Why Now?
After 15 months as a ‘LinkedIn newsletter’, Atoms & Bits is now moving to Substack. And there's only one reason why:
While I created this Substack account four months ago, I only published the first post today, December 5th. In the interim, I explored various open publishing platforms, including Beehiiv, and released the Atoms & Bits Android and iOS app to a select private community. I also collaborated with a graphics designer to finalize our logo and color scheme. Finally, Hilton Law Group submitted our trademark application to BRELA.
I've decided to prioritize my focus on writing high-quality, citizen-driven news and impact studies. To achieve this, I'm temporarily halting mobile app development and shifting my strategy away from social media-first content distribution. This approach, I believe, will allow me to commit more time and attention to crafting high-quality essays that inform consumer and investment decisions in Africa.
I'm so back and even more dedicated to building the content platform for African science and technology. From time to time, you can expect one or two extra content categories to be shared.
However, some things don't change.
Every week, I'll deliver two fresh articles to your inbox: one Silicon Bongo roundup and one case study. You can also expect more content categories to be shared from time to time.
Origin Story
I studied advanced math, physics, and chemistry at one of Tanzania's most prestigious schools, Kaizirege.
At the time, I had a history of loving computers. And I had just finished my term as deputy academic minister and head of the computer lab at a 1000-student public school in Mbeya.
During my time at Kaizirege, I fell in love with atoms. Cells, engines, and chemicals. So, it felt only natural to merge the two worlds I was deeply passionate about software and hardware.
When the time came to share my insights on LinkedIn, the name for my newsletter, Atoms + Bits, effortlessly emerged without hesitation. (The transition from “+” to “&” occurred more recently during app development, alongside my friend Dann.) The Atoms & Bits newsletter has over 2600 subscribers, who include investors, entrepreneurs, and tech enthusiasts. On LinkedIn and Twitter, nearly 250,000 people either saw or read the first 50 editions.
However, it only began in July 2022 as a LinkedIn newsletter. I wrote 53 editions in 12 months and had the good fortune to build a community of over 1,700 people around the concept of atoms and bits. Our readership by July 2023 exceeded 40,000 people, making us the go-to source for startup news and product launches in Tanzania.
My goal as a writer has always been and will always be to provide news, analysis, and insights that influence consumer and investment decisions.
So, karibu sana! I'll leave you with what other ‘people’ have said about Atoms and Bits.