In just a few years, Unideals has become a game-changer for both students and brands across the MENA region. As Co-founder and Growth Lead, Stanley Osuozah is steering the company towards its mission of providing exclusive discounts for students while helping brands tap directly into this coveted demographic. In this exclusive interview, we speak with Stanley about Unideals’ remarkable journey, the growth strategies that have fueled its success, and his vision for the future of student-focused digital platforms.
Stanley, Unideals has grown rapidly in MENA, and it seems like there’s a clear vision driving its success. What was the core idea behind Unideals, and how did it all start?
Stanley: Unideals was created with one goal in mind: to provide students with real value. For many students, affordability is a constant challenge, especially when it comes to accessing products and services they want or need. I remember being in that position myself, struggling to find deals that were student-friendly. At the same time, I saw an opportunity for brands to better connect with students—a highly influential but often hard-to-reach demographic.
What if we could offer students exclusive access to discounts and deals from leading brands, while giving those brands direct access to students who are eager to engage with them? That’s where Unideals began. We wanted to create a platform that benefits both sides—students get the deals they need, and brands reach an engaged, tech-savvy audience.
By blending my experience in tech, agile project management, and leadership, we were able to create a platform that solves a real problem, builds lasting connections, and is scalable across the region.
Unideals isn’t just another discount platform. How does it uniquely position itself in the MENA market, and what value does it bring to both students and brands?
Stanley: Unideals stands out because it’s not just about providing discounts; it’s about creating meaningful, lasting relationships between students and brands. We help brands reach students where they are—on their phones and online—and offer them access to products and services they care about. Whether it’s fashion, tech, entertainment, or food, we ensure that students get exclusive deals that add real value to their everyday lives.
What sets us apart is the level of customization and insight we offer brands. Through our platform, businesses can create targeted campaigns that speak directly to students’ needs and preferences, while also gathering real-time data on consumer behavior and purchasing patterns. This means that brands are not only reaching students but also gaining insights that can help them refine their strategies.
In addition, we’ve made sure Unideals is culturally relevant for the MENA region, adapting the platform to reflect local needs. From language options to region-specific promotions, we ensure that every part of the user experience speaks to the diversity of the student population in MENA.
The student demographic in MENA is vast and varied, and digital engagement has skyrocketed in recent years. How has Unideals harnessed these trends to build its presence in the region?
Stanley: You’re absolutely right—the student demographic in MENA is incredibly diverse, and digital engagement has become central to their lives. The region is home to a young, tech-savvy population that is highly engaged with digital platforms, and this is where Unideals has found its niche. We’ve positioned ourselves as the go-to platform for students seeking discounts and deals, and we’ve leveraged the increasing reliance on mobile phones and online shopping in the region.
Our success has been fueled by our strong focus on community-building and partnerships. We’ve developed strategic partnerships with universities, student organizations, and other educational institutions across the region. These partnerships allow us to directly connect with students and build a community of users who feel like they’re part of something special. We’ve also taken a data-driven approach to continuously optimize the user experience, ensuring that students always have access to the most relevant deals and discounts.
Digital trends like social media and influencer marketing have also played a major role. We’ve been able to use these channels to promote our platform, engage with students, and amplify our brand messaging. The power of these digital tools has helped Unideals gain traction faster than we anticipated.
With Unideals growing across MENA, what are some of the key strategies that have contributed to your success, and how do you plan to scale the platform further in the coming years?
Stanley: The first key strategy has been ensuring that Unideals provides real value from the start. By offering an easy-to-use platform with deals that students genuinely care about, we’ve created a strong foundation of loyal users. The growth of our user base was also accelerated through a strategic waitlist and early access campaign, which built anticipation and excitement around the platform before our official launch.
Another crucial factor has been our focus on partnerships. We’ve worked closely with universities, student clubs, and other organizations to directly reach students where they are. This has helped us build a strong brand presence in the region, and these partnerships continue to drive our growth.
As for scaling, we’re focused on expanding our reach both within the MENA region and globally. We’ve already seen a lot of interest from other regions, and we’re in the process of expanding Unideals into new markets. Additionally, we plan to integrate even more personalized features into the platform, allowing students to access offers tailored to their preferences. By continuing to innovate and build on our current strategy, we’ll continue to grow and improve the value we provide to both students and brands.
Looking ahead, what excites you most about Unideals’ potential, and what do you envision for the future of the platform?
Stanley: What excites me most is the potential to continue reshaping the way students and brands interact in the digital space. We’re not just offering discounts; we’re fostering relationships that create real value for both sides. The platform is evolving rapidly, and the possibilities are endless. I’m particularly excited about expanding our offerings, integrating new technologies like AI to make the user experience even more personalized, and exploring new partnerships with both local and international brands.
The future of Unideals is all about deepening our connections with students, staying at the forefront of digital trends, and helping brands thrive in an increasingly competitive market. I believe we’re only scratching the surface of what’s possible, and I’m incredibly excited to see where the next few years take us.
