Gloria Niiquaye, born in Ghana and raised in Germany, is an influential figure and fintech startup founder. Leveraging her expertise in insurance, finance, e-commerce, and cyber security. Her mission is to prevent the annual loss of 8 million lives due to insufficient healthcare access, as reported by WHO in 2023. Lack of financial support is a leading cause of death, and she aims to address this gap through COMESO, a purpose-driven remittance solution aimed at improving healthcare accessibility and financial inclusion.
“One day, my aunt in Ghana fell ill, and my mother sent money for her treatment. Unfortunately, they misused the funds, and she passed away. Hearing too many such heartbreaking stories, she resolved to develop a digital remittance solution enabling people in the Diaspora to directly support their families’ healthcare needs back home. COMESO is a platform where you can provide financial support with the assurance that it will be used for its intended purpose. By partnering with reputable healthcare institutions starting in Ghana and ensuring transparent money transfers, it aims to provide peace of mind for both senders and recipients.”
Her exceptional contributions have consequently garnered her several recognitions, including the Young Fintech Leader of the Year 2022 award from the Fintech and Payment Association Ghana. Additionally, Gloria achieved third place in the Western Union Foundation Accelerator 2024 for her vision of redefining remittances for emerging markets under the banner “For Health, We Can Shape”.
Can we get to know you?
My name is Gloria Niquaye, and I am the CEO and co-founder of COMESO. I am a Ghanaian living in Germany, working to solve the challenges the diaspora faces with healthcare-related payments for their loved ones.
Can you describe your startup on the problem it aims to solve?
The problem we’re solving is one that the diaspora, including myself, has faced. Born in Ghana, I moved to Germany at three, leaving relatives behind. My aunt fell very ill, and my mother sent money for her healthcare, but they didn’t always use it as intended, and my aunt eventually passed away. To address this issue, COMESO ensures that recipients use money sent for healthcare exclusively for that purpose. We partnered with MPharma, tested our solution in Ghana, and are now preparing to launch a financial technology that allows health-related payments directly via mobile numbers, ensuring recipients spend funds only on healthcare services.
Can you share your journey and what inspired you to become a startup founder?
My journey started at university three years ago. During a workshop, I aimed to win a small grant from an idea competition, and with determination, my team and I succeeded. We used the grant to set up our website, establish our corporate identity, and start networking. Partnering with a pharmacy chain in Ghana, we interviewed stakeholders to understand our operational landscape. Inspired by my peers and the problem itself, we built a network of partnerships and coaching, enabling us to go live soon with our fintech healthcare solution.
Do you have a new role model, or mentor who influenced your career path?
The role models in my life start from the bottom and make dreams accessible. My early role model is my mother, a visionary entrepreneur. Despite not having a formal education, she built a successful career in real estate, making deals and overseeing construction. Her determination and strength are truly inspiring. My father, with his patience and warm-hearted nature, also greatly influenced me. Another key influence is a close friend from Trinidad who moved to Switzerland. Her father, who started in construction and rose to a high position in the Swiss post office, taught me that being black is not a disadvantage but an opportunity to leave a positive, lasting impression. These role models inspire me daily.
As a black female founder in Europe. What is the biggest challenge you’re facing right now?
Being a black founder is an opportunity, but it comes with significant challenges. During an important presentation in the UK, despite sharing my team’s successes and vision, the first question I was asked was about managing as a black woman. Meanwhile, a black man presenting his achievements wasn’t asked such a question. This highlighted the different fields we navigate. Speaking fluent German often surprises people, who don’t expect me to be German. This bias makes it harder to be visible and successful. However, it’s crucial to build confidence and present oneself as a success story, not a victim. Being in the right circle can accelerate this journey.
Can you describe a day in your life as a female tech founder?
On different days, I have varied routines. On external days, I’m constantly on the move, jumping from meeting to meeting. For internal days, I’m at my desk from nine to five, following up on tasks and pushing our vision forward.
On an external day, like during this delegation trip, my schedule is packed with meetings. I prefer to start my day right by going to the gym, then having a smoothie. While in the cab, I check up on my family and my scheduled meetings. I also reach out to important contacts to maintain relationships, not just when I need something.
Throughout the day, I jump from one meeting to another, often without eating until dinner. I carry my laptop to catch up on emails or make phone calls in free moments. It’s a constant cycle of talking and networking.
What’s your favorite tech gadget at the moment?
I love my AirPods. I even shower with them because I can listen to podcasts. I really appreciate my Apple devices nowadays since I don’t have much time to read books. I feel it’s essential to keep up with knowledge, and my mentors are sending me a lot of books. Since it’s not easy for me to sit down and read patiently, I listen to podcasts instead. This helps me stay informed and train my listening skills. So, yes, I love my AirPods.
If you are to work with or collaborate with any Nigerian founder right now? How would that be? And why?
I want to work and collaborate with Mr. Tony Elumelu. I think he’s a visionary and impactful person. Everyone who works with him grows in their identity, business, and personal life. I’m already in conversation with him, and when he has time, he supports me as much as possible. I can imagine him being a potential investor in our Series A to help change healthcare in Africa. I believe he would be a good fit for that.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Okay, I don’t have much of a life outside work. Some people think I’m a very boring person, but I’m also a social media influencer with 152,000 followers on Instagram. I used to be more fun, but now I combine it with entrepreneur stories, letting my community be part of my journey. I love fashion, shopping, and expressing myself with my looks and hair. I enjoy relaxing, watching movies, and spending quality time with friends and family. I also love working out and going to the gym. Everything beauty-related, like manicures and hair care, is my thing. I’m just girly, even though tech founders are mostly male.
You mention about launching in Ghana. Are you planning to launch in Nigeria anytime soon?
Yeah, we are live in Nigeria now. As of the first week of July, we are set and doing integration testing, onboarding pharmacies, and going live with 25 pharmacies in Lagos.
Do you have a team in Lagos?
We work fully remotely. Our marketing team includes a sickle cell warrior, shout out to Abraham, who lives in the northern region. He’s an amazing guy. We also have team members in Ghana and Amsterdam, but we are a German startup.
If you could learn, and master one skill instantly. Right now, what would that be?
I think instantly, it would be to write code. Right now, I’m very busy building the business. However, I would love to dive back into developing and become a confident full-stack developer. I want to learn C++, Angular, and JavaScript because technology is so powerful. I have many ideas in my mind, but I always need someone to develop them for me. I can start with some HTML and CSS, but then I get too lazy. I would love to be the best at developing.
Are there any resources or books that have been particularly helpful to you in your entrepreneurial journey?
One of the books that impacted my mindset early on was by Anthony Robbins. I can’t recall the title, but it’s a blue book that emphasizes being in charge of what you want to achieve and having a strong mindset. Books are very important, especially when read early, and your community matters a lot. Who you hang around with is who you become, so it’s crucial to have quality friends. Be mindful of who you identify with, and remember, it’s about the mindset and drive. Even people who don’t read books but believe in themselves and have confidence can impact you. These are the resources that supported me on my journey.
It’s actually been nice talking to you.
Thank you, you’re welcome.
