Quick Read:
- UK-funded Green Business Building (GBB) Accelerator aims to build a new generation of green industries in Nigeria
- GBB Accelerator helps green manufacturing startups unlock growth through tailored, expert led advisory, peer learning and investor access.
- First cohort of six Nigerian startups pitch innovations to investors at event in Lagos
The British High Commission in Nigeria and Manufacturing Africa hosted an Investor Night where six innovative Nigerian startups from the UK funded Green Business Building (GBB) Accelerator Programme pitched their sustainable manufacturing solutions to potential investors following 16 weeks of intensive business development training and mentorship.
The featured green businesses cover a broad range of industries extending from renewable energy, recycling, organic agriculture and electric mobility.
The startups – GreenSpace Recycling, Sirius-X Energy, Auxano Solar, Taeillo, ZOOMe and Veggie Victory presented their business models and opportunities to a room of venture capitalists, impact investors, and ecosystem stakeholders. The pitching session marked a key milestone in their journey, aimed at unlocking funding and strategic partnerships.
Designed in a pitch den format, the evening included presentations from the cohort companies, offering insights into their innovative climate friendly business models and the potential for scaling their ventures to create lasting economic and environmental impact.
The businesses also received real-time feedback from funders including potential offers for funding.
Attendees at the event included Jonny Baxter, UK Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria and other representatives from the High Commission in Nigeria, prominent investors and key stakeholders from the sustainable business ecosystem in Nigeria.
Designed to catalyse investment in Nigeria’s green industrial growth, the accelerator is part of the UK’s and Nigeria’s commitment to growing and scaling small, innovative businesses to deliver growth and create new direct and indirect jobs across green industries in Nigeria.
Simon Field, deputy head of Mission, British Deputy High Commission in Lagos said,
“Manufacturing is Nigeria’s future, and these businesses show how it can also be greener, more inclusive, and globally competitive. I have nothing but confidence in the programme we’re funding. Every pitch tonight was professional, inspiring, and full of ambition.”
Kemi Onabanjo, Manufacturing Africa Nigeria Country Lead commented thus:
“Tonight was all about celebrating progress and creating profitable connections. We are celebrating the progress these incredible founders have made on their journey with the GBB programme, as well as the impact they are already having. It was also about creating connections that bridge the gap between innovation and investment, connecting promising ventures with the capital, networks, and partners needed to scale their impact.
The startup founders commended the programme as follows:
Jumoke Dada, CEO, Taeillo said,
“GBB is hands-on, they take the heavy lifting off you and help you execute. We now have real clarity on our next steps and a plan we can run with.”
Adedayo Odunlami, CEO, ZOOMe said,
“The level of diligence and attention to detail from the team was world-class. They’ve helped us evolve, as a business and as founders, and connected us to an incredible network.”
