In addition to a shortage of quality startups to fund, another consequence of this early-stage funding decline is that the few good ones will be heavily contested, and consequently overpriced—investors will pay a premium to get on their cap table.
You can’t scale chaos. April ends today, but it started on a strong note. On April 2nd, I spoke at the FirstFounders x Providus Bank Ecosystem Mixer on: “Digitising Nigerian SMEs: Building Systems and Processes for Scaling.”
I shared the stage with my mentor from EDC, Uche Egbuna @uche_egbuna , alongside “mother-in-law” 😄 Ngozi Nwabueze @ngozinbz of Pocket Lawyers, Nkanu Jackson from Providus, and moderated by Sam Kemeshi. @theblahksam
Real conversations on building systems early, stopping the urge to scale hustle, and understanding that growth needs structure.
I also shared some real-life challenges I’ve faced while building @fastryders_ fastrydersapp a business I am still actively building. The realities of operations, scaling, and trying to build structure in a fast-moving environment made the conversation even more personal for me.
Grateful to @firstfounders.cc@providusbankig , and to Lanre Messan. @dlmtheicon
And my people thank you for showing up.
@emmanuel_sobamowo@adepejusalami_@lope_mel@thatrehanat
AI in Africa is reshaping business—not replacing it. Automate tasks, solve local problems, and start small. Focus on curiosity, adaptability, and purpose. Dish what is not important for your growth. From farming to fintech to the creative industry, entrepreneurs who know how to wto leverage AI-driven tools can leapfrog and unlock growth, funding, and new opportunities.
AEM - SME Edition, powered by ProvidusBank
Digitizing Nigerian SMEs: Building System & Processes for Scaling
Meet the Judge: Marketing Voucher Pitch Session
Don’t miss this! Click here to register—https://firstfounders.cc/collective/aem/apply
AEM - SME Edition, powered by ProvidusBank
Digitizing Nigerian SMEs: Building System & Processes for Scaling
Meet the Judge: Marketing Voucher Pitch Session
Don’t miss this! Click here to register—https://firstfounders.cc/collective/aem/apply
AEM - SME Edition, powered by ProvidusBank
Digitizing Nigerian SMEs: Building System & Processes for Scaling
Meet the Judge: Marketing Voucher Pitch Session
Don’t miss this! Click here to register—https://firstfounders.cc/collective/aem/apply
AEM - SME Edition, powered by @providusbankig
Panel Session:
Digitizing Nigerian SMEs: Building System & Processes for Scaling
Don’t miss this! Link in bio to register.
