Beta Mode

In this Beta Mode podcast episode, we delve into the dynamic world of African venture capitalism with Lydia Edem, the Chief Operating Officer of LoftyInc Capital Management. Lydia narrates her extraordinary journey from a dot-com era developer to the African venture capital scene, driven by a vision to boost tech-enabled businesses across the continent. She elaborates on her role in identifying and investing in Afropreneurs, African founders and those in the diaspora, who are creating scalable solutions for Africa's unique challenges. Throughout the conversation, Lydia emphasizes the critical importance of persistence and a supportive network in navigating Africa's entrepreneurial landscape. We also explore LoftyInc's mission to foster economic growth by investing in startups that have the potential to create significant socio-economic impact. Lydia concludes by reflecting on the future of venture capital in Africa, envisioning a robust ecosystem where African-founded companies thrive and compete globally.

In this Beta Mode podcast episode, we delve into the ethical transformation of African mining practices with Ayo Sopitan, founder and CEO of Metalex Commodities. Ayo narrates his transition from a data analyst in corporate America to leading a venture aimed at reforming the mining industry in Africa through ethical sourcing and data-driven methods. He emphasizes the importance of connecting small-scale miners to the global market, ensuring fair compensation, and adopting sustainable mining practices. The discussion also explores the critical role of technology in optimizing operations and the significant impact of the African diaspora in supporting the continent's development. Ayo envisions Metalex Commodities as a global leader in the metals market, focusing on transparency, equity, and the empowerment of African communities, showcasing the potential of ethical entrepreneurship to drive societal change in one of Africa's key sectors.

In this Beta Mode podcast episode, we explore the transformative power of African literature with Simi Aluko, founder of Illino Media. Simi recounts her journey from a passionate storyteller to a champion of African fiction, emphasizing literature's role in societal change. She discusses balancing creative writing with her technical role as a civil engineering PhD student, highlighting the importance of innovation resonating with its audience. The episode delves into Illino Media's commitment to preserving the authentic voices of African writers while expanding their reach. Simi concludes by reflecting on her work's socio-economic impact in Africa, underscoring the need to empower writers both artistically and financially.

In this episode of the Beta Mode podcast, Tomiwa Igun, co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of SunFi, details his journey from confronting power issues in Nigeria as a teenager to co-founding a sustainable energy and fintech startup. He introduces SunFi, a fintech platform he co-founded, specifically designed to accelerate the adoption of solar energy solutions across Africa. SunFi's mission is to offer techno-economic solutions, utilizing solar panels to provide African communities with clean, affordable, and sustainable energy technologies. Tomiwa highlights the necessity of embracing calculated risks and building solid relationships as fundamental to success in any business venture. Tune in for an episode rich in insights and inspiration.

In this episode of Beta Mode, we feature Ogechi Agu, a nurse practitioner and the founder of Amaka, a brand specializing in Afrocentric handbags. Ogechi's journey from nursing to fashion entrepreneurship highlights her multifaceted talents and her passion for African-inspired fashion. Amaka, reflecting Ogechi's Nigerian heritage, uses eco-friendly materials to create affordable luxury handbags. She discusses her aspirations to expand Amaka beyond handbags, including men's accessories and luggage, and her strategies for brand growth. Ogechi's narrative exemplifies how pursuing a passion outside of one's professional field can lead to exciting and successful entrepreneurial ventures.

In this episode, Cheukai Makari, CEO of Aminat Ventures, recounts her journey from Sierra Leone to UC Berkeley, and how it shaped her mission to empower African women entrepreneurs. Her experiences in Sierra Leone and academic pursuits in International Business and Global Development at Berkeley fueled her passion for sustainable development. Aminat Ventures, her brainchild, focuses on providing resources, mentorship, and tools to African women, fostering community-driven and environmentally sustainable business practices. Cheukai's vision is to expand Aminat Ventures across Africa, demonstrating the profound impact of women-led, community-focused initiatives on societal well-being.

Intro to season 2

“The way through this is via collaboration and staying lean” – Yewande   I had the very great pleasure of interviewing Yewande, the founder of Startup Plug on this episode. She is a startup advisor and runs a company that helps founders find the tools to efficiently build companies and simultaneously learn how to run a business. We discuss why this recession different and why people feel so helpless. I get the opportunity to hear her speak about how her company is identifying new growth opportunities despite the pandemic. We learn about the Nigerian investment market, how the industry has been impacted by COVID from the devaluation of the naira to further fragmentation of the market. And how the pandemic will forever change the remote work culture in city hubs in Nigeria. We also discuss useful ways founders and companies can keep pushing through all of this. A key part of it is to partner up and collaborate with other companies. And finally she tells us Some of her key tips for staying sane through all of this: limit news intakeuse time blocking – and prioritize prioritize proritize!going out on regular walksmusicreading books via audible Enjoy!

In this episode, I have the pleasure of interviewing Nichole Yembra, founding and managing director of The Chrysalis Company which runs a 15M fund focused on Tech companies in Africa. We discuss everything from the continent’s most successful mobile money M-Pesa, to why North Africa is the next terrain to conquer. And why a product may succeed in one part of Africa but have an abysmal outcome in a different country. We also discuss why technology is a great tool and how her portfolio companies are democratizing wealth for millennial Africans. And why companies struggling through the pandemic shouldn’t just strive for survival but instead use the opportunity to re-build a thriving company. Enjoy!

In this episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Glory Edozien, the founder of InspiredbyGlory, A coaching platform that offers career women tools and resources to excel. My second guest was Damola co-founder of Unotech a design agency and MyMusic a platform that provides an affordable way for the average Nigerian to download music. Both guests tell me about what the economy feels like in Lagos, and how people are coping amidst a pandemic. They also tell us about things they have done to keep their businesses alive and what they hope to accomplish in the future. Enjoy Friends!

I caught up with Bola ScholarX’s Founder and CEO and we discussed everything! From the edutech scene in Nigeria and its symbiotic relationship with the edutech industry. We answer questions about what the government’s role should be on the local vs federal level.  We hear first hand about ScholarX’s new product, Skillshare and how they plan to build Nigeria’s talent pipeline.  Also, we ask him to recommend guests for our lineup, let’s just say you may not have heard of these yet but they are doing some amazing things. Oh Yh, you might wanna get yourself some tea, ’cause things get interesting!