Tyms Io (formerly Tyms Africa) is transforming the way small businesses in Africa manage their finances. Co-founded by Chineye Ochem and Ibrahim Adepoju, the platform provides automated bookkeeping, cash flow management, and financing solutions tailored to the needs of businesses in Nigeria, Ghana, Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya.
With an increasing number of retailers, online sellers, and service providers struggling to keep track of their finances, Tyms Io eliminates the chaos, offering businesses an easy-to-use financial dashboard that automates accounting, tracks expenses, and provides access to financing.
Founder Africa sat down with Chineye Ochem, Co-founder and COO of Tyms Io, to discuss her entrepreneurial journey, the company’s mission, and the future of financial technology for small businesses in Africa.
FA: Tell us about yourself and your role as Co-founder of Tyms.
Chineye: I’m Chineye Ochem, the Co-founder and COO of Tyms Io. Before launching Tyms, I built a career in financial services as a chartered accountant, working in accounting, auditing, and financial consulting.
I spent six years in the corporate sector, working with companies like PwC Nigeria and BDO US. My experience in finance, coupled with a desire to help small businesses gain better financial control, led me to co-found Tyms Io, where I oversee operations and strategy.
FA: How has the startup journey been since launching Tyms Africa?
Chineye: It’s been an exciting roller coaster ride—filled with highs and lows, wins and challenges. There are moments of excitement when we see businesses benefiting from our platform, and there are moments of doubt, like every startup experiences.
However, I wouldn’t trade this journey for anything. The opportunities, learning experiences, and impact we’ve had so far are beyond what I imagined. If I had stayed in my corporate career, I don’t think I would have had access to this level of growth, innovation, and real-world problem-solving.
FA: Do you ever miss working in a large corporate organization?
Chineye: Not at all! Some people thrive in structured corporate environments, climbing the career ladder. But I belong to the category of people who love challenges, innovation, and the thrill of solving new problems.
I started feeling stuck in routine tasks in my corporate job, and I knew I wanted more than just stability—I wanted to build something meaningful. That’s why I made the leap into entrepreneurship, and I’ve never looked back.
FA: What exactly does Tyms Io do?
Chineye: Tyms Io is a fintech startup that helps small businesses manage cash flow and access financing.
Our Core Products:
1. Tyms Book – A cash flow management platform that automates accounting, tracks income and expenses, generates financial reports, and allows businesses to connect their bank accounts for real-time insights.
2.Tyms Money – A financing tool that provides savings options and credit access to small businesses, helping them manage daily cash flow and meet urgent financial needs.
By eliminating manual bookkeeping and financial mismanagement, Tyms Io empowers businesses to take control of their finances, make informed decisions, and improve their chances of accessing funding.
FA: How has the response been from small businesses using Tyms Book?
Chineye: The reception has been overwhelmingly positive. In just a month after launching, over 1,000 small business owners downloaded the app, and 50% actively use it for:
✔ Generating invoices
✔ Tracking expenses and revenues
✔ Managing debtors and creditors
Seeing how businesses are adopting it as an essential tool is proof that we are solving a real problem.
FA: What inspired you to launch Tyms Io?
Chineye: The biggest motivation was the lack of access to financing for small businesses.
Here’s the problem:
- Most small businesses in Africa struggle to get loans from banks because they are considered too risky.
- As a result, many turn to unregulated lenders, who charge extremely high-interest rates that often cripple their business instead of helping them grow.
We created Tyms Money to bridge this financing gap, offering fair, accessible, and structured loans to small businesses.
FA: How does the loan process work for business owners?
Chineye: Our loan system is community-driven, meaning:
✔ If you are referred by an existing Tyms user, your chances of approval are higher.
✔ If you’re a new applicant, you can reach out via our customer support page to apply.
✔ We use a trust-based model to ensure that loans go to businesses that genuinely need and can repay them.
FA: How does Tyms Io stand out from competitors?
Chineye: Several things set us apart:
1. Our Founding Team’s Expertise
I am a chartered accountant, and my co-founder is a software developer. We understand both finance and technology, ensuring that our solutions are built on real financial expertise, not just technology trends.
2. Beyond Accounting—A Full Financial Management Solution
Unlike regular bookkeeping apps, Tyms Io offers:
1. Automated financial reporting
2. Bank account integrations
3. Transaction reconciliation
We don’t just record transactions—we help businesses gain full financial clarity and control.
FA: Why did you rebrand from AJOMoney to Tyms Io?
Chineye: When we first started as AJOMoney, the name limited how people perceived us—it sounded like we only offered savings services.
But as we expanded beyond Nigeria to Uganda and other African countries, we realized that we needed a name that reflected our broader mission—helping businesses manage cash flow efficiently.
FA: What are you currently focused on?
Chineye: Right now, we are:
✔ Fine-tuning Tyms Book based on user feedback
✔ Scaling Tyms Money to reach more businesses
✔ Exploring new features that make cash flow management even easier
FA: What is your prediction for female entrepreneurship in Africa?
Chineye: Women have always been entrepreneurs—especially in small businesses. However, in tech startups, female founders are still underrepresented.
The future of women in business depends on:
Acquiring technical skills (software development, finance, business management)
Breaking traditional limitations on leadership roles
Building and scaling businesses beyond administrative roles
I believe that in the next decade, more women will become startup founders, lead tech-driven businesses, and play a bigger role in Africa’s innovation ecosystem.
Read more about Odun Eweniyi’s journey in building PiggyVest and supporting female founders here: Odun Eweniyi on Scaling PiggyVest & Funding Female Founders
Final Thoughts: Leadership, Work Culture & Life Outside Business
FA: What leadership qualities do women bring to startups?
Chineye: Empathy. Women leaders tend to prioritize team well-being, ensuring that employees feel valued and supported—which boosts productivity and retention.
FA: Do you feel the need to be ‘tough’ as a female leader?
Chineye: No. I’ve always received respect based on merit, not gender. Respect is a two-way street—if you respect your team, they will respect you.
FA: Any personal interests outside work?
Favorite activity: Watching movies (drama series, mostly)—I could spend a whole week indoors, just watching!
Music preference: Loud music at home, earpods at work.
Tea or coffee? Tea! I don’t take coffee.
