’s thinking of themselves,” he notes. This understanding has been crucial in shaping his approach to business, ensuring that ThinkNodes remains customer-focused and responsive to the needs of those they serve.
His experience underscores a critical insight for other entrepreneurs: success is not just about having a great product or service, but about understanding and addressing the needs of your customers. “It might not go as well as you think, you really have to put in a lot of effort, and you have to focus on what really matters.”
Looking Ahead
Akintunde Opaleye’s journey as an entrepreneur is a testament to the power of innovation, resilience, and customer-centric thinking. From his early days tinkering with technology in Nigeria to leading a cutting-edge AI firm, his story is one of continuous growth and adaptation. For entrepreneurs looking to leverage AI, build trust with clients, and navigate the complexities of business, Akintunde’s insights offer a valuable roadmap.
As ThinkNodes continues to expand its reach and influence, Akintunde remains committed to his vision of using AI to make businesses more efficient and customer-focused. His journey is a powerful reminder that in the fast-paced world of technology, staying ahead means always being ready to adapt, innovate, and put the customer first.
