Tariye Gbadegesin Appointed CEO Of The Climate Investment Funds

The Trust Fund Committee of the Climate Investment Funds (CIF) announced today the appointment of Tariye Gbadegesin as Chief Executive Officer, effective March 2024. Tariye will lead one of the world’s largest multilateral climate funds with over $11Bn pledged, pioneering clean energy transitions, nature-based solutions and resilience in over 70 developing countries.

She joins CIF after holding leadership positions in infrastructure and climate finance as the CEO of ARM-Harith Infrastructure Investments, a leading Pan-African infrastructure fund investing in energy transition and climate resilient infrastructure, and as the Co-Chair of the Voluntary Carbon Markets Integrity Initiative (VCMI), an international organization enabling high-integrity voluntary carbon markets for climate action.  

Tariye is a seasoned climate finance executive with over 20 years of experience investing in emerging markets and developing economies, including significant experience in mobilizing private capital for climate action and supporting policy design for energy transition finance and implementation. In her recent career, she has structured and delivered over $3bn in large-scale energy, infrastructure and industrial investments and has designed and structured multiple complex blended finance funds, platforms, and syndications, mobilizing capital from the private sector, multilateral development banks and concessional windows.

Previously, she worked at the International Monetary Fund, the Boston Consulting Group, Price Waterhouse Coopers, and the Africa Finance Corporation.

Tariye has served as an advisor on multiple climate and economic development organizations including as member of the Climate Policy Initiative’s (CPI) Global Innovation Lab for Climate Finance; the Infrastructure Advisory Committee for the United Nations Principles for Responsible Investing (PRI); the African Advisory Board of the Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero (GFANZ); and the Advisory Council of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC).

A US and Nigerian national, Tariye holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Amherst College and an MBA from Harvard Business School.

“I am deeply honored to join the Climate Investment Funds to accelerate collective climate action. Developing countries are at the forefront of the climate crisis, and we will only meet this decisive moment by working together to scale climate finance where it is needed most,” said Tariye Gbadegesin. “This is an exciting time for the global community, as we seek to build a multilateral system fit for purpose to keep 1.5C alive while lifting millions out of poverty. With six multilateral development bank partners and 15 years of experience delivering pioneering climate finance, CIF is uniquely placed to deliver in this new era.”

CIF Trust Fund Committee Co-Chairs, Bob Natifu of Uganda and Edward Webber of the United Kingdom, noted that this appointment, decided by consensus of all committee members, comes at a critical time. Tariye Gbadegesin was selected following a highly competitive international recruitment process featuring outstanding global climate leaders. “Tariye is a trailblazer, a strategic thinker and relationship-builder with deep expertise, knowledge and experience in climate finance,” they said. “We have no time to lose, and she brings the drive and vision needed to deliver now for our planet.”  

The Trust Fund Committee Co-Chairs also expressed their gratitude to Luis Tineo, CIF’s interim CEO, for his steady leadership during the transition phase. Luis will continue as Interim CEO until March 2024.

Tariye Gbadegesin replaces Mafalda Duarte, who left in July 2023 to lead the Green Climate Fund.

Source: www.cif.org

APPLICATIONS CLOSE NEXT WEEK – APPLY NOW FOR THE 2023 ARM LABS LAGOS TECHSTARS ACCELERATOR PROGRAM

LAGOS, Nigeria, August 4, 2023 – 

Calling all early-stage startups based in Africa! The 2023 ARM Labs Lagos Techstars Accelerator Program is now accepting applications until August 9, 2023. Don’t miss this opportunity to receive up to $120,000 in investment and be a part of this transformative program! 

In partnership with ARM Labs, a Lagos-based innovation program, Techstars, the most active pre-seed investor in the world, is thrilled to announce the call for applications for its highly sought-after accelerator program. Following the success of the inaugural program in 2022, this year’s edition will focus on early-stage Africa-based startups. 

The three-month, in-person program will be held in Lagos, Nigeria. During the first month, selected startups will receive hands-on training and interact with over 100 Techstars mentors to refine their value proposition. The second month will feature guest speakers, tailored workshops, and one-on-one support to help founders execute and accelerate their businesses. The third month will be dedicated to preparing the startups for fundraising and building crucial investor relationships. 

The ARM Labs Techstars Lagos program is Techstars’ only on-ground accelerator in Africa and is supported by key ecosystem leaders in Africa, including Ashim Egunjobi, Partner at Octerra Capital, Tunde Kehinde, Founding member of Jumia and Founder and CEO of Lidya, Olumide Soyombo, Partner at Voltron Capital, Alice Tomdio, Chief Financial Officer of YellowCard, Amandine Lobelle, Chief Operating Officer of Paystack, and Adedeji Olowe, Founder and CEO of Lendsqr. 

Act Now – Applications Close on August 9, 2023 

Founders are encouraged to submit their applications early as they will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to accelerate your startup’s growth and gain access to a global network of mentors, investors, and partners. 

The program will commence on November 13, 2023, and conclude with a Demo Day showcase on February 15, 2024. Last year’s invite-only Demo Day had over 400+ attendees in person, with an additional 2,500+ people streaming the event live on YouTube and LinkedIn. 

About Techstars:  

Techstars is the most active pre-seed investor in the world, having invested through its accelerators in more than 3,700 companies with a combined market cap of $99 billion. Founded in 2006, Techstars believes that entrepreneurs create a better future for everyone, and great ideas can come from anywhere. Its mission is to invest in an unprecedented number of startups per year, enabling more capital to flow to more entrepreneurs worldwide. Techstars operates accelerator programs and venture capital funds, connecting startups, investors, corporations, and cities to build thriving startup communities. Learn more at www.techstars.com. 

About ARM:  

Established in 1994, ARM is a leading investment management firm providing a wide range of wealth management services to a substantial and diversified client base, including corporations, foundations and charities, high net-worth individuals, and small savers. For more details, visit https://www.arm.com.ng/. 

 

Media Contacts:  

ARM Labs Lagos Techstars Accelerator:  

Oluwadunni Fanibe 

[email protected] 

 

Techstars: 

Amalia Lytle 

[email protected] 

 

 

ARM Labs Innovation Program 5.0 Applications Closed

Thank you for your overwhelming response to the ARM Labs Innovation Program 5.0! We have received an incredible number of innovative applications, exceeding our expectations.

Our team is currently reviewing all the submissions to select the most promising ideas. We appreciate your patience as we carefully evaluate each entry.

Stay tuned for updates on the next steps of the program. We will notify selected participants and provide further information on the program timeline.

Thank you again for your enthusiasm and participation in the ARM Labs Innovation Program.

For more news and updates, make sure to follow our website and social media channels.

 

ARM launches Innovation Workspace in Lagos

Assets and Resource Management Holding company (ARMHoldco) has launched a state-of-the-art Innovation Workspace for fintech startups selected in the ARM Labs Innovation Programme. The workspace, which is located at its headquarters in Ikoyi, Lagos was birthed in fulfilment of the organisation’s commitment to providing a well-equipped location where these startups can develop their businesses and gain access to mentors within the ecosystem. The facility is equipped with access to Wi-Fi, designated workstations, a PS5 entertainment console to sponsor relaxation, a meeting room, and a communal area.

ARM Labs Innovation Programme is designed to engage early-stage FinTech startups in a series of activities aimed at exponentially advancing the growth of their companies within a short time frame and ensuring their investment readiness.

At the launch of the facility, the startups were welcomed by the Group Head, Digital Transformation, Ina Alogwu, who gave them a tour of the workspace.

Speaking at the launch, the Managing Director, ARM Pensions, Wale Odutola, said that the platform presents startups with the opportunity to scale their businesses and help fine-tune how they go to market. According to him, it also helps them to build business relationships within and outside Nigeria. He encouraged the participants to spend time taking advantage of the training and leverage it.

Odutola said “It is not every day you have the opportunity to partner with an established firm that has over a million clients and focuses on course development and services. We are also a business that tends to be more protective of the things we create. This is a great opportunity to test the extent of our mentorship and hopefully come out on the other side transformed and ready to break new ground.”

Odutola further promised that ARM Labs is open to having conversations with the startups about opportunities with any of ARM subsidiaries they believe they can provide value to. “The team will help you make those introductions so that you can have those conversations,” he assured.

The Managing Director, ARM Academy, Uche Azubuike, said the ARM Labs Innovation programme is a learning environment and encouraged the startups to be open about any resources they may need.

“The reason you are here is so that you can interact with different businesses. Because we believe that way, we can add value to whatever you are working on building. Don’t limit yourself. You have the opportunity to do as much as you can,” she said.

About ARM

Established in 1994, ARM is a leading Nigerian diversified and integrated asset management group firm that offers wealth creation solutions and opportunities through a unique blend of traditional asset management and alternative investment services to retail, high net worth, and institutional investors.
ARM currently manages total assets of approximately N1.6 trillion (as of December 2021) arm.com.ng

 

Applications are now open for ARM Labs Innovation Program 5.0

As a leading investment firm in Nigeria, we understand the critical role that startups play in driving economic growth and development. We are thrilled to announce that the 5th Cohort of the ARM Labs Innovation Program is now open for applications.

What is the ARM Labs Innovation Program?

The ARM Labs Innovation Program is an intensive support program for selected Nigerian startups. The program aims to improve their products, expand their market, and strengthen their team skillset to enhance their chances of success.

What’s new in the 5th Cohort?

This year’s Innovation program has been expanded to accommodate FinTech, PenTech (Pension Tech), Data Intelligence, and Digital Trade startups. With a focus on empowering Nigeria’s future leaders, we aim to discover and support potential startups in these categories.

What’s in it for the startups?

Selected startups will receive up to $50,000 in funding, a state-of-the-art office workspace, hands-on mentorship from industry experts, and access to an investor network. These benefits will provide the selected startups with the resources they need to take their businesses to the next level.

Why should you apply?

This program represents a unique opportunity for Nigeria’s brightest and most innovative minds to showcase their potential and significantly impact the economy. By supporting the most promising startups, we are investing in the future of Nigeria.

How can you apply?

If you or anyone you know has a startup that fits into the listed categories, we encourage you to apply for this opportunity. Interested applicants can click here to apply and learn more about the program. Applications will close on June 15th, 2023.

We are excited to witness the impact that the 5th Cohort of the ARM Labs Innovation Program will have on Nigeria’s startup ecosystem. We encourage you to share this opportunity with any promising startups that you know and look forward to receiving your applications.

Apply here

ARM Wraps Up DAAYTA 2023 Announces Winner Of ₦12m Grant

The fifth edition of the Deji Alli ARM Young Talent Award (DAAYTA) program came to a successful conclusion through a virtual pitch event, and Captain Natima Opuiyo of Natibo Technologies emerged as winner of N12 million grant.

The program was established in honor of ARM’s founding CEO, Deji Alli, to support young entrepreneurs with innovative and sustainable ideas capable of impacting society positively. After a rigorous review of over 450 applications from start-up entrepreneurs across Nigeria, seven outstanding companies were selected to pitch their ideas. The selected startups were Cdial Limited, Moon Innovations, Natibo Technologies Nigeria Limited, Sakula Limited, StackJunior, Strich, Inc., and ThinkBikes Limited.

The finalists delivered captivating pitches, demonstrating their ingenuity and the potential of their technologies to disrupt various industries. A panel of judges, comprising industry experts, entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, tech enthusiasts, and seasoned professionals, evaluated the pitches and selected the winner. The winner of DAAYTA 2023 received funding of ₦12,000,000 (twelve million naira) over a period of one (1) year for the following purposes: development of business plan, completing of an entrepreneurial education at the Pan Atlantic University’s Enterprise Development Centre (EDC) in Lagos, Nigeria, and receiving 5-month acceleration support for the development of their venture through a reputable entrepreneurial hub in Lagos, Nigeria.

The DAAYTA program is a testament to ARM’s commitment to supporting start-ups and providing them access to new markets. The virtual event held on April 14, 2023, witnessed enthusiastic participation from entrepreneurs, investors, and industry experts.

The CEO of ARM Group, Jumoke Ogundare, said in her opening remarks, “We are thrilled with the level of innovation and creativity displayed by the finalists of DAAYTA 2023. The ideas presented were truly exceptional, and we are excited to see how these young entrepreneurs will continue to positively impact their communities and contribute to the growth of the Nigerian economy.”

In addition, the CEO congratulated all the finalists and the winner of DAAYTA 2023, stressing that one of the major purposes of the program was to encourage collaboration within the DAAYTA alumni network.

A unique addition to the DAAYTA 2023 is the introduction of the DAAYTA Alumni Impact Award. The award was created to reaffirm the commitment to supporting the start-ups in the ecosystem and further deepening the relationship with the alumni through closer engagement, interaction, connections, and continuous support for their business growth.

The winners of the DAAYTA Alumni Impact Award were Fela Akinse, the founder of SALUBATA (DAAYTA 2021 edition), Boluwatife Omotayo, the founder of GAMP Technology, (DAAYTA 2022), and Uche Kenneth Udekwe, the founder of Natal Cares (DAAYTA 2021).

About ARM:

ARM is a leading investment management firm that provides diverse asset management services to a broad and diversified client base, including corporations, foundations and charities, high net-worth individuals, and small savers. Established in 1994 as an asset management firm, Asset & Resource Management Holding Company Limited (ARM) has evolved into one of Nigeria’s most innovative and respected non-bank financial institutions focusing on Traditional Asset Management and Specialized Funds.  For more information about ARM or the DAAYTA Program, visit www.arm.com.ng

About TechnoVision

TechnoVision is the brand name for TechnoVision Communications Limited— a technology services company that advises clients on technology-led transformation and early-stage entrepreneurship in Africa. See http://tvcng.com/ for more details. For more information about visit www.tvcng.com.

ARM’s DAAYTA 2023: Celebrating Five Years of Supporting Young Entrepreneurs in Nigeria

ARM’s Deji Alli ARM Young Talent Award (DAAYTA) program has successfully concluded its fifth edition with a virtual pitch event held on April 14th, 2023. The program was established in honor of ARM’s founding CEO, Deji Alli, to support young entrepreneurs with innovative and sustainable ideas capable of impacting society positively. After a rigorous review of over 450 applications from start-up entrepreneurs across Nigeria, seven outstanding companies were selected to pitch their ideas. The selected startups were Cdial Limited, Moon Innovations, Natibo Technologies Nigeria Limited, Sakula Limited, StackJunior, Strich, Inc., and ThinkBikes Limited.

The finalists delivered captivating pitches, demonstrating their ingenuity and the potential of their technologies to disrupt various industries. A panel of judges, comprising industry experts, entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, tech enthusiasts, and seasoned professionals, evaluated the pitches and selected the winner. The winner of DAAYTA 2023, subject to the Terms & Conditions, will receive funding of ₦12,000,000 (twelve million naira) over a period of one (1) year for the following purposes: developing their business plan, completing an entrepreneurial education at the Pan Atlantic University’s Enterprise Development Centre (EDC) in Lagos, Nigeria, and receiving 5-month acceleration support for the development of their venture through a reputable entrepreneurial hub in Lagos, Nigeria.

The DAAYTA program is a testament to ARM’s commitment to supporting start-ups and providing them access to new markets. The virtual event held on April 14, 2023, witnessed enthusiastic participation from entrepreneurs, investors, and industry experts. The CEO of ARM Group, Jumoke Ogundare, said in her opening remarks, “We are thrilled with the level of innovation and creativity displayed by the finalists of DAAYTA 2023. The ideas presented were truly exceptional, and we are excited to see how these young entrepreneurs will continue to positively impact their communities and contribute to the growth of the Nigerian economy.”

A unique addition to the DAAYTA 2023 is the introduction of the DAAYTA Alumni Impact Award. The award was created to reaffirm the commitment to supporting the start-ups in the ecosystem and further deepening the relationship with the alumni through closer engagement, interaction, connections, and continuous support for their business growth.

The winners of the DAAYTA Alumni Impact Award were Fela Akinse, the founder of SALUBATA (DAAYTA 2021 edition), Boluwatife Omotayo, the founder of GAMP Technology, (DAAYTA 2022), and Uche Kenneth Udekwe, the founder of Natal Cares (DAAYTA 2021).

About ARM:

ARM is a leading investment management firm that provides diverse asset management services to a broad and diversified client base, including corporations, foundations and charities, high net-worth individuals, and small savers. Established in 1994 as an asset management firm, Asset & Resource Management Holding Company Limited (ARM) has evolved into one of Nigeria’s most innovative and respected non-bank financial institutions focusing on Traditional Asset Management and Specialized Funds.

For more information about ARM or the DAAYTA Program, visit www.arm.com.ng or www.tvcng.com.

 

ARM’S DAAYTA 2023 virtual finalists pitch event

The Deji Alli ARM Young Talent Award (DAAYTA) program is gearing up for its fifth edition with the finalists’ pitch event scheduled to hold virtually on April 14th, 2023. This initiative was established in 2015 by ARM, in honor of its founding CEO, Deji Alli. The initiative’s primary objective is to support young entrepreneurs who have innovative ideas that can positively impact people’s lives and the communities around them.

Some of the past winners of the initiative include –

Following a thorough review of over 482 applications from start-up entrepreneurs across Nigeria, the organizers have selected the top seven (7) outstanding companies to pitch their ideas. The committees’ goal remains focused on identifying start-ups with a minimum viable product (MVP) and at least one customer. The selected startups are Cdial Limited, Moon Innovations, Natibo Technologies Nigeria Limited, Sakula Limited, StackJunior, Strich, Inc. and ThinkBikes Limited. The finalists will have the opportunity to present their pitches virtually to a panel of judges comprising respected entrepreneurs and seasoned professionals, including Ndidi Nnoli-Edozien, Victor Asemota, Sadiq Mohammed, Folasade Olusanya, Kola Aina, Ina Alogwu, and Tomi Davies.

The eventual winner of DAAYTA 2023, subject to the Terms & Conditions, will receive funding of ₦12,000,000 (twelve million naira) over a period of one (1) year for the following purposes:

  • Develop their business plan.
  • Complete an entrepreneurial education at the Pan Atlantic University’s Enterprise Development Centre (EDC) in Lagos, Nigeria.
  • Receive a 5-month acceleration support for development of their venture through a reputable entrepreneurial hub in Lagos, Nigeria.

As part of ARM’s long-term goal to support and give start-ups access to new markets, the ARM Group is delighted to host another edition of DAAYTA. The virtual event is scheduled to hold on Friday, April 15, 2023, at 6:00 PM via Zoom. Interested participants can register for the event by clicking HERE.

About ARM

ARM is a leading investment management firm that provides diverse asset management services to a broad and diversified client base, including corporations, foundations and charities, high net-worth individuals, and small savers. Established in 1994 as an asset management firm, Asset & Resource Management Holding Company Limited (ARM) has evolved into one of Nigeria’s most innovative and respected non-bank financial institutions focusing on Traditional Asset Management and Specialized Funds. For more details, visit arm.com.ng.

About TechnoVision

TechnoVision is the brand name for TechnoVision Communications Limited, a technology services company that advises clients on technology-led transformation and early-stage entrepreneurship in Africa. See www.tvcng.com for more details.

Download the Brochure Here

Finalist Pitch for DAAYTA 2023

The Deji Alli ARM Young Talent Award (DAAYTA) program is gearing up for its fifth edition with the finalists’ pitch event scheduled to hold virtually on April 14th, 2023. This initiative was established in 2015 by ARM, in honor of its founding CEO, Deji Alli. The initiative’s primary objective is to support young entrepreneurs who have innovative ideas that can positively impact people’s lives and the communities around them.

Following a thorough review of over 482 applications from start-up entrepreneurs across Nigeria, the organizers have selected the top seven (7) outstanding companies to pitch their ideas.

The selected startups are Cdial Limited, Moon Innovations, Natibo Technologies Nigeria Limited, Sakula Limited, StackJunior, Strich, Inc. and ThinkBikes Limited. 

The winner of the DAAYTA 2023 will receive funding of ₦12,000,000 (twelve million naira) over a period of one (1) year to; develop their business plan, complete an entrepreneurial education at the Pan Atlantic University’s Enterprise Development Centre in Lagos, Nigeria; and finance a 5-month acceleration support to develop their venture via a reputable entrepreneurial hub also in Lagos.

Register to watch the startups pitch

Meet the Cohort for the Inaugural ARM Labs Lagos Techstars Accelerator Program

ARM Labs Lagos Techstars Accelerator, a Lagos-based program to build early-stage African fintech and proptech startups, is delighted to announce its inaugural class.The cohort is made up of 10 Nigerian and 2 Kenyan startups, with 50% female CEOs. 

The selection process was quite rigorous. Beyond applying, the founders went through several interviews with members of the Techstars global team, and a final interview with Techstars Managing Director, Oyin Solebo and a 15-member screening committee. Some members of this committee included Ashim Octerra – Managing Partner, Octerra Capital, Olumide Soyombo – Voltron Capital, Charlene Chen – Former COO of AZA Finance among others. 

“Since the announcement that Techstars was coming to Lagos, there has been great anticipation about the selection of the inaugural cohort. After a competitive application process, we have chosen entrepreneurs who have the capacity to be exceptional founders, startups that have the potential to be industry leaders, and a cohort that is collectively capable of bringing innovation and change to Africa and the world,” said Techstars’ Managing Director, Oyin Solebo.

“The excitement of supporting an accelerator program lies in the potential to ignite the spark of innovation and watch as it transforms into a blazing fire of impact and change. As ARM partners with Techstars to launch an accelerator program that provides funding, mentorship, and access to networks and resources, our goal is to unearth the next set of Unicorns out of Africa,” said Ina Alogwu, Group Director, Digital Transformation, ARMHoldCo.

The founders officially began the 13-week program on the 5th of December 2022, and have had engagements with over 100 mentors and speakers including Tunde Kehinde – Co-founder & CEO, Lidya, Bode Abifarin- COO, Flutterwave, Fara Ashiru Jituboh – Founder & CEO, Okra and Amandine Lobelle – COO, Paystack.

“I am delighted about our selection into the Techstars family because traditionally, as an African, female, fintech founder, the odds are often stacked against you,” said Ebby Gatamu, Co-founder Cladfy. “This program has not only taught us to focus on the problem and our customers, but also led us to meet and interact with phenomenal people we’d otherwise possibly never have met.”

The accelerator’s investment of up to $120,000 in each startup, as well as training and a vast investor network will be significant in the growth and longevity of the cohorts. Demo day is set for the 16th of March 2023. 

“Being accepted into the Techstars accelerator was an unmistakable validation of peppa.io,” said Banky Alao, CEO of peppa.io, a fintech services company dedicated to payment protection. “The program has set us on a sure path to exponential growth and impact. Absolutely the best thing to happen to us.”

“Techstars’ presence in Lagos–Africa’s startup capital–further validates the continent as a rapidly evolving player in the global tech ecosystem. I could not be more excited to announce the names of the first 12 startups to be selected for the first ARM Labs Lagos Techstars Accelerator,” Solebo shares.

Below is the inaugural cohort of the ARM Labs Lagos Techstars Accelerator:

alphabloQ (Nairobi, Kenya)

alphabloQ is a real estate investment platform founded by Trevor Kimani and John Mbui. The startup’s mission is simple – to reduce the entry barrier for real estate investors by enabling investors to purchase a fraction of income-generating properties.

Peppa.io (Lagos, Nigeria)

peppa.io, founded byBanky Alao, Bridget Yadua-Soremekun and Emmanuel Obute, is making it safer to buy on social platforms for Africans through the use of payment protection.

CDcare (Lagos, Nigeria)

CDcare is making it easy for Africans to own gadgets, appliances, cars and more at zero interest, through smart installment plans. The company was founded by Tobi Odukoya and Deji Farohun.

Cladfy (Nairobi, Kenya)

Founded by Ebby Gatamu and Kibe John, Cladfy provides microfinance lenders with credit profiling, digitised loan management, and access to affordable, reliable financing.

Flick (Lagos, Nigeria)

Flick is building PayPal for Africa; enabling users to connect multiple bank accounts and pay directly from one source, making payments 7x faster. Ruth Olojedeand Dipo Gbadebo are the founders of the company.

Keble (Lagos, Nigeria)

Keble, founded by Emmanuel Oballa, Agulanna Josemaria, Adebisi Borokinni and Valentine Offiah, enables Africans at home and abroad to purchase fractional shares of global real estate for as low as $10.

Keza Africa (Lagos, Nigeria)

Keza is powering smartphone financing by enabling people to buy brand-new and certified pre-owned smartphones on a flexible payment plan. Keza Africa was founded by Aisha Hussaini.

Salad (Lagos, Nigeria)

Salad was founded by Chikodi Ukaiwe and Seunfunmi Omotunde and is providing employees with access to financial services and benefits beyond their monthly paycheck.

Sidebrief (Lagos, Nigeria)

Sidebrief simplifies the process of starting and scaling a business across borders, with its one-stop solution for registration, banking and regulatory compliance. The company was founded by Eunice Olopade, Abdulwaheed Yusuf and Usman Sotunde. 

Towntalk (Lagos, Nigeria)

Towntalk, founded by Folake Edun, Disun Vera-Cruz and Tomiwa Erinosho, is building Area!–a protection platform giving companies peace of mind when moving goods and people from point A to B, by providing real-time location and behavioural analytics, vehicle tracking and access to insurance providers.

Vittas (Lagos, Nigeria)

Vittas is a digital lender for healthcare providers, using machine learning, partnerships and embedded 3rd party SaaS solutions to provide loans for the purchase of medications and medical equipment. Vittas was founded by Sulav Singh, Collins Uche and Eric Okemmadu.

Oystr Finance (Lagos, Nigeria)

Founded by Ifedolapo Lawal, Olusola Onajobi and Omotayo Iginla, Oystr is democratizing credit in Africa. The company provides lenders with an infrastructure to help them launch low-risk micro-loan products, grow their portfolios and expand into new markets in less than 30 minutes.

About ARM

Established in 1994, ARM is a leading Nigerian diversified and integrated asset management group firm that offers wealth creation solutions and opportunities through a unique blend of traditional asset management and alternative investment services to retail, high net worth and institutional investors. ARM Labs is our fintech support programme designed to facilitate and encourage innovative growth in the financial services industry. ARM currently manages total assets of approximately N1.77 trillion (as of September 2022). www.arm.com.ng

About Techstars

The Techstars worldwide network helps entrepreneurs succeed. Founded in 2006, Techstars began with three simple ideas—entrepreneurs create a better future for everyone, collaboration drives innovation, and great ideas can come from anywhere. Now we are on a mission to enable every person on the planet to contribute to, and benefit from, the success of entrepreneurs. In addition to operating accelerator programs and venture capital funds, we do this by connecting startups, investors, corporations, and cities to help build thriving startup communities. Techstars has invested in more than 2,500 companies with a combined market cap of more than $220B. www.techstars.com