In a bid to foster the growth of startups in Nigeria, Zoho for Startups has joined forces with #StartupSouth, an ecosystem development and advocacy organisation.
Zoho for Startups and #StartupSouth, bringing forth several advantages for the Nigerian startup ecosystem, aim to provide financial support, access to Zoho apps, and educational programs to these startups
Uche Aniche, representing #StartupSouth, highlighted the importance of supporting startups, emphasizing their role in driving economic value. He noted, “For startups, it is true that 90% fail. But what is also true is that the 10% that succeed create huge value in the economy.”
The partnership offers tangible benefits, including access to Zoho Wallet credits worth N470,000, access to a suite of 55+ Zoho apps and services, and participation in educational programs. This initiative aligns with global trends where governments are recognising the key role of startups in economic development and actively supporting their growth.
#STARTUPSOUTH, led by Uche Aniche, has been a driving force in ecosystem development and advocacy, particularly focusing on high-impact ventures in Nigeria’s South-South and Southeast regions. Aniche emphasized the need to decentralise startup activities beyond Lagos, Nigeria’s economic hub, stating, “We want to make sure that everyone doesn’t have to flock to Lagos for economic opportunities.”
He further explained that #StartupSouth is not just an organisation but a “community of communities,” with over 15,000 members working towards creating economic opportunities across the country. This community has already produced successful companies, and the program with Zoho is set to further empower startups.
The collaboration between #StartupSouth and Zoho for Startups is not merely a partnership; it’s a meeting of shared values and objectives. Aniche pointed out the alignment between the two entities, highlighting Zoho’s mission to localism and establishing offices in rural locations rather than concentrating solely in major cities. This is in line with #StartupSouth’s goal to extend economic opportunities beyond urban centers.
Aniche commended Zoho’s intentionality in building simple, easy-to-use products and its focus on understanding and serving specific communities. He noted, “What was even more valuable to me was the fact that they are very intentional about what they can do and who they are building for.”
He further acknowledged the positive impact of the Zoho for Startups program on the community, with members utilising Zoho Wallet credits to access tools and resources. The collaboration aims to raise awareness about digitalisation and also to drive core product innovation among startups.
Ali Shabdar, Regional Director, MEA, Zoho, expressed Zoho’s commitment to serving communities and reports on the success of similar programs in Dubai. He mentioned, “We managed to serve more than 4000 Dubai-based companies, amounting to $5 billion in investment.”
The Zoho for Startups partnership with #StartupSouth signifies a heightened step towards bolstering the Nigerian startup ecosystem. As the collaboration goes deeper, it promises to empower startups, drive innovation, and contribute significantly to the economic growth of Nigeria. This strategic alliance exemplifies the potential impact when organisations with aligned values join forces to uplift and support emerging businesses.
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