02 June, 2025

In a recent interview with Dr. Niall O’Leary from the Hincks Centre for Entrepreneurship Excellence, entrepreneur Hesus Inoma, from i13 Ventures, shares his journey and introduces one of his latest ventures: Bob the Builder, an AI-powered business advisor designed to support early-stage entrepreneurs.

The conversation — produced for the Technological Higher Education Network South Africa (THENSA) — is brought to life with a unique tool called strategy mapping, which visually breaks down elements of Hesus’s business plan. This technique isn’t just eye-catching — it’s backed by a rare randomised controlled trial showing it significantly improves entrepreneurial success.

The video offers fresh insights for educators, advisors, and entrepreneurs alike, covering key themes such as:

• The rising potential of entrepreneurship in South Africa and across the continent
• How Hesus’s international education shaped his entrepreneurial mindset
• The origins of Bob the Builder and how it supports founders using AI
• The role of AI in making world-class business strategy more accessible
• What the future might look like for innovation and AI-human collaboration

Whether you're mentoring founders, designing entrepreneurship programmes, or building something yourself, this interview offers an engaging mix of personal story, practical tools, and evidence-based insights.

Watch the full video here: https://youtu.be/mtMMY9pgeSU?si=6-MqdFnPkSl_NHEm

Niall O'Leary
Hincks Centre Research Fellow