Determined to expose the investment opportunities in Nigeria, 500 Startups, in partnership with Ingressive and African Technology Foundation, is to host the inaugural Africa’s edition of ‘Geeks on a Plane’ programme in Lagos, the Nigerian economic capital, from the 20th-23rd of this month.
In a statement made available to The Guardian yesterday, the Founding Partner at 500 Startups, Mr. Dave McClure, said the programme would engage local thought leaders and ecosystem drivers in a series of events and activities meant to celebrate Nigeria’s entrepreneurial talents, highlight disruptive technologies as well as showcase available investment opportunities in the country.
His words: “The African region is definitely of interest to 500 as we continue to look for and source deals from traditionally under-represented ecosystems. While we invest 70 per cent in the United Sates, 30 per cent of our deals are spread across 60 different countries currently.
“Through Geeks on a Plane, we are looking to build stronger relationships with investors on the ground, maybe even find a few startups to invest in, and have a lot of fun with local nerds.
“The key tour activities in Lagos will include taste of Nigeria which would feature a techno-cultural journey across major ecosystems and culinary touch points; Seedstars World which comprises a pitch event showcasing diverse and game-changing Nigerian startups; Geeks Meet Nollywood which is a star-studded red carpet event that explores the intersection between African media and technology solutions; Space Apps Nigeria that will also feature a showcase of the next generation of Africa’s youthful innovators and VC Unlocked which will showcase where Dave and team will unlock the secrets of Silicon Valley Investing.”
The Regional Partner, African Technology Foundation, Mr. Oluseye Soyode-Johnson, further stated that the tour would expose the Geeks to the depth of innovation activities in Lagos, and showcase the diversity of entrepreneurial activities.
He went on: “Much has been said about Nigeria’s potential to consistently create Africa’s leading technology ventures that have the potential to scale globally.
“Following the visit to Lagos, the Geeks will travel to Accra, Ghana where they will be further immersed in innovation activities across West Africa. They will meet with business leaders, attend conferences, visit co-working spaces and share venture-creation ideas with key ecosystem leaders and investors. The tour will move on to South Africa where they will learn how innovation actors in Johannesburg and Cape Town have blazed the trail and led entrepreneurial activities in Southern Africa.”
Source:© Copyright Guardian Online
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