The Grinders Table Uwem Uwemakpan

In 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 first tech business and how these experiences shaped his approach to investing.



We also discussed the evolution of the African tech ecosystem, noting the significant growth in venture capital and the need for more local participation and liquidity in local markets.



It was an insightful conversation with Kola Aina, filled with valuable lessons on entrepreneurship, investment, and the art of maintaining balance in life.


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Join 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.


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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.




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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 the tech industry and uncover the importance of building genuine relationships for fundraising success.



We'll also delve into the social media habits of founders, the challenges in maintaining an online persona, and how to navigate the complex landscape of social media work culture.



Join us for this exciting exploration of entrepreneurial beginnings and the power of networking.


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Today, 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.


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In 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.

Listeners will get a behind-the-scenes look at the early days of Jumia, including the challenges and high-pressure environment that come with building a brand destined to scale across multiple markets. Massi reflects on working closely with the initial co-founders Tunde and Rafael in Lagos and the evolution of Jumia from its initial websites to the renowned brand it is today.

Tune in for an insightful conversation filled with valuable stories and learnings from a key player in the growth of Africa's e-commerce ecosystem.


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