Linda Rottenberg, the Global CEO of Endeavor, made a unique visit to Nigeria from July 6th to 9th, 2024.
This visit celebrated the country’s vibrant tech industry and entrepreneurial vigor.
Organised by Endeavor Nigeria’s Managing Director and CEO, Ireayomide Oladunjoye, the series of events sought to cultivate partnerships, enhance digital innovation, and support emerging tech leaders.
Joy Mabia, Marketing and Communications Manager at Endeavor Nigeria, highlighted that the visit began with a meeting between Linda Rottenberg and Olugbenga ‘GB’ Agboola, CEO of Flutterwave and Endeavor Nigeria board member.
Their discussion centered around the fintech sector’s growth and its indispensable role in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Linda Rottenberg also engaged with the media, participating in press interviews with tech journalists from Nigeria, including Tage Kene-Okafor (TechCrunch), Dámiláre Dòsùnmú (Rest of World), Ganiu Oloruntade (TechCabal), Emeka Ajene (AfriDigest), David Afolarin (TechNext), and Dennis Da-ala Mirilla (Pulse).
During these interviews, she shared her insights on Endeavor’s mission, achievements, and future plans in the region, emphasising the importance of grooming local talent and enabling a solid entrepreneurial environment.
A dynamic networking event was held afterwards, where Linda engaged with founders and pipeline entrepreneurs from Endeavor Nigeria’s portfolio companies, providing valuable insights and engagement.
Attendees included Josh Chibueze of PiggyVest, Ngozi and Chijioke Dozie from Carbon, Obi Emetarom of Zone, Olugbenga ‘GB’ Agboola of Flutterwave, Mudiaga Mowoe of Matta, Emeka Emetarom of Qore, Tayo Oviosu from Paga, Etop Ikpe of Autocheck, Chinedu Azodoh of MAX, Peter Bunor of Field, Olumide Fayankin from Vendease, Anu Adedoyin Adasolum of Sabi, Benjamen Oladokun of Shekel Mobility, Tomilola Majekodunmi from Bankly, and Daumantas Dvilinskas of TransferGo.
On the second day, Bolaji Balogun, chairman of the Endeavor Nigeria Board and CEO of Chapel Hill Denham, gave an in-depth presentation on the Nigerian digital industry. This presentation shed light on the unique opportunities and challenges within the country’s digital sector.
The presentation was attended by notable individuals such as Phil Southwell, Partner at Chapel Hill Denham; Akeem Shadare, Managing Director at Chapel Hill Denham Securities; Mojisola Adeniyi from Chapel Hill Denham’s Investment Bank; Tosin Dabiri, Acting Managing Director at SME.NG; Frances Ajumobi, Retail Strategy at Chapel Hill Denham; Viva Obioha, Chief People Officer at Chapel Hill Denham; and Ori Rewane, Director of Corporate Development at Chapel Hill Denham.
Several Endeavor Nigeria Board Members including Christian Wessels, CEO of Daystar Power; Sari El-Khalil, Chief Transformation Officer at Seven-Up Bottling Company; Derin Adebayo, Manager of Entrepreneur Selection at Endeavor Global; and Ayobami Olajide, Senior Associate of Entrepreneur Selection and Growth at Endeavor Nigeria, also attended.
Later, Linda Rottenberg and Bolaji Balogun virtually met with the Honorable Minister for Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy. Dr. Bosun Tijani.
Their discussions focused on the government’s role in supporting the tech ecosystem, creating jobs, and fostering an environment that enables businesses to thrive.
The conversation also covered the proposed collaboration with Endeavor Nigeria on the 3MTT program, which aims to train three million people in tech talents, highlighting the commitment to nurturing local talent and driving digital skills development.
Attendees included Francis Sani, technical adviser, Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Capital to the Honourable Minister for Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy and Chisom Amadi Lead, 3MTT Partnerships and Placements.
The day concluded with an event dedicated to female founders and executives in Nigeria, underscoring the importance of diversity and inclusion in the tech industry.
The event featured a fireside chat between Linda Rottenberg and Rolake Akinkugbe-Filani, Host of Business Week, Arise TV.
This event was an opportunity to engage directly with one of the world’s foremost leaders in entrepreneurship to foster a supportive and inclusive environment for female entrepreneurs.
It emphasized the need to amplify women at every stage of their journey to ensure a vibrant and inclusive ecosystem. Despite female-led companies in Africa attracting less than 5% of venture capital, the future should include female entrepreneurs getting equal access to capital, resources, and leadership opportunities. This event was sponsored by SME.NG and Alitheia Capital.
The final day featured a series of strategic meetings with Endeavor Entrepreneurs such as Tayo Oviosu and Jay Alabraba of Paga, Board Members such as Christian Wessels of Daystar Power, investors such as Tosin Faniro-Dada of Breega, and journalists such as Anthony Osae Brown of Bloomberg and Tage Kene-Okafor of TechCrunch.
These discussions were pivotal in strengthening relationships, exploring investment opportunities, and furthering Endeavor’s mission of supporting high-impact entrepreneurs who drive economic growth and job creation.
Linda Rottenberg’s visit to Nigeria reaffirmed Endeavor’s dedication to nurturing entrepreneurship and fostering a collaborative ecosystem.
The series of events highlighted Endeavor’s role in driving innovation, supporting entrepreneurs, and contributing to Nigeria’s socio-economic development.
