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CHASING BLACK UNICORNS

How building the Amazon of Africa
put me on Interpol's Most Wanted list

Silicon Valley meets Indiana Jones – Chasing Black Unicorns is an autobiography written by Marek Zmysłowski, one of Poland’s most respected internet entrepreneurs. Witty and humorous, the book covers many dramatic and often dangerous events. Before moving to Nigeria to set up the ‘Amazon of Africa’, Zmysłowski worked for one of Poland’s biggest financial services companies, and is the founder of many online ventures in Central Europe. While establishing the first, online network of funeral services in Poland, he had to overcome challenges from criminal gangs running the market sector. His businesses in Nigeria have also made him enemies, powerful individuals who have corrupted police and government officials to stand against him. Overnight, Marek became an international fugitive and was put on the most wanted list by Interpol, an organization with a history of being manipulated by corrupt regimes. Zmysłowski describes this and many other events, putting them in the context of African history and cultures, a continent he is now deeply in love with. All of the author's book profits support impactful charity initiatives in underdeveloped regions of the world. buy now

WHAT THEY SAY

"Chasing Black Unicorns is an engaging story of an entrepreneur who scales big businesses in Africa. Marek's experiences not only show the behind-the-scenes business building for many of us on the exotic continent, but also investor relations and the fight against big competition. The story is a ready-made scenario for a Hollywood thriller."

Lech Kaniuk

Founder Pizzaportal, iTaxi

"Probably the most honest and accurate peek into the tech startup scene in the world's most difficult market."

Rich Tanksley

Former CEO, Pulse Nigeria

"If you think reality is more boring than fiction, you should get this book. It proves how unpredictable life is. And above all, the story is written so damn well."

Playboy Magazine

"Marek's story is the utmost example of the ruthless journey that tech founders in emerging markets undertake to achieve their objectives. Such indefatigable stance on building companies in the world’s most volatile countries reflects the ever-growing ambitions of young Poles and the country's first post-Communist generation of global entrepreneurs."

Paul Malicki

CEO Flapper | Forbes 30 Under 30

"Extraordinary journey into African business. A must-read for everyone considering professional or social activity in Nigeria."

Jan Wielinski

Former Polish Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Polish secretary to Kenya, Charge d.Affaire to Nigeria.

"An excellent resource for any entrepreneur considering investment in Africa and a painfully real case study of how an INTERPOL Red Notice became a tool for personal revenge."

Luydmyla Kozlovska

President, Open Dialogue Foundation

"His book is a hell of a ride, I recommend you join him. A really excellent story."

Monty Munford

Forbes Contributor

Chasing Black Unicorns. How building the Amazon of Africa put me on Interpol's Most Wanted list

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All of the author's book profits support impactful charity initiatives in underdeveloped regions of the world.

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Listen to the Introduction Chapter About Marek

Marek Zmysłowski is a Polish-born entrepreneur and executive, focused on online businesses in Frontier and Emerging Markets.

He co-founded Jumia Travel – Africa’s Biggest Hotel Booking Portal listed on NYSE as part of Jumia Group and HotelOnline.co – a Travel Technology Company. In 2014, he was chosen as one of the Ten Most Important People in Tech by IT News Africa Magazine. He is a Lead Mentor at Google’s Launchpad and World Bank’s XL Africa Program read more