Interview with Lucas Mohaswa, Chief Executive Officer at reslocate
We get up close and personal with Lucas Mohaswa CEO at reslocate, South Africa’s number one student accommodation interactive platform that connects property owners with prospective students.
What inspired you to become an entrepreneur?
The fear of being ordinary inspired me. I wanted to push myself to the limits of greatness, and what better way than to be a Techpreneur. I also wanted to challenge the status quo and dent the universe.
Tell us a bit about your journey regarding starting your business. How did you decide what your product/service would be?
It was during the first lockdown in 2020 when the idea of creating Reslocate arose. I saw the challenges experienced by university students in searching for housing. There is a severe shortage of student housing in SA and around the world. Students are being exploited by bogus landlords for overpricing, illegitimate properties, and scams. I then developed and created Reslocate to assist students with pre-booking safe and secure decent accommodation.
Tell us about your product/service.
Reslocate is an interactive platform that connects students with property owners. We exist to solve the critical issue of student housing worldwide by being the go-to guy for finding relatively safe, secure, and decent accommodation. “We are the bridge that connects students and property owners”.
How does your product/service add value to your clients and/or society at large?
Reslocate is the virtual friend to every young person looking for Student Accommodation, being only one swipe away on their smartphone. Our App is user-friendly and efficient and is always up-to-date with all the latest data about the property. With this, we can offer convenience and peace of mind, ensuring that the accommodation part is taken care of, giving students ample time to focus on their studies. In short, we’ve got you covered. We’ve got your back.
How long has your business existed?
We have been in operation for two years.
What are some of the key characteristics that make you a successful entrepreneur?
The ability to spot great talent, Passion for people, and Ability to create a working environment that promotes individual successes and personal growth. Ubuntu principles ‘ we are human before anything.’
What motivates you?
I get motivated by greatness and a continuous search to become a better human being. My family inspires me; seeing my kids and wife happy melts my heart.
What were some of your challenges as an entrepreneur?
Doubt. For someone from a previously disadvantaged background, we had naysayers who thought we couldn’t develop an app that could compete globally.
How have you overcome challenges?
We have won several awards globally, we were the only South African company to exhibit at the two largest Tech conferences in the world: Websummit (Portugal) and Slush (Finland)
We are finalizing a subsidiary in the South of France to target the European market.
What were some of the highlights of your journey as an entrepreneur?
The biggest highlights include seeing our product working, creating part-time job opportunities, establishing in Europe, and having global partnerships.
What key lessons have you learned since being in business?
I learned the importance of patience; risks are rewarded, and business is built through partnerships. Always employ people who share the same vision and values.
How will your business grow in the next five years?
We aim to be the Global Leader in Prop-tech innovation, the number one Prop-tech company globally, and one of the giants in property management. These goals align with our desire to make a difference and build an organization of integrity that listens and responds with care. We will do this by servicing the needs of all stakeholders through a people-oriented approach.
How are your services/products assessed to meet high-quality standards?
We currently have 15000 site visits available in 25 cities and 85000 student pilot pledges in Europe. Below are some of our achievements:
- PARTICIPATED ITUSEED GLOBAL ACCELERATOR
- EXHIBITED AT THE 6TH EDITION OF VIVA TECHNOLOGY 2022
- SHOWCASED AND EXHIBITED AT WEBSUMMIT LISBON 2021
- SAIS BOOST UP 2021 WINNER
- EXHIBITED AT SLUSH 2021 HELSINKI
- AFRICATECH CHALLENGE 2021 WINNER (FOYA Awards)
- ITU DIGITAL 2021 AWARDS RUNNER-UP
