Shows
The Pitch Room AfricaUncensored Series: Uwem UwemakpanThe Uncensored series brings together experts to discuss what is happening on the African continent deeply.
This series featured the Head of Investment for Launch Africa Fund II, Uwem Uwemakpan.2025-01-201h 34
The Grinders TableFrom high performance sports to retail success, our chat with Amber Penney (Co-founder, Faro)Amber Penny, co-founder of Faro, a sustainable fashion brand, joined the podcast to share her journey and insights. She discussed her background in high-performance sports, the challenges of managing a startup, and the importance of building a strong team culture.
Amber highlighted the value of vulnerability in leadership and the impact of creating a supportive work environment. She emphasized the significance of balance, pleasure, and financial motivation in her career, prioritizing these over power and fame.
Overall, the conversation provided valuable insights into building a successful business while maintaining a focus on people and culture.2024-07-0236 min
The Pitch Room AfricaPitch Room Africa EP 10 with Uwem Uwemakpan Investments at Launch Africa VC Fund IIIn Episode 10 of the Pitch Room Africa, we spoke to Uwem to determine the technical requirements investors are looking at in this climate.
Uwem Uwemakpan is a seasoned ecosystem builder and investor, currently serving as the Head of Investments at Launch Africa VC Fund II. With an unwavering commitment to supporting early-stage startups, Uwem is at the forefront of driving entrepreneurship in Africa’s dynamic business landscape.
Previously, Uwem played a pivotal role in the success of Ingressive Capital, where he led operations and investments. During his tenure, he oversaw the growth and impact of a $10m Fund I an...2024-06-141h 26
The Grinders TableBalancing Passion and Business: Lara Dendy Young's Story with ConservioIn this episode, I interview Lara Dendy Young, the co-founder of Conservio. Lara shares her background as a South African with a passion for nature conservation and wildlife. She discusses her experience in water polo and how it has shaped her work ethic and teamwork skills. Lara talks about the journey of founding Conservio with her business partner, Justin, during the challenging times of COVID-19.
Throughout the conversation, Lara emphasizes the importance of impact and relevance in her work. She defines success as building a relevant platform for nature-based travel and making a meaningful impact in conservation...2024-06-0633 min
The Grinders TableThe Operator's Edge: A conversation with Seni Sulyman (Founder, Talstack)In our latest podcast episode, we had an enriching conversation with Seni Sulyman. We explore Seni's journey from a hands-on operator who helps scale one of Africa's unicorns (Andela) to a visionary founder. He shares invaluable insights on problem-solving, crafting processes, and strategic execution - the backbone of any prosperous company.
Seni emphasizes the power of empathy and adaptability in leadership. His stories serve as a masterclass in engaging and inspiring teams, highlighting the importance of resonant communication and turning challenges into opportunities. He also provides a rare look into the personal life of a public figure, discussing the...2024-05-2037 min
The Grinders TableNavigating Success with Oyin SoleboWe had Oyin Selebo, MD of Techstars Lagos on the Grinders Table in the episode. Oyin shares insights on succeeding in the startup ecosystem as a founder and investor, offering her unique perspective from experiences in wealth management, strategy consulting, and startup mentorship.
Join us as we discuss the traits of successful startup leaders, the art of networking, the balance of power and fame, and the complexities of co-founder dynamics. This episode is a deep dive into Oyin's career and an exploration of broader themes critical to those looking to make a mark in the world.
---
Send in a...2024-05-0637 min
The Grinders TableRepost: Clive Butkow's guide to navigating success in BusinessThis episode is a repost from Season 1 of our podcast. Clive Butkow shared his extensive journey from his early entrepreneurial ventures to his impressive tenure at Accenture, and his eventual founding of Kaylon Venture Partners after a brief retirement.
This episode was not just a deep dive into the mechanics of venture capital but also a masterclass in leadership and entrepreneurial mindset. Clive's passion and expertise were truly inspiring, making this a must-listen for anyone interested in venture capital, entrepreneurship, or business leadership.
---
Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com...2024-05-0118 min
The Grinders TableInvesting in Africa's Future: Kola Aina's Path to Ventures PlatformIn today's episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Kola Aina, a Nigerian entrepreneur turned Venture Capitalist, who shared his journey from starting a technology business to becoming a key player in the African investment landscape.
Kola began his career in corporate finance before venturing into entrepreneurship with his company, Emerging Platforms, which focused on enterprise software for governments and corporations. He later transitioned into angel investing and now leads the Pan-African Early-Stage Fund Ventures Platform.
We touched on the challenges Kola faced while raising funds for his...2024-04-1534 min
The Grinders TableBuilding an effective company culture with Jem HR's Caroline van der MerweJoin Caroline van der Merwe, co-founder of Jem HR, in a candid conversation with Uwem on the Grinders Table Podcast. Caroline shares insights on her journey as an entrepreneur, the importance of values in leadership, and the power of having difficult conversations.
Discover how Caroline navigates the challenges of startup life, the significance of building a strong support system, and self-discovery.
---
Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-grinders-table/message2024-04-0832 min
The Grinders TableThe African startup landscape, a conversation with Oo Nwoye (Part 2)In the second part of my conversation with Oo Nwoye on The Grinders Table, we shift our focus to venture capital, innovation, and the global tech landscape. Oo shares his insights on how venture capital can effectively support startups, the importance of domain expertise in angel investing, and the risks of providing too much capital too early.
We also discuss the evolution of startup funding and the ethical considerations for founders in managing investor relationships.
---
Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-grinders-table/message2024-03-2535 min
The Grinders TableThe African startup landscape, a conversation with Oo Nwoye (Part 1)This week, I had the honour of hosting Oo Nwoye at The Grinders Table. Oo stands out as a key figure in Africa's startup ecosystem, providing advisory services to startups and serving as an exceptional source of deal flow for investors interested in the continent.
He shared so much that I split the conversation into two episodes. We dive deep into his fascinating entrepreneurial journey in this first part of our conversation. We explore his personal background and the early career experiences that shaped his unique path. We'll discuss the significance of networking in...2024-03-1837 min
The Grinders TableBuilding an Integrated Life with Kanini MutooniToday, we're celebrating International Women's Day by revisiting one of our favourite episodes. Joining me is the remarkable Kanini Matooni, a voice that resonates with empowerment and inspiration. In this episode, we dive into Kanini's journey, her challenges, and the triumphs that define the essence of womanhood. So, whether you're a long-time listener or joining us for the first time, sit back and let's honour the spirit of women everywhere with this special conversation.
---
Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-grinders-table/message2024-03-1123 min
The Grinders TableScaling E-Commerce in Africa: Insights from Jumia's Ex CEO - Massimiliano SpalazziIn this episode of the Grinders Table podcast, we're excited to feature Massimiliano Spalazzi, the former CEO of Jumia Nigeria and Group Executive VP Marketplace at Jumia. Join us as Massi shares his remarkable journey of being one of the first employees at Jumia and playing a pivotal role in the company's inception in Nigeria in 2012. Massi opens up about the exhilarating experience of starting a company from the ground up, launching into different markets, managing various verticals, and ultimately achieving the milestone of becoming the first African tech internet company to list on the New York Stock Exchange.2024-03-0427 min
The Grinders TableRedefining Tourism Through Technology with David GonahasaJoin us on an inspiring journey as David Gonahasa, Founder of Tripessa, takes us from his early beginnings on the streets of Uganda to revolutionizing the tourism sector with RoundBob, and now Tripessa. His narrative is not just one of success, but of resilience, as he navigates the trials of pioneering internet ventures and leadership roles in a pan-African enterprise.
David also shares invaluable insights on leadership, building teams, and attracting supporters for a new venture. Plus, we get a glimpse into the personal side of entrepreneurship, including the vital support of spouses and...2024-02-2033 min
The VA PodGetting Funding in 2024While Africa has attracted numerous investors over the years, enthusiasm seems to be dwindling. In 2023, African startup funding had a significant 39% year-on-year decline. In 2022, Oluwatosin Ogunjuyigbe of Ventures Africa highlighted the lack of "unicorns" in Africa's digital economy, suggesting that initial optimism has given way to closer scrutiny. What's the way forward for startups?
The podcast you are about to listen to was adapted from our LinkedIn Audio Event, held on Thursday, 1st of February, 2024, where we discussed "Getting Funding in 2024".
The event was hosted by Zainab Amoo, a Social Media Executive at Ventures Africa, who held an interesting discourse...2024-02-1947 min
The Grinders TableBreaking Barriers and Building Networks: A Conversation with June Angelides MBEIn this episode of the Grinders Table podcast, I sit down with June Angelides MBE, a trailblazer and advocate for diversity in the startup ecosystem.
June is the founding partner at Levare Ventures which backs early-stage startups across E-commerce, Fintech, Healthtech, Future of Work and B2B Saas across sub-saharan Africa. She has invested across Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa and Ghana. She also invests in European startups with Samos Investments.
June shares her inspiring journey from growing up in Lagos to studying economics in London, and how she found...2024-02-1236 min
The Grinders TableThe Intersection of Tech, Policy and Entrepreneurship with Oswald Osaretin GuobadiaI am delighted to have Oswald Osaritin Guobadia as our guest on the Grinders Table Podcast today. He is a prominent figure in the Nigerian Tech Ecosystem who played a key role in passing The Nigerian Startup Act.
Oswald's story is a powerful narrative of transformation, resilience, and the pursuit of value. His insights on career change, the importance of impact, and the power and money dynamics give us much to ponder.
Subscribe, share with a friend and leave a comment.
---
Send in a voice message: https...2024-02-0628 min
Breaking Banks EuropeEpisode 214: Ecosystem Zoom-In: The Nigerian CaseUpdate time! Our Ecosystem Zoom-In series takes us back to the dynamic landscape of the Nigerian Ecosystem, this time hosted by Elizabeth Kleinveld and with guests Babatunde Ogundipe (E-Doc Online) and Uwem Uwemakpan (Launch Africa). Building upon the foundations laid in our December 2020 episode with Lexi Novitske and Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, Kleinveld explores the remarkable transformations that have unfolded over the past three something years. This deep dive into Nigeria unveils the evolving narrative of innovation, challenges, and triumphs, providing invaluable insights into the ever-changing entrepreneurial landscape. Join us for a nuanced exploration of Nigeria’s progress and the unfolding st...2024-02-0538 min
The Grinders TableMastering the art of building a business with Anil Atma (CEO, Kreem Inc)For this episode, I had a wholesome conversation with Anil Atma, a savvy entrepreneur and advisor to various venture funds, startups and businesses in Nigeria, including a unicorn.
We explore the fascinating world of tech and business, and what entrepreneurs need to focus on as they build. Whether you dream of launching your startup, scaling your existing company, or learning from the best practices of successful entrepreneurs, this episode will give you valuable insights and motivation for your journey.
Listen, subscribe and share with a friend!
2024-01-2927 min
The Grinders TableTurning lemons to lemonade with Seyi Abolaji (Founder, Wilson's Juice Co)Join us on a captivating journey with Seyi Abolaji, who went from pursuing his football aspirations to becoming a leader in the Nigeria Food and Beverage industry with Wilsons Juice Co, aka, Wilson's Lemonade. In this episode, we dive deep into Seyi's pursuit of impact over comfort, his dedication to personal growth, and his dogged pursuit of impact.
Seyi discusses the intricacies of making it in Nigeria's beverage industry, the importance of playing to your strengths, and how his personal mantra, "create better," along with his SKITS philosophy—Sacrifice, Creativity, Integrity, Teamwork—guides his entrepreneurial spirit.
This episode is a tr...2024-01-2233 min
The Grinders TableA Journey of Resilience: Joe Kinvi's Path to Pan-African ImpactOn the first episode of this season, we dive into Joe Kinvi's inspiring story, a visionary whose roots in Togo have branched out to make a Pan-African impact in the business world. We trace Joe's remarkable journey from an accounting and finance student in Dublin to building one of Africa's top investment syndicates - Hoaq. His story is a masterclass in resilience, underscored by an unyielding passion to drive Africa's economic renaissance.
Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned businessperson, or simply a curious mind, there's a wealth of insight waiting for you in this episode.
2024-01-1533 min
The Pitch Room AfricaThe PitchRoomAfrica Special at AkwaIbom Tech Week Podcast title : The Big Bold Claim with Blessing Abeng and Uwem UwemakpanThe PitchRoomAfrica Special at Akwa Ibom Tech Week, a special series of conversations bringing some of Nigeria's brightest minds and ecosystem players powered by the Akwa-Ibom Tech Week2023-11-0216 min
The Grinders TableUnconventional Routes with Ikpeme Neto (Founder, Wella Health)Join us in this insightful episode as we explore the journey of Ikpeme Neto, the founder and CEO of Wella Health. This episode provides an in-depth look at one of those transforming healthcare in Africa through the lens of a visionary who traded in his scrubs for the world of startups. Hear about the challenges and triumphs of building a successful team, leveraging data in healthcare tech, and maintaining a balanced family life while pioneering change.
Neto shares valuable insights from his experience, shedding light on the unique path he's carved at the intersection of medicine, technology...2023-07-2536 min
The Grinders TableIncreasing the Odds with Cindy Ai and Mark Kleyner of DreamVCIn this enlightening episode, we have an in-depth discussion with Mark Kleyner and Cindy Ai, co-founders of Dream VC, as they reveal the realities of the venture capital world. They share their journey from being entrepreneurs to becoming venture capitalists and how their shared passion has been a catalyst for their success.
Mark and Cindy delve into the dynamics of the African venture capital market, discussing the importance of understanding the various aspects of the industry and the challenges they've faced. They also touch on the unique dynamics of their co-founder relationship, including how they support each other...2023-07-1737 min
The Grinders TableThe Balance of Passion and Practicality with Eugene Nwoke (Country Manager, Roche)In this insightful episode, we delve into the intriguing world of healthcare and the rich career of Eugene Nwoke across FMCG, Pharma, and Biotech. Eugene shares his journey and commitment to addressing the stark inequity in healthcare. He also talks about the balance of passion and practicality in making decisions. Listen and share with a friend.
Key points discussed:
- Eugene's journey into healthcare, triggered by the stark disparities he observed in the field.
- Balancing passion and practicality in decision-making
- Understanding you can't control everything
...2023-07-1131 min
The Grinders TableLeading with influence: Babajide Duroshola (M-Kopa)In this episode, we dive deep into the life and experiences of Babajide Duroshola, a seasoned operator who helps African companies scale. Babajide offers invaluable insights into leadership and team building, learned from his time with reputable firms like Andela, SafeBoda and M-Kopa. He discusses the importance of shared understanding, learning from mistakes, and the pursuit of progress before perfection. This episode is packed with life lessons, personal experiences, and inspiring stories that are sure to enrich your perspective as you build your career and run your business.
Key Discussion Points:
- Babaji's journey in striking a...2023-07-0435 min
The Grinders TableBonus: Building in a CrisisOn this week's episode of The Grinders Table, I share insights from my conversations with guests on the podcast to provide you with inspiration and guidance as you navigate the world as it unfolds. If what you’ve heard today is beneficial to your journey, please hit the share button on your podcast platform and share it with a friend. Remember, tough times don't define us; they refine us. Keep grinding and stay resilient.
Thank you to Blessing Abeng, Anta Diallo, Will Senyo, Temitope Ekundayo, Hafsah Jumare, Max Cuvellier, Kanini Mutooni, Kristin Wilson, and Da...2023-06-2827 min
The Grinders TableDigitising the Hospitality Industry with Havar Bauck, CEO of HotelOnlineWe dive into the fascinating world of hospitality with Havar Bauck, founder and co-CEO of Hotel Online, as he shares his incredible journey from a one-year international exchange program in Kenya to building a successful business in the hospitality industry. Hotel Online is the leading revenue partner for hotels in emerging markets like Africa. Founded in 2014, they help more than 6,000 hotels in 27 countries boost occupancy, and increase yield.
In this episode of the Grinders Table podcast, Havar reveals the passion that drives him, his experience working in Africa, and the unique challenges he faced...2023-06-0736 min
The Pitch Room Africa#ThePitchRoomAfrica with Uwem UwemakpanWE INVITED UWEM UWEMAKPAN FORMER HEAD OF INVESTMENT AT INGRESSIVE CAPITAL, WHERE HE DROVE THE SUCCESS OF FUND 1 (10M USD) AND FUND 2 (50M USD). WE SPOKE ABOUT THE STATE OF THE AFRICAN ECOSYSTEM AND EXPLORED THE ISSUES AROUND COLLABORATION AND THE CURRENT INVESTMENT LANDSCAPE.
Brief Uwem Uwemakpan
Uwem is an ecosystem builder and investor, dedicated to helping early-stage startups thrive in Africa’s fast-evolving business landscape. He has a proven track record of guiding entrepreneurs towards clarity and profitability, enabling them to turn their ideas into successful ventures.
As the former...2023-06-0458 min
The Grinders TableLaunching in a pandemic with Mayowa Alli (Co-founder, Traction Apps)In this inspiring episode, Mayowa Ali, co-founder of Traction Apps, shares his journey from studying engineering to launching a digital operating system for SMEs in Africa amidst a global pandemic. Mayowa's passion for technology and entrepreneurship led him and his co-founder to address the underserved SME market and pick so many invaluable lessons along the way.
Learn about the challenges of building a startup in financial services, fostering a collaborative remote environment, and the importance of understanding your motivations and staying true to yourself. Join us for a fascinating conversation with Mayowa Ali and see how embracing...2023-05-2334 min
The Grinders TableCreating Change with Angie Madara (Founding Partner, Athena FundX)In this inspiring episode, we dive into the entrepreneurial journey of Angie Madara, a passionate advocate for women in tech entrepreneurship. Angie is a Founding Partner at AthenaFundX, a fund that invests in providing women entrepreneurs with the support, resources, and visibility they need to turn their ideas into successful businesses. Angie shares her experience in business and her foray into tech which led her to create groundbreaking projects like M-Pesa, a mobile money platform widely used in Africa.
We explored Angie's lessons from the acquisition of her startup to the importance of preparing entrepreneurs for the...2023-05-1433 minThe Grinders TableBonus Episode: Navigating Uncertainty with Yusufa SeyI thought to share a conversation I recorded in 2016 with Yusufa Sey, founder of Northern Industries. In this BONUS episode, our guest shares his incredible entrepreneurial journey from Gambia, the United States, London, and finally Denmark, where he co-founded Athene, a personal genetics company that unlocks the secrets of sports and diet genes. He discusses the importance of taking calculated risks and embracing uncertainty as an entrepreneur and shares his experience of moving to Denmark, overcoming challenges, and the power of perseverance in building a global business. The episode also explores the importance of risk-taking in life and business...2023-05-0428 min
The Grinders TableNavigating Growth, Risk, and Empathy in Financial Services: Insights from Branch's Dayo AdemolaIn this insightful episode, we speak with Dayo Odutale-Ademola, Managing Director for Nigeria at Branch International Financial Services, about her professional journey driven by the desire to create an impact through her work. Dayo shares her experiences, emphasizing the importance of growth, risk management, and building a sustainable business for long-term success. We also discuss the transformational experience of losing her father and how it led her to reconsider her views on mortality and legacy.
Additionally, we explore the significance of empathy and patience when dealing with others in the workplace and the power of understanding different...2023-04-1830 min
The Grinders TableFrom Passion to Profession: Diji Aderogba's Inspiring JourneyIn this episode I sat down with fast-rising Filmmaker and Creative Director, Diji Aderogba, where he shared his creative journey, experiences working with big brands and achieving success despite the odds. Diji talks about his love for cultural storytelling, his background as an actor, handling criticism and the lessons he's learned from various projects that have shaped his career. This conversation provides valuable insights for aspiring creatives and entrepreneurs.
Timestamps:
(0:00:01) - Creativity Through Cultural Storytelling: Discover Diji's love for the arts and his path to becoming a filmmaker, as well as how his experience...2023-04-0434 min
The Grinders TableNavigating Academia to Entrepreneurship with Hafsah Jumare, CEO of CoAmanaI had the pleasure of talking with Hafsa Jomari, CEO of CoAmana, an Agtech startup operating in Nigeria and Kenya. We discussed her inspiring journey from academia to entrepreneurship and how her obsession with solving the issue of market access for smallholder farmers led her to create CoAmana.
In this episode, Hafsa shares invaluable advice she received during her entrepreneurial journey and how CoAmana has adapted and evolved over time. We also discuss the challenges of building and managing a team, the importance of having a co-founder, and the best and worst advice she has received in her career.2023-03-2828 min
The Grinders TableConnecting the dots with Desigan Chinniah aka DeesWe spent time with Desigan Chinniah aka Dees or Cyberdees, a successful technology entrepreneur and investor in under-represented minority founders. In this episode, we explore his journey through the dotcom era (his time at Mozilla and deprecating Flash), taking risks, building diverse teams, the rise of AI, and much more.
This episode is full of insights into succeeding as a technology entrepreneur! From staying curious and staying focused on things that bring joy and energy to exploring new opportunities through taking risks - there is something for everyone! So why not give it a listen? We guarantee y...2023-03-1635 min
The Grinders TableUnlocking potential with Ashley Immanuel (Co-founder, Semicolon)This week we had a chat with the amazing Ashley Immanuel, the Co-founder and COO of Semicolon. Semicolon's goal is to turn Africa's vibrant youth population into an army of technologists, software developers, enterprise architects and project managers.
Ashley shares her journey with us, how she followed her passion and experiences, as well as one of the coolest intros you'll ever hear!
Timestamp:
(0:00:00) - Unlocking Potential to Change the World: Ashley shares her personal and professional journey, highlighting the importance of being inquisitive and open-minded when starting out in a...2023-03-0636 min
The Grinders TableThe road less travelled with Oyinkansola Fawehinmi (Foza)This week I had a chat with Oyinkansola Fawehinmi, a 'fast rising' entertainment business leader and lawyer from Nigeria, also known as FozaDoza. She has years of experience in entertainment and media law, a path not many female lawyers tend to tow in Nigeria. She has brokered deals worth over $10,000,000 working with top talents across various nationalities, as well as advising several governments in the sub-Saharan African region on IP matters. Foza shared quite a lot of gems with us so listen, subscribe, and share with a friend.
Ps. you can get the full gist of her...2023-02-2037 min
The Grinders TableTaking ownership with Caleb Maru, GP at Proximity VenturesI am excited to start 2023 buzzing with Caleb Maru, Managing Partner at Proximity ventures, on the Grinders Table. Caleb also writes an amazing newsletter that tracks the African tech ecosystem called Tech Safari. Caleb shares why he invests in startups, his approach to managing teams and insights on his journey so far.
---
Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-grinders-table/message2023-01-2628 min
Africa Tech RadioIs Africa defying a global slowdown in startup funding?At the start of 2022, there were widespread predictions that African startups would exceed the $5 billion mark.
Did Startups in Africa defy the global funding cutback that dried up in many parts of the world?
The VP Investments at Ingressive Capital, Uwem Uwemakpan, dissects the trends that shaped funding into African tech startups in 2022.
2022-12-2451 min
The Grinders TableNurturing Tech Talent with Snehar Shah, CEO of Moringa SchoolThis week we had the pleasure of chatting with Snehar Shah, the CEO of Moringa school. Snehar is passionate about spearheading the development of Africa's young people through learning tech skills and this is evidenced in his leadership at Moringa school. Snehar has over 25 years of diverse experience in building and running businesses in multiple industries and geographies (UK, Europe and Africa).
---
Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-grinders-table/message2022-12-2127 min
The Grinders TableNavigating Career with Mouna AkefliThis week we had Mouna Akefli, Marketing Manager CU West Africa & Morocco at Ericsson. Muna discusses her journey of finding purpose in life and her deep-rooted love for Africa. She talks about purpose-led marketing and impacting initiatives through her work, and why young professionals should focus on growing their talents, taking risks, and experimenting.
---
Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-grinders-table/message2022-11-2923 min
The Grinders TableChampioning Inclusivity with Solape Akinpelu, CEO of HervestLast weekend we spent time on the Grinders Table with Solape Akinpelu, CEO of Hervest. Hervest is pioneering inclusive finance for the African woman! Solape took time to share her experience and wisdom about fundraising, why businesses and the world are not as inclusive to women, what holds them back, and how the behaviour of finance needs to be part of the conversation in order to change.
---
Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-grinders-table/message2022-11-2224 min
The Grinders TableScaling impact with Will Senyo, CEO, Impact Hub AccraThis week's featured conversation is with a 'true son of the soil' and Co-founder of Impact Hub Accra - Will Senyo. Will shares tips for founders, his thoughts on the over-fixation on Fintech, revitalising dying industries, his recent fund targeting the creative space in Accra, Ghana and future plans. One of our hottest episodes yet!
---
Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-grinders-table/message2022-11-0134 min
The Grinders TableTransformation using digital skills with Martin NdlovuMartin is a technologist and PanAfricanist who believes in technology's ability to put Africa on the map as the most significant workforce in the world. He has been working on delivering programs and aggregating relevant programs to empower Africans with 21st-century skills and bringing remote workers from around the world to Africa to realise the continent's beauty.
Martin talks about his motivations, as well as shares some really good advice you don't want to miss.
---
Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-grinders-table/message2022-10-2432 min
The Grinders TableTackling emergency healthcare challenges with Folake Owodunni, Founder of Emergency Response AfricaFolake Owodunni is the Co-founder and CEO of Emergency Response Africa (ERA), a health-tech company dedicated to saving lives one emergency at a time. Folake shares her inspiration for building the company, lessons she learned along the way and tips for aspiring founders.
---
Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-grinders-table/message2022-10-1534 min
The Grinders TableBuilding in uncertainty with Damilare OgunleyeI had the pleasure of speaking with Damilare Ogunleye, the co-founder at FoodLama. FoodLama is a personalized genie that helps you find the best food for you, based on your preferences and your lifestyle choices. Damilare shared how being an entrepreneur requires work-life balance, communication, and discipline.
He talked about building distribution into your products and having a clear vision and roadmap for the next ten years. He touched on relationships and how being a father impacted his life.
---
Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-grinders-table/message2022-09-1336 min
The DiverseK PodcastHow to build a sustainable tech startup in AfricaIn this epiode, Khaulat Abdulhakeem (Founder of DiverseK) had a conversation with Uwem Uwemakpan who is the VC at Ingressive capital. They spoke about ways to build a sustainable tech startup in Africa.
About the DiverseK podcast:
The DiverseK podcast is a weekly conversation with tech industry experts and career strategists about technology careers to help you successfully CHOOSE and NAVIGATE your own technology career. You can join upcoming podcasts LIVE on Fridays by following Khaulat on LinkedIn.
Make sure to also visit DiverseK.com to kickstart your technology career or get help navigating your existing tech career.
Got questions o...2022-09-1135 min
The Grinders TableEnduring tough times with Thrive Agric's Uka EjeThis week I caught up with the founder of Nigeria Agritech, ThriveAgric, while playing football. ThriveAgric provides access to finance, technology-based advice, extension services, and global and local markets to smallholder farmers in Africa. They noticed that smaller farmers faced a lot of problems, and they wanted to provide them with solutions so that they could increase their yield and also assess a larger market.
Uka shared his story of building his business, and he advised founders to take their time to relax, have friends within their startup, and embrace uncertainty. He shares that the key to...2022-08-3030 min
The Grinders TableTaking Risks with Yvonne Bajela (Local Globe)Yvonne Bajela spent time with us on the Grinders Table sharing her experience building a career, following her intuition, taking risks and pivoting throughout her career.
Yvonne invests in startups across the UK & Africa. She is a founding member at Impact X a UK-based venture capital fund founded to invest in companies led by underrepresented entrepreneurs. Over the last five years, Yvonne has invested over £200 million in various startups across Europe, the Middle East and Africa including Wise (formerly TransferWise), Flutterwave and Marshmallow.
---
Send in a voice mes...2022-08-1619 min
The Grinders TableBuilding Teams with Sam Sturm (Founders Factory Africa)This week's episode features a conversation with Sam Sturm, Chief Venture Architect at Founders Factory Africa (FFA). FFA is the go-to innovation partner for startups, investors, governments, and corporates — throughout Africa and beyond. Sam shares insights on the value of relationships, his journey into the venture space, his thoughts on the Venture ecosystem, the myth of talent scarcity and his favourite productivity hacks.
---
Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-grinders-table/message2022-08-0941 min
The Grinders TableZouheir Lakhdissi, The Accidental EntrepreneurThis week I had the opportunity of having a chat with Zouheir Lakhdissi, a Moroccan entrepreneur and founder with more than 22 years of experience in the digital industry and more than 15 years in C-Level positions. Zouheir shares his journey, how he has built his career and why he thinks AI is the future of human existence.
---
Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-grinders-table/message2022-08-0234 min
The Grinders TableConversations with Kristin WilsonIt's officially season 2 of The Grinders Table and to kick off this 'summer' episode is Kristin Wilson. Kristin designs solutions at the confluence of business, culture, and politics in emerging markets. Kriston talks about veering from her medical career to her foray into Princeton, Oxford and Stanford. We deep dive into what success means and her company - Spurt!
---
Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-grinders-table/message2022-07-2633 min
The Grinders TableConversations with Joseph AgunbiadeI spoke with Joseph Agunbiade, Co-founder of BudgIT and founder of Univelcity. Joseph explains his love for physics and how it has influenced his life. He also shared key insights on how he has built a successful career (even if he doesn't regard himself as successful). Finally, Joseph capped our conversation with some amazing book recommendations that you should definitely take a look at.
---
Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-grinders-table/message2022-06-1434 min
The Grinders TableConversations with Prasanth KumarOn the Grinders Table was Prasanth Kumar. Prasanth has held leadership roles in India, Dubai, Morocco to Ghana with a career spanning over 20 years. He shares his lessons learned, failures and key insights from his journey.
---
Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-grinders-table/message2022-05-2532 min
The Grinders TableConversations with Kanini MutooniToday we had Kanini Mutooni on the Grinders Table and I was awed. Kanini has held leadership and board level positions in East Africa, Europe and the US. She shares with us her 'behind the scene' story as well as lessons she learned along the way. Grab a cup of coffee, tea or whatever you like, plug in your headphones and join the conversation.
---
Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-grinders-table/message2022-05-1723 min
The Grinders TableConversations with Olawale AdegokeToday I had the pleasure of chatting with Olawale Adegoke, a serial entrepreneur, who runs two interesting businesses - an outdoor advertising agency and a fantasy sports platform. Olawale shares his journey from construction to real estate and now advertising and sports.
---
Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-grinders-table/message2022-05-1029 min
The Grinders TableConversations with Bola LawalThis week we had Bola Lawal on the Grinders Table. Bola Lawal, an impact Entrepreneur focused on emerging markets, founded ScholarX (LearnAm), an Education Finance platform that helps students access funding to get an education. Bola shares insights and learnings from his journey in 'startuping'.
---
Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-grinders-table/message2022-04-2629 min
The Grinders TableFinding Clarity with Tomilola Majekodunmi (Bankly)This week I had the pleasure of having Tomilola Majekodunmi, CEO of Bankly, on the Grinders Table. Bankly, a Nigerian fintech startup digitizing cash for the unbanked, recently announced a $2 million seed round. Tomi shared insights on her journey and lessons she learned along the way.
Who would you like to have on the Grinders Table?
---
Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-grinders-table/message2022-04-1929 min
The Grinders TableConversation with Temitope EkundayoThis is the longest and most interesting episode yet!!! This week I spent some time chatting with Temitope Ekundayo, co-CEO of Printivo and Co-founder of GetEquity. I have to apologize for butchering his name too!
Temitope shared insights on building a great company, lessons from his journey and how he manages a million and one things at a time.
Honourable mention to Oluyomi Ojo, who birthed Printivo and is now building Cova.
---
Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-grinders-table/message2022-04-0547 min
The Grinders TableConversation with Tomi SolankeThis week I had the pleasure of speaking with Tomi Solanke, Founder of Trove. Trove is one of the pioneer apps in Africa that gives access to American and Chinese stocks, bonds and ETFs for a fractional sum of money, think of it as the Robinhood for Africa. Tomi shares his journey into entrepreneurship, the lessons he learned and his mistakes.
---
Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-grinders-table/message2022-03-2936 min
The Grinders TableConversation with Max CuvellierThis week I'm sharing my conversation with Max Cuvellier, Head of Mobile for Development at GSMA and one of the publishers of one of my favourite newsletters - The Big Deal. Max shares how he grew career-wise, the mistakes he made and his insights on leadership.
Is there anyone you'd like to be on The Grinders Table? Send me a message.
---
Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-grinders-table/message2022-03-0819 min
The Grinders TableConversations with Eman WahbyThis week I had the opportunity of speaking with Eman Wahby, GP of Egypt-based fund Grow in Africa Fund and worked for 13 years in international development with the World Bank. She has experience in working with governments, civil society, youth groups, the private sector, donors and multilateral organizations.
Eman brings fresh perspectives on making career decisions, investing in women and mistakes she made in her illustrious career.
---
Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-grinders-table/message2022-03-0118 min
The Grinders TableConversations with Clive ButkowThis week, we have Clive Butkow on the Grinders Table. Clive is the CEO of Kalon Venture Partners, a disruptive digital technology Venture Capital Fund located in Johannesburg. He was the COO of Accenture South Africa and has a 28-year illustrious management consulting experience. There's so much to unpack in the episode, so grab a seat and join us at the table.
---
Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-grinders-table/message2022-02-2019 min
The Grinders TableConversation with Pamela WagnerThis week I had the pleasure of speaking with Pamela Wagner, founder of Ajala Digital, a certified Google Partner that specializes in mobile, search, video, and display ads. She has helped over 2000+ advertisers from all over the world to achieve 6- & 7-figure results. She shared so many nuggets on building a viable business, the mistakes she made and insights that you will surely find useful in your journey to fulfilment.
---
Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-grinders-table/message2022-02-1319 min
The Grinders TableConversations with Blessing AbengThis week we had a sit-down with Blessing Abeng, Brand and Comms expert who has worked with major brands across industries like Seedstars, Facebook, Taeillo, Diageo, Heritage Bank, Dark and Lovely, Bolt, Lemi Ghariokwu, QuickCheck and more. She is currently the co-founder of Ingressive for Good, where she supports the nonprofit’s mission to increase the earning power of one million African youths through tech training and resources. She spoke about her journey into branding and comms, her dream of becoming a doctor and the sale of a tech startup she cofounded to an African unicorn.
She end...2022-02-0827 min
The Grinders TableConversations with Maxime BayenThis week's conversation is with Maxime Bayen, a Senior Venture Builder for Catalyst Fund at BFA Global, aka The Data King (my nickname for him). He leads the venture building support to Catalyst Fund early-stage startups as well as supports the portfolio startups when it comes to investment readiness.
Maxime shares insights on growing in his career, building teams and getting the best out of work.
He ended this episode with 3 insights:
Work can be fun, can be enjoyable, it doesn't have to be tough
Go for people always, build a good team.
Be c...2022-01-3016 min
The Grinders TableMaking Impact: work-life, health and Balance with Anta Diallo (BPIFrance)Today's conversation is with Anta Diallo, VC Scout, Start-up Advisor and Ecosystem Connector who helps African innovation players connect their ecosystems with the European and international tech hubs. She shares her journey, lowest points and insights on how to grow a more balanced business/career.
She left us with three insights:
What do you really want? You have to know what drives you.
Be conscious of your value and your strength.
Be confident, and if you're not, pretend you are confident.
Is there anyone you'd like us to have a conversation with?2022-01-2320 minThe Grinders TableConversations with Oliver BlanternGrab a seat and join the conversation as I chat with Oliver Blantern, Founder & CEO, Impact Rooms. Impact Rooms offers well-rounded solutions for startup problems, from ensuring that they are investor-ready and are matched with the right investors, to raising capital
Oliver shares his experience and insights from building his career and business. He talks about his favourite podcasts, his 'aha' moment, lessons from his first company and much more.
---
Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-grinders-table/message2022-01-1720 minThe Grinders TableComing soon: The Grinders Table Season 1Tune in to The Grinders Table with Uwem every week to hear from Entrepreneurs, Innovators and C-suite leaders on how they've succeeded in their business or career, failed, pivoted and why they are on the brink of breaking the mold and achieving success.
This podcast is for anyone who wants to learn how to grow their business and career, whether you are just starting on the journey or have experience. You'll get inspired and you might even find some new tools and tricks that might help you reach your own goals.
To recommend guests, email me at uwem.uwem@outlook...2022-01-0601 min
Bigshot Business Podcast026. Your Network Will Give You Access with Uwem UwemakpanI sat down with VP of Fund Operations at Ingressive, Uwem Uwemakpan, to talk about his entrepreneurial journey and what he is seeing on the continent in terms of where Africa is going on the business front.Join me, as we explore the what and how of building a business in Africa.About GuestUwem is a Startup Coach and investor in early-stage startups. He helps entrepreneurs gain the clarity they need to turn their idea/passions into profitable businesses. Uwem is the VP, Fund Operations at...2021-03-3141 min
Subject Thread PodcastVenture Capital and Entrepreneurship in Lagos, Nigeria with Uwem Uwemakpan S 02 E 06Entrepreneurship, venture capital, technology, and ai intelligence all markers of the 21st century, and Uwem Uwemakpan is no stranger to any of those words. A start-up coach, entrepreneur, and a venture capital partner at Ingressive Capital are what his resume exudes but there’s more to the man than that just his accolades. He understands the notion of community, consistency, and the ability to keep going and that’s what he has been achieving throughout Sub-Saharan Africa wearing many hats in the entrepreneurial world. Currently, he is wearing the hat of a venture partner at Ingressive Capital a VC that...2021-02-0440 min
Honey PodEp 10: 5 Questions with Uwem UwemakpanUwem Uwemakpan is a Startup Coach and investor in early-stage startups. He helps entrepreneurs gain the clarity they need to turn their idea/passions into profitable businesses. He is the Director of Fund Operations at Ingressive Capital, a venture capital firm focused on funding the next generation of African innovators across Sub-saharan Africa. He has affiliations with reputable organizations like Startup Grind, SXSW Pitch, Startupbootcamp Africa, Africa Entrepreneurship Awards, Tony Elumelu Foundation, Global Startup Ecosystem, and Injinni (Africa’s first edtech incubator). I asked Uwem 5 questions about his business journey and he shared these amazing nuggets.
Fo...2020-06-0815 min
The Global Startup Movement - Startup Ecosystem Leaders, Global Entrepreneurship, and Emerging Market InnovationDeveloping the Lagos EcosystemUwem Uwemakpan is the Programme Manager for the Tony Elumelu Foundation, one of the largest Pan-African Entrepreneurship Programs which convenes the biggest gathering of African Entrepreneurs yearly. Uwem is also the Lagos Chapter Director of Silicon Valley based Startup Grind and manages the community team and initiatives. He drives 'The Afropreneur Network', an initiative dedicated to growing the African Entrepreneur and also sits on the 2018 Advisory Board of the South By Southwest (SXSW) Accelerator, Injini (Africa's EdTech Incubator), and the Lagos ambassador for Startupbootcamp. He believes entrepreneurship is key to Africa's development and as such invests his time and resources...2019-06-0400 min
The AfropreneurEp62: Business Lessons from Lion HeartThere is so much buzz about Lion Heart – the first Netflix original film produced in Nigeria, and directed by Nollywood actress, Genevieve Nnaji. While the movie was such a breadth of fresh air, we decided to pick business lessons from it (just like we did with Game of Thrones). Here [...]2019-01-2100 minThe AfropreneurEp61: What investors look out forAccess to finance is one problem that limits Entrepreneurs across Africa. However, sometimes it’s not about the availability of funding but about being Investor ready (which we discussed in one of our previous episodes). In this episode, we pick the brains of an exceptional investor, Luni Libes, Founder & Managing Director of [...]2019-01-1500 minThe AfropreneurEp60: Start 2019 With a BangHappy New Year Afropreneurs!!!! Welcome to 2019!!! We are super excited about this new year and we hope you are too. What is so exciting you might ask? GOALS! Our Goals are making us excited. The beautiful thing about goals is, they give you something to look forward to. This [...]2019-01-0800 minThe AfropreneurEp59: Quality Vs QuantityAt a meetup recently, we discussed with a few entrepreneurs and we discovered that a lot of them struggled with knowing which to put first – Quality or Quantity. They struggled with knowing which mattered more and we realized this problem was not unique to them. With our high population and [...]2018-09-0200 minThe AfropreneurEp58: Being Efficient vs. Being ThoroughIn our last episode, we featured Onyeka Akumah, CEO of Farmcrowdy, Nigeria’s first Digital Agriculture Platform, where he spoke about Being Investor Ready. This week we are analyzing two amazing concepts and pitching them against each other – being efficient vs. being thorough. When we googled the meaning of thorough these [...]2018-08-2300 minThe AfropreneurEp57: Are you Investor Ready? Conversation with Onyeka Akumah of Farmcrowdy Part 2In our last episode we featured Onyeka Akumah, CEO of Farmcrowdy, Nigeria’s first Digital Agriculture Platform. Onyeka gives us tips on how to and make your startup attract that investment you need. What do investors look out for? Team – the people and history Team – competence Team – chemistry/blend The [...]2018-08-1400 minThe AfropreneurEp56: Are you Investor Ready? Conversation with Onyeka Akumah of Farmcrowdy Part 1As Entrepreneurs you will need funding for your startup at one time or the other, many get confused about the best source of funding per time. What are the types of funding that exist? Personal savings Friends, Family & Fools (FFF) Grants Angel investors Venture Capitalists Bank Loans The entrepreneur [...]2018-08-1000 minThe AfropreneurEp55: Building a strong brand as an EntrepreneurMany startups founders and entrepreneurs are caught between building their personal brands or focusing on the brands of their startups or businesses. While there really isn’t a clear cut position on which brand (personal or company) you should focus on at the different stages of your startup, it is still [...]2018-07-2600 minThe AfropreneurEp54: You cannot do it aloneThe World Cup has come and gone, with all the fanfare and drama! France was the standout team for one reason – Teamwork! As a startup founder / entrepreneur we often struggle with recruiting people into our team for various reasons, however good teamwork is essential in all organisations. It [...]2018-07-1700 minThe AfropreneurEp53: What they do not tell you about EntrepreneurshipEntrepreneurship to many people is an escape from the 9-5 life. It creates a door to “freedom” especially as people feel like they are their own boss. Many quotes and founder stories give the impression that as an entrepreneur you get to call the shots, e.g. You can wake up [...]2018-07-1100 minThe AfropreneurEp52: Failure, the requirement for SuccessWho likes to fail? Surely no one I know. Besides, failure is an integral part of our journey as entrepreneurs, why then do we run away from it (I am not saying we should aim to fail)? We believe there is a lot we can learn from failures, ours and other [...]2018-02-1100 minThe AfropreneurEp51: Goals Vs ResolutionsHappy New Year!!!! We are super excited to bring you our first podcast for the year. The year always begins with a ton of people making promises, goals and resolutions on how they intend the new year to be. However, statistics show that over 70% do not follow through. No [...]2018-01-2200 minThe AfropreneurEp50: A guide to building a buzzworthy brand50 episodes!!! Wow! Thank you for joining in this journey of learning, we have lots more in store you and will be unveiling our plans as they mature. What makes the best companies standout? Is it their brand colours, logo, product, services, staff? What makes a product or service great? [...]2017-11-1400 minThe AfropreneurEp49: Should Startups Outsource?What exactly is ‘Outsourcing’? and why should businesses even consider it? Outsourcing is the practice of having certain job functions done outside a company instead of having an in-house department or employee handle them; functions can be outsourced to either a company or an individual. Businesses outsource for a number [...]2017-11-0800 minThe AfropreneurEp48: Becoming a Strategic Entrepreneur ft Jonah UleborWhile preparing the podcast for this week we came across a recording from one of our Startup Grind Lagos meetups and thought it wise to share with you all. Business, as we all know, isn’t the easiest to succeed in especially if you take the socio-economic challenges entrepreneurs face in [...]2017-10-2500 minThe AfropreneurEp47: Lessons from the TEF Forum 2017The Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurship Programme is the most inclusive gathering of African entrepreneurs, where over 54 African countries represented met with business leaders, established entrepreneurs and policymakers to forge partnerships, share insights and fashion Africa-made solutions to accelerate the transformation of Africa and we were there live! With about a thousand [...]2017-10-1600 minThe AfropreneurEp46: Understanding Your Target Market Ft Didi UwemakpanDear Afropreneur, The bedrock of a product, service or a business starts with a solid understanding of your target market. Your product is designed specially for this group of people. Their needs form the bedrock of the solution your product/service addresses. A product cannot be for everybody. It can be [...]2017-09-1200 minThe AfropreneurEp45: Business Lessons from Game of ThronesDear Entrepreneur, This week we decided to explore the business lessons from the most unlikely source – Game of Thrones. Game of Thrones, the fantasy series on HBO, is a drama series that is mostly about loyalty and conflict resolution. With such an amazing story line of power, love and wars, [...]2017-08-2200 minThe AfropreneurEp44: Money Vs NetworkWhat is most important to the budding entrepreneur, money or network? I’m sure a lot of people will scream money! What is a business without capital to run it? Especially with the fact that the African Entrepreneurs is the ‘government’ to him/herself. He/She has to provide power, water, pay premium [...]2017-08-1500 minThe AfropreneurEp43: The Importance of Rest to Entrepreneurs ft Chiamaka ObuekweEntrepreneurs seldom find time to rest and it’s quite understandable because to succeed in this part of the world you need full dedication to your business. The endless obligations and drive to reach our set targets so as to keep the business alive makes us ignore our health. However, rest [...]2017-08-0700 min