The Grinders Table Uwem Uwemakpan

This 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.


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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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