Shows
The Long Form PodcastFrom Ugandan Village Life to $10M Tech CEO: Why Davis Nteziryayo is Building His Empire in RwandaFrom a small village to running a multi-million-dollar tech company—this is the story of Davis Nteziryayo.In this episode of The Long Form Podcast, I sit down with the Founder and CEO of Huza, a Rwandan HR fintech now valued at over $10 million, with operations across East and West Africa. We explore his journey as a software engineer turned CEO, the role of Kigali’s tech hubs like Norrsken, and whether Rwanda is on the brink of producing its first billion-dollar startup.We also dive into the future of jobs, AI, blockchain disruption, and what...2025-06-021h 40
The Star Network PodcastEpisode 22 - Understanding VC Trends with Lexi of Norrsken22Understanding VC Trends featuring Lexi Novitske, General Partner at Norrsken 22 (@norrsken_22) & Host of The Star Network Podcast: Zephia Ovia-Ikem (Zeph)In this episode, Lexi shares on VC trends and the trickle down effect into the African continent. Given her expertise and passion for investing in African tech businesses that are solving real problems and are scalable, she breaks down what makes a startup attractive for funding, what the fundamentals are to starting a VC and challenging cultural biases when making investment decisions into African economies. In this episode we discuss :VC TrendsThe trickle down ef...2025-05-0730 min
Beyond the PivotHow Norrsken East Africa is Fueling Impact Startups | Beyond the Pivot Podcast Ep. 11🚀 In this episode of Beyond the Pivot, we explore how Rwanda is becoming a powerhouse for African startups with the support of Norrsken East Africa. Our guest, Elie Habimana, Managing Director of Norrsken East Africa, shares insights into how Rwanda’s startup ecosystem is evolving, how entrepreneurs can access funding, and why regional integration is key for business growth in Africa.💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✅ How Rwanda built a business-friendly startup ecosystem✅ The role of Norrsken East Africa in accelerating African entrepreneurs✅ Why fintech, climate tech, and health tech are leading...2025-03-041h 02
The NatureBacked PodcastFrom Spotify to Impact Investing: Anna Lundin of Norrsken VCIn this episode Fiona Alston interviews Anna Lundin, an investor at Norrsken VC, Europe's largest early-stage impact investor. They discuss Norrsken's mission, Anna's transition from Spotify to impact investing, the importance of funding in Africa, and the future of impact investing, emphasizing the need for profitability alongside social and environmental impact.Takeaways
Norrsken operates as a hub for impact entrepreneurs.
Impact investing is resilient even in tough VC market conditions.
Anna's transition to impact investing was driven by her desire to create a better future for her daughter.
The VC ecosystem is about...2024-12-3114 min
The Trajectory AfricaBuilding the "Boring" Stuff: Infrastructure for Money Movement & TradeIn Episode 1 of this series, Abraham Augustine, Research Partner of trendsAf and Comms and Programs Lead at Norrsken warned against “long arm, no mouth” syndrome and the risks of digitalizing one part of a system (distributed solar energy, for example) without considering where the barriers and effects might materialize (think missing payment rails). Infrastructure is great, but it can’t be half-baked, and those pipes need something to carry. That something is trade.Previous guests Samora Kariuki and Wiza Jalakasi both emphasized the power of interoperability—cross-continental (and international) money movement to catalyze the development of Africa’s digitall...2024-08-231h 14
StartUps And F*Ups14.Taking the next step; when to scale with the Viebeg co-founder Tobias ReiterSend us a textIn this episode, Tobias Reiter, co-founder of Viebeg, discusses the growth of Africa's startup ecosystem. He shares his experience with raising $3.5 million in a pre-seed round in 2021 and the challenges he faced in raising the funding. Reiter has done two funding rounds, one in 2021 and one in 2024. The market conditions have been challenging, with funding declining in 2023 and 2024 compared to 2022. Despite this, Reiter believes that it is not impossible to raise money in Africa. He has already closed $3.1 million, but it took longer than initially expected. Tobias also shares a story about his...2024-08-2133 min
StartUps And F*UpsAfrica Startups Weekly Digest 4Send us a textIn this fourth episode of the Africa Startups Weekly Digest, Lauraine Giramata brings us the latest news in Africa's startup Ecosystem.2024-08-1607 min
StartUps And F*Ups13.Creating Structures: Adewale Yusuf, Founder & CEO of Techpoint, CEO of Altschool & TalentQL.Send us a textIn this episode: We speak with Adewale Yusuf, the founder & Ceo of TechPoint, AltSchool Africa and TalentQL . Adewale takes us through his inspiring journey from starting a photography business to becoming a major player in Africa's tech scene. He opens up about the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, battling imposter syndrome, and why sticking with it through tough times is so important.Additionally, we have our weekly Africa Startup News Digest with Giramata, where we take a quick look at the startup news making headlines on the African continent.2024-08-0752 minStartUps And F*UpsAfrica Startups Weekly Digest 3Send us a textIn this second episode of the Africa Startups Weekly Digest, Lauraine Giramata brings us the latest news in Africa's startup Ecosystem.2024-08-0210 min
StartUps And F*Ups12. Bridging the Gap; Jansen Durham Ceo and Co-founder of Fixa.Send us a textIn this episode, Jansen Durham, co-founder and CEO of Fixa, shares the inspiring journey of building a tech startup in the heart of Africa. From the challenges of navigating the informal economy to the complexities of co-founding a business, Durham provides a candid look at the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. The episode delves deep into the innovative solutions Fixa is developing to address the needs of Africa's growing workforce, highlighting the company's mission to empower the continent's blue-collar workers. Durham also discusses the critical role of technology in driving economic growth and...2024-07-2449 minStartUps And F*UpsAfrica Startups Weekly Digest 2Send us a textIn this second episode of the Africa Startups Weekly Digest, Lauraine Giramata brings us the latest news in Africa's startup Ecosystem.2024-07-1908 min
StartUps And F*Ups11.David Chen- Co-CEO of Kapsule. (Part 2)Send us a textIn Part 2 of our episode with the co-founder and co-ceo of Kapsule (David Chen), we speak on the funding landscape, the VC vs VS models and the future of one of the fastest growing startups in East Africa.2024-07-1026 min
Power Talks with Ssuna RonaldTransformative Tech: Highlights from Kigali's Africa WeekJoin host Ssuna Ronald as he explores the vibrant startup ecosystem at the Africa Week Conference in Kigali, Rwanda. This episode features insights from industry leaders and innovators making a difference in Africa.
Timestamps:00:00:00 - 00:03:20: Introduction to the Africa Week Conference.00:03:21 - 00:08:48: Harry Ocheng from Innovate Now on assistive technologies for disabilities.00:08:49 - 00:11:39: Innovate Now's seed funding and examples of supported startups.00:11:40 - 00:14:55: Keynote insights from President Paul Kagame on investment in Africa.00:14:56 - 00:18:30: The role of Norrsken House in Kigali's startup scene.00:18:31 - 00:22:50: Luzana Costa on Norrsken's strategic initiatives across Africa.00:22:51 - 00:24:32: Emek...2024-07-0541 minStartUps And F*UpsAfrica Startups Weekly Digest 1Send us a textIn this first episode of the Africa Startups Weekly Digest, Lauraine Giramata brings us the latest news in Africa's startup Ecosystem.2024-07-0510 min
StartUps And F*Ups10. Getting Ahead with David Chen (Co-CEO and Co-Founder of Kapsule)Send us a textIn this episode : part 1 of 2 of our conversation with the Co-founder and Co-CEO of fast growing Health tech startup Kapsule. David talks to us about his major influences, lifestyle choices, moving to Rwanda and the every day hustle of building Kapsule.Kapsule is on a mission to drive forward the 3 A's: Affordability, Accessibility and Authenticity of healthcare around the world, starting in Africa. We also have a quick look at the Startup News making Headlines on the African continent with our now weekly Africa Startup News Digest with Gir...2024-06-2641 min
StartUps And F*Ups9. A cloudy funding season with Grégoire de Padirac CEO of Digital AfricaSend us a textIn this episode we speak to the CEO of Digital Africa Grégoire de Padirac on the funding winter in the current startup ecosystem and how best African startups could navigate it. 2024-06-1243 min
Techpoint Africa PodcastAre we expecting too much from African startups?Today on the Techpoint Africa Podcast, our host, Chimgozirim Nwokoma is joined by Francis Ogbuka, VP Sales, Zone and Abraham Augustine, Comms & Programs Lead, Norrsken to discuss:
Zone's decentralised PoS payment gateway
Gro Intelligence's shutdown
The Copia Global story
Subscribe to The Modern Workplace/, Equity Merchants/, Techpoint Digest/ and Intelpoint's newsletter/
Link to Insight of the Week: Jumia Group recorded its highest loss in 2019, the year it was listed on the NYSE
Timestamps
00:00 - Intro
02:05 - Zone's decentralised PoS payment gateway
16:01 - The Copia Global story
33:22 - Gro Intelligence's shutdown
Useful links
Kenya-based agritech Gro Intelligence to shut down two months afte...2024-06-0649 min
StartUps And F*Ups8. Riding the Momentum with Chris Irakoze the Co- Founder and CEO of Eza NezaSend us a textIn this episode we talk to the co-founder of Agritech company Eza Neza , Chris Irakoze on the power of riding the momentum wave. When is it the right time to notice your momentum peak up steam and how do you take advantage of it?2024-05-1550 min
StartUps And F*Ups7. Through the Maze - Eugene Rwagasore, Co-founder of PindoSend us a textIn this Episode we speak to the Co-founder of AI Instant communications Platform Pindo, Eugene Rwagasore on his journey so far.2024-05-0136 min
The Trajectory AfricaLong arm with no mouth: The physical limits of Africa's digital economyThis is the first episode of Part 1 of a new series on The Trajectory Africa —The Engine of African Venture, A Return to First Principles. This series will explore what powers fundamental value creation and investability in sectors that drive the bulk of African VC opportunities.Part 1 is focused on fintech, and this episode with Abraham Augustine, Comms & Programs Lead for Norrsken, tackles the premise that digitalizing African economies is the African investment opportunity. Abraham shares his perspective on how digital Africa’s digital economy can actually be and how this impacts the way vent...2024-03-281h 09StartUps And F*Ups6. Trusting the Process- Bobson Rugambwa Co-founder & CEO Mvend.Send us a textIn this episode we speak to the ver energetic Boson Rugambwa on the journey of building Mvend. The highs, lows and what ifs.2024-03-2044 min
StartUps And F*Ups5. It's All About Timing - Albert Munyabugingo - CEO/Co-founder Vuba VubaSend us a textIn this episode we speak to the CEO/Co-founder Vuba Vuba Albert Munyabugingo.He talks to us about his startup journey and what it has taken to grow Vuba Vuba into a fully fledged enterprise. 2024-03-0539 min
The Rally Cap PodcastRCP #1 $205m African VC fund, with Lexi Novistke [GP @ Norssken22]Lexi Novitske is a General Partner at Norssken22, who just launched Africa's second-largest VC fund.
Timestamps:
(1:05) How to raise a $205m fund during a global downturn
(3:50) Current growth stage valuations and how to deal with unreasonable prices
(5:38) Growth deals that require restructuring
(9:44) Debt requirements for growth-stage companies
(11:28) Norrsken's thesis in financial services
(13:27) Thesis behind investing in Shara
(14:18) Overfunded fintech models
(15:53) Thesis behind investing in Sabi
(18:37) Living in Lagos
(20:36) Thinking like a growth stage investor vs. early stage investor
References:
Sabi - https://techcrunch.com/2023/05/19/afr...
Shara - https://www.crunchbase.com/organizati...
Listen on other platforms:
Apple: coming soon
...2024-03-0323 min
StartUps And F*Ups4. Grass to Grace - Cynthia Umutoniwabo Co-founder LoopaSend us a textIn this episode we speak to Jasiri fellow and winner of the 2023 Manga Pitch FestivalCynthia Umutoniwabo on her startup journey so far.2024-02-2123 min
StartUps And F*Ups3.January Blues- Ivan Munye- CEO/Founder Cali & Wake FitnessSend us a text In this episode Ivan talks to us about what his journey from being a Trainer to Owning the biggest gym/fitness franchise in Rwanda.2024-02-0750 min
StartUps And F*Ups02. Building a health tech startup - Peace Ndoli (Co-founder Lifesten Health)Send us a textIn this episode, we speak to the 2022 Hanga Pitch Festival winner and co-founder of Lifesten Health Peace Ndoli on the challenges and opportunities in building a health tech startup.2024-01-2428 min
StartUps And F*Ups01. No Excuses; Peter Versterbacka - Founder Slush, Ex-Mighty Eagle at Angry BirdsSend us a textIn this episode; we speak to Peter Versterbacka - Founder Slush, Ex-Mighty Eagle at Rovio the creates of Angry Birds. He speaks to us on the no excuses mindset.Peter is an entrepreneur from the Finest Bay Area at the Heart of Eurasia, Helsinki, Finland. He has Branded communities co-created and initiated that includes the HP Bazaar, Mobile Monday, Slush, and Startup Sauna to name a few.2024-01-1021 min
My Tech Story AfricaMEDIA ROOTS TO STARTUP IMPACT - Arnold Kwizera’s Vision for African Startups l Norrsken East AfricaIn this episode of the My Tech Story podcast, entrepreneur Arnold Kwizera shares valuable insights into entrepreneurship and business development. The conversation delves into practical aspects, covering crafting marketing plans, engaging with marketing outlets, and perfecting a two-minute elevator pitch.
Arnold emphasizes the significance of addressing fundamental yet critical elements that can propel businesses to the next level. The discussion seamlessly extends to the mission of Norrsken and its impact on Africa's startup ecosystem, especially focusing on the upcoming Norrsken Africa Week. Here, Arnold provides insights into the event, designed to bring together leading investors and entrepreneurs...2023-12-1341 min
My Tech Story AfricaTHE RWANDA CONNECTION: Exploring Tech in Africa.Welcome to Season Two of the My Tech Story Africa podcast. 🥳We're back with an exciting lineup and a big thank you for your support during Season One.🥰
The theme for Season Two is "Building the Next Generation of Tech Leaders."🚀Our guests share a deep commitment to not only launching tech ventures but also providing the tools and knowledge for success in various tech fields.
Our guest roster is diverse, including alumni from Carnegie Mellon University, a central reference for this season. We'll also feature influential venture capital funders like NorrsKen East Africa and Antler East Africa.🤩
We won't unveil...2023-10-1710 min
The European VCEUVC #216 Agate Freimane, NorrskenToday we're happy to welcome Agate Freimane, Founding Partner of Norrsken, one of Europe's leading impact venture capital funds born out of Norrsken Foundation, which hosts events, operates co-working spaces, and runs accelerator programs across the Nordics, Iberia, and Eastern Africa. Their fund is dedicated to investing in early-stage startups focusing primarily in climate tech and they've led the investments into almost 50 companies, including Northvolt, Einride, 1komma5 and Matsmart.Jump to the parts that matter to you 🎧 and watch the highlights below 👀 Chapters:00:01:04 - Introduction00:03:10 - Journey into venture00:12:00 - Impact Investing in Europe00:15:24 - The De...2023-09-1251 min
EUVCEUVC #216 Agate Freimane, Norrsken VCToday we're happy to welcome Agate Freimane, Founding Partner of Norrsken, one of Europe's leading impact venture capital funds born out of Norrsken Foundation, which hosts events, operates co-working spaces, and runs accelerator programmes across the Nordics, Iberia, and Eastern Africa.Their fund is dedicated to investing in early-stage startups focusing primarily in climate tech and they've led the investments into almost 50 companies, highlights including Northvolt, Einride, 1komma5 and Matsmart.Jump to the parts that matter to you 🎧00:00:00 - "Tear down this wall"00:01:04 - Disclaimer and Introduction00:03:10 - Journey into venture00:12:00 - Impact Inv...2023-09-1251 min
IBS Intelligence PodcastsEP622: How embedded finance is opening up access to credit in AfricaNgetha Waithaka, General Partner, Norrsken22Norrsken 22 is an independent and for-profit growth fund targeting tech developments on the African continent. Building new financial ecosystems in Africa has thrown the limitations of the financial infrastructure into sharp relief but there are solutions. Robin Amlôt of IBS Intelligence speaks to Norrsken22’s General Partner Ngetha Waithaka. 2023-08-1811 min
StartUps And F*Ups11. Moses Mukundi- CEO & Founder Eden CareSend us a textIn this episode, we speak to the CEO & Founder of Eden Care Moses Mukundi on his Y Combinator experience and Eden Care's growth.2023-07-2721 min
StartUps And F*Ups10. Hugo Obi founder of Maliyo Games on Building a Pan African Gaming companySend us a textHugo Obi has built Maliyo games into a multi million dollar revenue making gaming company.He talks to us about his failures, wins aand what keeps him up at night.2023-07-1324 min
StartUps And F*Ups9. Alex Ntale - CEO Rwanda ICT chamber. The journey of Rwanda's mushrooming startup Ecosystem.Send us a textIn this episode, the CEO of Rwanda ICT chamberAlex Ntale breaks down the journey of Rwanda's mushrooming Startup Ecosystem.2023-06-2721 min
StartUps And F*Ups8. Grey Jabesi CEO & Founder Crypto UniversitySend us a textBorn in Malawi. Jabesi grew up doing odd jobs in the township of South Africa.A self-taught techie, Jabesi's story of founding Crypto University is one to inspire all founders. 2023-06-1425 min
StartUps And F*UpsDavis Kayonga Nteziryayo CEO & Co-founder PesaChoice - Learning how to pivot.Send us a textWhen is the right time to pivot your Startup idea? Why is this important for a startup's survival?We speak to Davis Nteziryayo, the CEO and co-founder of PesaChoice2023-05-0528 min
StartUps And F*UpsJulienne Oyler, from rejection to raising over $90 million. The Journey of Inkomoko.Send us a textAfter being told her entrepreneurship journey is not exceptional. Julienne talks to us about her drive, meeting her co-founder, and how Inkomoko has raised over $90 million. 2023-04-0525 min
StartUps And F*UpsIsrael Bimpe, CEO of Irembo on the 3-7 journeySend us a textIn this episode, we talk to the CEO of Irembo Israel Bimpe.What's the 3-7 growth stage of a startup? What does that even mean?2023-03-1530 min
StartUps And F*UpsNiklas Adalberth- Founder Norrsken Foundation.Send us a textIn this episode, we speak to the founder of the Norrsken Foundation Niklas Adalberth on his failures and the inspiration behind Norrsken.He also speaks to us about Klarna (a startup unicorn he co-founded).2023-03-0123 min
The Intersection Magazine PodcastLet the Pharaohs Rise-Examining the Egyptian Technology and Innovation EcosystemHere we split the podcast into several important ideas. The first is an overall look at the Big Four in Africa as well as Rwanda and Uganda and what makes each Technology and Innovation Ecosystem Unique. We talk about a few of the major players in Uganda. We talk about Rwanda and what the relationship with Norrsken means. We talk about Kenya and why you have to make sure that your ecosystem has a friendly vibe. We talk about South Africa and the focus that the country has on Education and skills as well as the regional angst that exists...2023-02-1635 min
StartUps And F*UpsPhilip Ngarambe Co-founder of AC Group (Tap & Go): Seeing light at the end of the tunnel.Send us a textIn this episode, we speak to Philip Ngarambe the co-founder of AC Group (Tap & Go). Philip peels back the skin on almost giving up, the time they almost gave up and how he found the right co-founder.2023-02-1525 min
StartUps And F*UpsAline Kabanda explains the role of a team in building a successful startup.Send us a textIn this episode Aline Kabanda, the Rwanda Country Director, Allan & Gill Gray Philanthropy talks to Arnold Kwizera on how to grow your start up team2023-02-0126 min
StartUps And F*UpsPhilip Gasaatura on how to get market ready.Send us a textThe Country Director of Katapult Africa talks to us about his failures, launching his first business and how to get your startup ready. 2023-01-1729 min
Geração DigitalAppload no Norrsken Impact AcceleratorStartup moçambicana Appload recebe financiamento e aceleração na Suécia2022-06-1112 min
Africa Tech NewsNine African Startups Selected For Norrsken Impact AcceleratorNine African startups representing 8 countries have been selected to participate in the second edition of the Norrsken Impact Accelerator, a prominent early-stage accelerator. Norrsken Foundation has been courting Africa since it announced in 2019 the launch of its entrepreneurship hub, Norrsken House, in Kigali, Rwanda. The first outside its headquarters, Sweden, the hub also features an African-focused seed fund which has allowed it to invest in Rwandan companies, most notably Viebeg Technology and PesaChoice.2022-06-1001 min
Let's talk for a change#4 Weather Forecast - Liisa SmitsAt the age of 25 years Liisa Smits left her position as a researcher in the US to start her venture in Africa. Liisa understood that the world needed a more accurate weather forecast for the tropical regions, which could enable for farmers to more likely predict the weather and plan their farming. Today her service is used by over 650,000 farmers and the venture Ignitia enables the most poor people in the world to create a sustainable living for themselves. Listen to her inspirational journey to make a change in the world. She is such an inspiration and a living...2018-11-1500 min