Adaeze Iloeje-Udeogalanya

I'm thrilled to highlight the incredible contributions of my good friend,Kola A. to the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Kola, through his fund Ventures Platform Fund has been a pivotal figure in the evolution of the VC landscape in Nigeria, being at the forefront since the early days. Like me, Kola relocated from America to Africa around 14 years ago. Witnessing his journey and the impact he's made since then has been nothing short of inspiring. In 2010, (which was the same year that I founded Venture Garden Group) both of us took a leap of faith into what was then a nascent ecosystem, and the strides we've made since are a testament to what's possible with dedication and resilience. He started first by building companies from scratch, with his Emerging Platform company, like we did. I still believe that Africa entreprneurs need VCs with that type of experience. Before he moved on to setup the fund, Ventures Platform Fund . The way, we also moved on to setup Greenhouse Capital following the brutal journey of building Venture Garden Group - our Venture Studio/ Venture Holding company. From building companies from scratch and scaling operations in some of the world’s most challenging markets, to raising capital in fluctuating economic climates and supporting other founders…and then on to creating an institutional Fund, Kola’s journey deserves to be shared. This story must be told. So that other entrepreneurs, investors, corporates from all over the world, that want to do business in Africa- can learn from our successes, failures, and everything in between. Maybe it even evolves into various forms of documenting this experience: like a podcast, a book, or even a movie. Who knows? Congratulations, Kola! I’m so proud to see all that you have achieved and the paths you are paving for future entrepreneurs, emerging venture capitalists, and business leaders!

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First time in Nigeria! This country’s energy is truly unmatched!! It was a pleasure to attend the African Industrial and Development Conference (AIDCA), a platform that brings together leaders and visionaries to discuss pivotal economic and development issues. Receiving the special recognition award was incredibly humbling and rewarding. The event was particularly special as it gathered experts from various regions, including esteemed colleagues from the Middle East. I had the honor of participating in a panel focused on women's leadership. Here are some key takeaways: - An economy cannot operate at its full potential if half of its population cannot fully contribute to it. Women's full participation in the labor force can add trillions to global GDP. It's time to unlock this potential! - Empowerment and leadership start at home: If you, as a parent, genially believe your son and daughter have the same potential and ability to lead the family business and you nurture them as such, discussing their dreams and ambitions with the same seriousness, you will raise a leader. - Women belong in ALL fields: Economics, finance, politics are fields that are usually dominated by men. But this is where we need women’s voice & expertise most. - Choosing a conventional job can feel convenient and safe, while starting a business often feels scary and risky especially for women. BUT the rewards of creating something of your own are worth it. - Don’t be afraid to fail – you’re only failing if you are not trying. Special thanks to Jean-Marc El Sebaaly, OLALEYE ABIOLA and MENA Speakers for their outstanding organization, and to all who worked behind the scenes to make this conference memorable. Hussein Wehbe, Hussein Ayoub, Stefano Fallaha, Dr. Miray Zaki, Thamer Baazeem, PhD, MSc, Maher Al Kaabi, Mohamed AlTajer, FCIM AISHA SALISU

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Unlock your potential with the Black Entrepreneurship Program! 🚀 Whether you're just starting or ready to scale, we're here to support your journey with mentorship, resources, and a powerful network. Plus get a chance to win $5000 through our pitch competition! Don't miss out on this opportunity to grow your business—sign up today and take the first step towards success! Don't wait sign up today! https://lnkd.in/gfWUxeWC 💼✨ #BlackEntrepreneurs #BusinessGrowth #FBCentrepreneurship #BlackEmpowerment #nonprofit #startup #Business Grants

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🌟 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐊𝐞𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐞 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐫: 𝐓𝐢𝐟𝐟𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐍𝐨𝐫𝐰𝐨𝐨𝐝 🌟 We are thrilled to welcome Tiffany Norwood as a keynote speaker at the Breaking Barriers event! Tiffany is a global innovator, serial entrepreneur, and one of the first successful Black female tech entrepreneurs, with a career spanning 35 years and 9 startups that have impacted billions worldwide. 👩‍💼 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐓𝐢𝐟𝐟𝐚𝐧𝐲? Tiffany’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience, vision, and determination. By the age of 27, she had raised over $670 million for a groundbreaking satellite radio startup. Today, she’s the CEO of Tribetan -the science of turning imagination into reality and a co-founder of SimWin Sports, continuing to disrupt industries with her revolutionary ideas. Tiffany’s story is not only inspiring—it’s a blueprint for how you can break through barriers and turn big ideas into reality. If you’re ready to take your entrepreneurial journey to the next level, you won’t want to miss her insights. 🗓️ 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝐎𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟐-𝟐𝟑, 𝟏𝟐𝐩𝐦 - 𝟑𝐩𝐦 𝐄𝐒𝐓 Special Offer: Use the code 𝐁𝐁𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐞𝐝𝐈𝐧𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒 for a free ticket! Otherwise, tickets start at $39. 𝐁𝐎𝐍𝐔𝐒: First 50 signups get access 5 must-have fundraising resources: ✔️Investor Readiness Checklist ✔️50 Most Frequently Asked Investor Questions ✔️The Venture Capital Due Diligence Questionnaire ✔️The Psychological Playbook for VCs and Startups ✔️A Comprehensive Guide for Creating Financial Model Assumptions 🔗 Register Now https://lnkd.in/dUrdRkyq 𝘐𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘢 𝘧𝘦𝘮𝘢𝘭𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘪𝘴 𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘧𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘣𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘧𝘪𝘵 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘸𝘦 𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘭𝘺 𝘢𝘴𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘦𝘮𝘢𝘪𝘭 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘢𝘭 𝘫𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘦𝘺. #FemaleFounders #Entrepreneurship #TiffanyNorwood #TechInnovator #Leadership #BreakingBarriers #StartupSuccess #Inspiration

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Up to $10,000 in Grants! Focus: Black-owned startups Eligibility: At least one founder must identify as Black (Priority is often given to black women) Business must be an early stage startup! Did you know your startup could benefit from Black Founder Startup Grant? Did you know there are lots of other grants your startup can benefit from? Would you like to take advantage of the opportunities they present to grow your startup? Reach out and we will provide you with information on grants available in your industry. But we won't just stop there... we will also assist you in accessing them. Ready to start exploring your options??

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🚨 Partner Opportunity: Build AI-Driven Businesses and Transform $100 Billion in Diaspora Remittances into Sustainable Development 🚨 We are building an army of AI-driven businesses owned by the African diaspora. Diaspora professionals sending money back home deserve more than just remittance transfers — they deserve pathways to earn higher incomes and create lasting impact. Through our diaspora social media alliances, business network, and innovative marketing systems, we’re equipping them with the tools to grow scalable businesses. Our vision extends beyond AI — we are a unique hybrid of an AI company and a construction company. By leveraging a strategic network of contractors, including appraisers, title companies, finance and mortgage experts, insurance firms, asset management teams, construction professionals, engineers, and architects, we are developing much-needed infrastructure in Sub-Saharan Africa and beyond. ✅ What Makes This Opportunity Unprecedented? AI Business Empowerment: Empowering diasporans to launch and scale AI-driven ventures for sustainable wealth creation. Innovative Social Media Alliances: A robust platform connecting diaspora professionals with tools and opportunities for business success. Strategic Infrastructure Development: Tackling critical infrastructure gaps by mobilizing a network of trusted contractors and service providers. Cultural and Regional Expertise: Tailored solutions to meet the unique needs of African communities for maximum relevance and long-term impact. Revenue-Sharing Model: Ensuring mutual growth and alignment of interests for all stakeholders. Who Should Join Us? This opportunity is perfect for: Impact Investors: Visionaries looking to merge profit with purpose while unlocking new markets. Diaspora Professionals: Those seeking to transition from remittance senders to revenue generators. Entrepreneurs and Innovators: Individuals eager to drive Africa’s growth through technology, business, and infrastructure. Strategic Partners: Professionals in technology, finance, or development passionate about transforming communities. 📈 Why Now? Massive Untapped Market: Leverage $100 billion in annual remittances to drive transformative impact. AI-Driven Solutions: Join a pioneering effort blending cutting-edge AI with social and economic development. Infrastructure Revolution: Be part of building the future in regions most in need of sustainable growth. Scalable Profitability: Align with a model that blends purpose and profit for long-term success. 🌍 Join Us in Transforming Impact This isn’t just about sending money — it’s about creating wealth, building businesses, and developing communities. Together, we’ll equip diasporans to generate higher incomes while solving critical infrastructure challenges. #HeroProject #AIforAfrica #DiasporaImpact #BuildWealth #InvestInAfrica #TechForGood #InfrastructureRevolution #GlobalGrowth

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When it comes to personal development, you effortlessly wear the following crowns: 📌 Versatility 📌 Expertise 📌 Creativity 📌 Dynamism 📌 Intentionality 📌 Positivity 📌 Excellence 📌 Resiliency 📌 Open-mindedness 📌 Exponential Growth Did I miss any? Please share in the comments section! Hope you’re having a great week! I am Abidemi Ifeoluwa OLARINDE #personaldevelopment #contentcreator #contentwriter #linkedininfluencer #PDH #Ifedunmolami 🖊️

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Faith, Entrepreneurship, and Life-Work Balance 💥 New Episode Alert: The GrowthPlug Podcast with Wilson Obeneme - E26 In this episode, David Goecke 🧡, the Product Leader at GrabTV, Inc., a $3.6M seed-funded media and entertainment startup, and founder of Go Technology Solutions, discusses the influence of his Christian faith on his life and entrepreneurial pursuits. He shares his desire for freedom of time and location, which led to the creation of BusinessBelievers, a community focused on helping people unlock their potential to achieve the life of their dreams. We also discuss the importance of productivity—how to increase efficiency and effectiveness, set boundaries after work, and use that extra time to pursue activities you love outside of work. This episode will be out on Sunday, September 15th, at 3 PM GMT. Subscribe to my YouTube channel to get notified as soon as the episode is live. The link is in the comments below 👇 PS: What beliefs do you have that have shaped your career or business pursuits? Follow Wilson Obeneme for more content on personal and professional growth.

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🤎 Reflecting on a milestone moment from Ethan Golding for this Thankful Thursday throwback! ⬇️ ⬇️ ⬇️ ❤️ Check out these powerful article from BellaNaija that resonated with me. Join me in celebrating this African Founders from Tope Awotona, Eche Emole, Chika Uwazie, Seyi Fakoya, MBA, Adewale Yusuf, Abimbola Oloko - Olumuyiwa, Raphael Akinsipe, Olusola Amusan, Kelvin Umechukwu, Onyeka Akumah, Olaoluwa Adesanya, Dami Kujembola, Temi Williams, Ola Brown, MFR collectively form a force driving technological advancements. https://lnkd.in/gmR4vVuV ⬇️ ⬇️ ⬇️ Sometimes I'm uncomfortable sharing on LinkedIn. But it’s essential for growing a brand + signing clients. If you want to share more in your content, but you feel some resistance to it… here’s my best advice: 1. No one cares about you BREAKING NEWS: You’re not that important. If someone gives your profile more than 20 minutes of attention a month, you should call the police. 99% of people just don’t care about you that much. A good post grabs someone for 60 seconds, then they move on. You’re not that important. Breathe :). Now post it! 2. No one sees the rubbish I have an old Instagram page with 200+ posts on it. My first pieces of content. It’s awful lol. But none of you have ever seen it, and it helped me get here today. No one is going to see or remember the ‘crap’ stuff. Get it out of the way so you can start sharing gems 💎 3. You’re more interesting than you think I’m always surprised by what people take interest in. The posts I think will do well? Usually flop. The random story I thought of in the shower? Blows up 🤣 . You might think you aren’t worth listening to. But it’s not up to you. We, the audience, will decide that. 4. Stop making it about you If you genuinely believe you can help others with your knowledge - you owe it to them to share it. Shying away because you’re uncomfortable is selfish. There are people out there who need to hear your stories and insights. Do it for them. 5. The feeling never goes I still second-guess myself before I post. I still have days where I spend too long reading my comment section. Because I am a human being, and I care what people think of me :) . That’s normal. The aim is not to be a machine that never doubts itself. It’s to feel doubt and be comfortable with it. To act in spite of it. The uncomfortable feeling never goes - you just get used to it. And if none of that works, I’ll give you the same advice I gave to my mate who’s afraid of speaking to girls… Stop being a little b*tch and just do it 😊❤️#tbt #productchaste

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It's finally here! I had a great conversation with Christopher Atiyah from Engtal on the HerSuccess podcast about Innovating Beyond Boundaries. Enjoy and share your thoughts...most of all, see yourself as the next great innovator! #hersuccess #innovativemindset #womeninnovators #innovationecosystem #inclusiveinnovation #innovationliveshere

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Business Bestie Talk for Black Women Part II. Success is no accident—it's the result of intentional planning and consistent accountability. 💼👯‍♀️ Regular check-ins with your business bestie for progress monitoring and brainstorming are more than just support; they're a game-changing strategy. Looking to make sessions with your Bestie effective and impactful? Dive into this week's Sistahbiz blog for expert tips! ✨📈 https://lnkd.in/g4QSJnJi #BlackWomenInBusiness #SistahBiz #BusinessBestie #AccountabilityPartners #StrategicGrowth #BusinessPlanning #BlackOwnedBusiness #EntrepreneurLife #LevelUpTogether #BossUp

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Does Age Matter? Coventional startup funding has changed alot since I joined my first startup team in 2012. The evolution of startup funding has ushered in an age in which age matters more than ever before. The timeline to funding is critic to startups. The difference of months can determine failure verses living to fight another day. Over the last 5 years the age of a startup in every funding round from Pre-Seed to Series D has increased across rounds from an average of 6 months to almost 2 years. Data shows the largest increases are in Series C and Series D rounds. Carta data shows US startups are raising later than before, with Series D companies averaging 8.3 years old in 2024. Thats up from 6.4 years in 2019. This suggest a trend towards startups being more mature companies to secure VC investment across all rounds.

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"From CEO to Mentor: Uka Eje’s Lessons on Crowdfunding and Agricultural Innovation" *Sneak peek into our speaker's history.* Uka Eje is a Nigerian entrepreneur and social impact leader who has revolutionized the agricultural space in Africa through technology. His journey is a masterclass in perseverance and strategic innovation. As co-founder of Thrive Agric, he empowered smallholder farmers by providing access to input finance, data-driven advisory, and premium markets. Before launching Thrive Agric, Eje was the Team Lead at Royal Impact Corp, a company dedicated to solving pressing food and agricultural challenges. His transition from a team lead to a CEO was not without hurdles. At the core of Thrive Agric’s early success was the bold use of crowdfunding, which saw the company raise over $10 million and support over 100,000 farmers across Nigeria and Ghana. However, much like the unpredictable storms that farmers face, crowdfunding came with its own challenges. During an insightful mentorship session at The Soilless Farm Lab, Uka Eje shared why he chose to relinquish his position as CEO of Thrive Agric, and the key lessons that all agripreneurs can take away from his journey. What did Mr. Uka Eje discover about the fine line between growth and sustainability? Stay tuned as I dive deeper into the nuggets of wisdom from this conversation. #CreativeFarmer #MentorshipSession #UkaEje #Agriculture #BecomingACEO

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So what’s going on in the African startup, tech & investment ecosystem? Here are a few announcements, opportunities & resources worth checking out. Week 23 (2024) Post #95 SPOTLIGHT 🧐 The Google for Startups Black Founders Fund was established in 2021 to support black entrepreneurs & address the longstanding disparities they face in accessing capital & resources. To date, the fund has supported 220 startups, around 150 of which have been African based & market serving. To reflect on the last 3 years of work they have released in collab with Notion Capital its "Black Representation in Tech: Europe & Africa" report that looks at the funds impact, learnings & recommendations for the ecosystem. NEWS & RESOURCES 🌱 Orange Corners announce 1st winners of Innovation Fund Subsidy. 🏦 Paystack-led consortium acquires Brass, replaces CEO. 🌍 African Development Bank Group - 2024 Economic Outlook shows growth. 🇿🇦 Microsoft Invests $70 Million in South African Tech & AI Transformation. 🤝 Orange Ventures & Digital Africa Join Forces to Invest in African Startups. 🇳🇬 New Lagos bill to domesticate Nigeria Startup Act beyond startups? 🎤 What’s trending on Spotify Africa? Jocelyne Muhutu-Remy talks streaming. 🇮🇳 India's top telco, Jio ventures outside home to take on Africa. PROGRAMMES & OPPORTUNITIES 💁‍♀️ Rising Tide Africa Program seeking women-led & gender-diverse startups. 📣 Intel x AfriLabs Community Reach Project open for startup idea apps. 🤑 LoftyInc Capital, leading African VC looking for investment Analyst Intern. 💻 The Global Good Fund Fellowship 2025 For Innovators & Entrepreneurs. 📝 Plug and Play Tech Center Good Food Makers Program 2024. 💰 African Emerging Fund Managers apply to Obuntu Foundation Launchpad. EVENTS 🤯 May & June Africa’s Tech Ecosystem comes to Europe with 30+ events happening (too many to list this week) - check out my digest of all the events. 📅 Jun 3-5th: Korea-Africa Investment Summit in Seoul. 📅 Jun 6-7th: Africa Tech Summit in London. 📅 Jun 12th: London Africa Network x Africa Tech Festival - LTW Collab. 👉 To find out more about Africa Tech & Investment focused events then check out my annual African Tech Events Watchlist - 2024 Edition. 🔥 Person to Follow #59 - Marvin H. Coleby 🔥 is building the infrastructure, tools & knowledge to help Africa’s Tech ecosystem simply & manage equity for its founders & their investors. Co-Founder & CEO of Raise a platform that simplifies the fundraising process, he was previously a lawyer and researched in Technology, Trade, Finance & Security. 🎙️ A must listen to discussion hosted last week with Caleb Maru (Tech Safari), Marvin H. Coleby 🔥 (Raise .Africa) & Henry Ward (Carta) talking “Exits: Defining Liquidity in Africa’s Innovation Ecosystem. Great insights on the global equity management market & preparing African capital markets for long-term liquidity & generational wealth. Links in 1st comment - reference emojis👇 #Startups #Tech #Investment #Africa

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Tactics to remain inequitable change must be challenged and dismantled immediately!

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Read it for free or order from Amazon. https://lnkd.in/dtqU9bWk Investing in Africa: A Guide to Profitable Investment Opportunities in Africa Explore the dynamic landscape of investment opportunities across Africa with this essential guide for entrepreneurs and investors. Authored by a seasoned entrepreneur with deep roots in the continent's tech and business sectors, this book provides an insightful, comprehensive exploration of the unique economic environments of various African regions. From understanding the legal frameworks and economic policies to identifying high-growth sectors such as technology, agriculture, and services, this book offers practical advice and strategic insights to navigate and capitalize on the burgeoning markets within Africa. Whether you're looking to expand your existing business or seeking new investment ventures, this guide equips you with the knowledge and tools necessary to make informed decisions that align with both profit and progress. by Bishop John Egyawan

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Join us Tonight at 8 PM, as we go live to discuss a crucial topic: Teenage Pregnancy: An Epidemic? With our special guest Okolo Ikechukwu Milecent Foundation , we will be diving to unpack the realities, challenges, and possible solutions surrounding this issue. Don't miss this insightful session, bring your questions and join the conversation! https://lnkd.in/d4PFkss5

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