When you think about building a tech startup, it’s easy to imagine the usual suspects: get an office full of developers, design sprints, stand-ups, and payroll stress. But Bola Olatunji, founder of Befit App, is flipping the script.
In a candid conversation on the Outsourced by Jundaro podcast, Bola shares how his growing fitness platform, which offers personalized workouts, meal plans, and health challenges, is being built almost entirely by freelancers. No bloated payroll. No pressure to fill seats. Just a nimble team of specialists, brought in when they’re needed, paid fairly, and delivering results.
If you're a founder building lean or a freelancer wondering how much impact you can really have, then this story is for you.
Product Design to Cloud Architecture: All Built by Freelancers¶
When asked how freelancers fit into the DNA of Befit App, Bola doesn't hesitate:
“We engage freelancers to help build everything from product design to software development and cloud architecture. It’s end-to-end.”
Freelancers aren’t just supporting the product; they are the product team. This approach has allowed Bola to stay flexible, avoid the overhead of a full-time dev team, and still push forward aggressively while in the building phase.
The Befit App
The Cost of Hiring Without a Filter¶
Outsourcing isn’t always smooth sailing. When Bola once tried to recruit talent through a local internship marketplace, the experience was—well, chaotic.
“It was very difficult to scan through the resumes without HR support. It was hectic.”
That moment was a turning point. He realized that great platforms matter, alongside referrals and track records, are the true currency of quality. His best are usually referred by people he trusts. The freelancers who responded professionally from day one always stood out.
This is why Jundaro is building a freelance marketplace where the hectic system of finding quality freelancers will now become ancient history. With a detailed vetting process, you’ll be able to easily find and work with the best freelance talent for your company’s stage of growth.
Why Nigerian Freelancers Give Him an Edge¶
Hiring Nigerian freelancers hasn’t just been convenient, it’s been strategic. Bola highlights three key advantages:
- Contextual understanding: They get the local market.
- Cost-effectiveness: Their rates reflect local realities.
- Professionalism: Many deliver international-level work without international-level budgets.
“Most of the progress we’ve made is because of freelancers. Their flexibility in cost and task delivery has been a game-changer.”
And it’s not charity; many of these freelancers are charging fair rates while still earning more than they could at a full-time job, proving that value and affordability aren’t mutually exclusive.
The Befit App
Freelancers Are the Future (and the Now)¶
So, do businesses need freelancers more than ever?
Bola says yes—with conviction.
“There are people collecting salaries and doing nothing. With freelancers, you only pay for what you need. That’s a huge cost advantage.”
Especially for early-stage founders and lean startups, hiring full-time staff for work that comes in sprints doesn’t make sense. A small, on-demand, remote team? That’s the smarter bet.
The Roles That Will Matter Most in the Next Year¶
Looking ahead, Bola predicts an increasing demand for:
- AI developers: To help businesses automate and personalize experiences.
- Cloud specialists: They are needed only at certain stages, but are vital for scaling.
Both roles, he says, lend themselves perfectly to freelance engagements: project-based, high-skill, and not needed year-round.
How Freelancing Is Shaping the Global Talent Pool¶
Freelancing in Nigeria is no longer a backup plan; it’s a career strategy. Bola sees its growth as a net positive for talent and founders alike:
“Now, great talent can work globally. Yes, the competition is tough. But it’s pushing people to get better, and that’s good for everyone.”
He also flips a common concern on its head: the pricing difference.
“Being able to charge less isn’t a disadvantage. It’s our edge.”
In other words, Nigerian freelancers are uniquely positioned to offer global value at local efficiency.
Want the Full Story?¶
Bola drops even more valuable info in the full episode of Outsourced by Jundaro, including how to spot red flags when hiring, what to prioritize when outsourcing product development, and the underrated soft skills that make freelancers worth every naira.
Listen to the full podcast episode now. Subscribe, share, and tag a founder or freelancer who needs to hear this.
Ready to build smarter? Hire verified freelance talent in Nigeria at www.jundaro.com
