The aspiration to establish a successful startup is a common dream among many software developers, irrespective of their specific technology stack. While a significant number of these developers opt for a direct SaaS model to deliver a technology product, others choose a path of providing specialized SaaS, utilizing technology and the internet as the fundamental medium for delivery.

Xelaware is one such venture, a Nigerian startup that does something quite unique: finding problems faced by businesses, and building a solution around it that gets converted into a profitable business for a diverse clientele

The company was established in Anambra, Nigeria, and co-founded by two individuals: Chidera Owunrah, a senior software engineer and penetration tester, and Samuel Emelike, a system administrator and infosec expert.

Their journey began in 2020 under the initial name, Dera Mobile Legacy.

From mobile apps to IT problem-solving

The startup’s foundational story began just before the extensive national lockdown in 2020. At the time, Chidera was responsible for building an online store and a management system for a phone distribution company, known as Martjen Phones. When schools vacated in 2020, he made the critical decision to shift his focus and create his own software products. Recalling the initial phase, Chidera noted that the team’s technical skills were not yet "top notch," but emphasised that he and the earliest members possessed the essential commitment and determination to "forge ahead".

During its tenure as Dera Mobile Legacy, the company primarily focused on developing mobile applications, one notable example being Calendula, an e-commerce store and Achievita. Xelaware transitioned into a B2B-focused startup, dedicating its efforts to providing comprehensive IT solutions specifically tailored for corporate, educational, and government institutions.

Comprehensive service portfolio: IT infrastructure and cybersecurity

Xelaware has demonstrated a significant impact by expanding its clientele across the education sector and corporate world.

Key Achievements in the Education Sector:

• The company has provided services to over 25 primary and secondary schools.
• They have onboarded and successfully built IT infrastructures, including CBT software, for 3 Institutions

In addition to serving educational bodies, Xelaware builds and manages websites and applications for a variety of corporate businesses. While many startups prefer to focus on building and partnering with individual-run businesses, Xelaware distinguishes itself by a broader engagement strategy. Leveraging the expertise of its co-founder, who is a penetration tester and his team of cyber security researchers, Xelaware has embedded robust cybersecurity services into its core business offerings for both government and private organizations.

Cybersecurity Differentiation:

• Government Institutions: Xelaware provides advanced technology designed for crime investigation and neutralisation, and also EDR solutions for robust security.
• Private Organisations: They offer essential support to companies by helping them identify vulnerabilities in their IT infrastructure

The commitment to delivering specialised cybersecurity makes Xelaware a comprehensive technology partner in the region.

Earlier in this article, we highlighted Calendula. Here are some of their prominent services.

• Achievita for school result processing, with a monthly or per-term service bill
• XelaCBT for computer-based exams, with a yearly subscription
• FlareAgent for social media automation, licensed yearly for influencers
• Integoguard. A sophisticated DRM for video files targeting people who sell courses online
• Pathfinder toolkit for mobile device geo-location.
• Onguard, an SOS alert app for families.
• Custom website and mobile application development and management
• Security assessment and penetration testing.

Building trust through reliability and long-term partnerships

One of the strongest pillars of Xelaware’s business model is its emphasis on long-term partnerships rather than one-off engagements.

Many startups often struggle with retention in their early years, but Xelaware has taken a different path, and that is prioritising consistent support, ongoing infrastructure management, and tailored solutions for every client

This approach has helped them build a reputation for reliability, especially among institutions that require stable, secure, and well-managed technology systems. This has become a key differentiator in a competitive industry where trust and responsiveness are everything.

Driving impact in a rapidly evolving digital landscape

As digital transformation accelerates across Nigeria and Africa at large, businesses and institutions increasingly rely on strong IT frameworks to stay resilient. Xelaware positions itself at the centre of this shift. Their solutions span across:

• Network infrastructure setup and optimisation
• Cloud migration and systems integration
• Dedicated IT support for day-to-day operations
• Security audits, penetration testing, and cybersecurity training

In a decade where cyber threats continue to rise and organizations face new digital challenges every day, the startup’s dual strength in both IT operations and cybersecurity places them in a unique strategic advantage.

‘Think of them as the tech equivalent of a team that can both build the house and guard the doors.’

The vision ahead: scaling beyond borders

Even with solid traction in Anambra and surrounding states, Xelaware isn’t slowing down as it has a strong goal of providing structured support systems to organisations that still struggle with outdated tools and vulnerable technologies.

With the vision of:

• Developing more proprietary enterprise tools, built especially for authentication
• Training capable IT and cybersecurity professionals through community-focused initiatives and learning programs

Given the constant rise in institutional cyberattacks and digital inefficiencies across the continent, their ambitions don’t just sound promising… they sound necessary.

Xelaware’s story is a reminder that tech innovation isn’t always about launching the next viral app. Sometimes, it’s about important issues that keep businesses running like; security, stability, and digital hygiene. In a tech ecosystem that often glorifies B2C ideas and flashy products, Xelaware proves that B2B infrastructure-focused startups can thrive when they combine expertise, adaptability, and genuine commitment to client success.

Their journey from a small mobile development outfit to a trusted IT and cybersecurity partner shows what’s possible when a team chooses impact over hype. And as the digital world continues to evolve, it’s clear that Xelaware is building not just for today’s needs, but for the future resilience of institutions across Africa.