ARM wins International Innovation Award

Asset and Resource Management Holding Company (ARM) has won the Rising Stars Award at the 7th edition of the prestigious annual Corporate Startup Stars Awards (CSS) held in London for exemplifying best practices in corporate-startup collaboration, encouraging growth, fostering innovation and investment readiness among tech startups in Nigeria and across Africa.

This award was given to ARM in recognition of their impact and contributions to the startup community through the creation of such innovative programs as Labs by ARM, ARM Labs Lagos Techstars Accelerator Program, and the Deji Alli ARM Young Talent Award. Receiving this award for the second time since 2020, ARM Holdings Co. is proud to be one of only two companies in Africa to be recognized with this international innovation award.

Receiving the award on behalf of ARM, Sadiq Mohamed – Deputy CEO of the group, said, “We are honored to receive this recognition, and we remain committed to driving innovation and helping startups with disruptive ideas in the African FinTech space, make a remarkable impact as they meet needs within the ecosystem. Being acknowledged globally for our work is very humbling, and it motivates us to do more to champion and promote innovation in Nigeria and across Africa. ARM’s programs have helped several startups succeed, and we look forward to assisting more Fintech and PropTech startups in their efforts to make a difference on the continent.”

Left - Right: Candace Johnson, ICC Executive Board Member, Vice Chair of the ICC Policy Commission and Chair of the Corporate Startup Stars Judging Committee and Sadiq Mohammed - Deputy Group CEO of ARM Holding Company.

The Corporate Startup Stars Awards is an international award organized by Mind the Bridge in collaboration with the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and is aimed at recognizing and celebrating trailblazing international companies in the area of corporate-startup support and collaboration.

Speaking at the event this year, the Chairman of Mind the Bridge – Alberto Onetti, said, “open innovation is no longer a black box, it’s fast becoming ubiquitous. Back in 2016, when we first launched the Corporate Startup Stars Awards, the goal was to shed light on a fast-emerging phenomenon. Today, six years later, companies have gathered experience and focus on results. Although the modes of collaboration are in continuous evolution, there are best practices that are arising as well as KPIs for measuring impact.”

In this regard, ARM Holdings Co. is one of a few companies that has demonstrated a commitment to helping startups thrive through financial support, mentorship, and resources such as office space and networking opportunities. Through its long history of innovation and excellence, the company has managed to stay ahead of the curve and build a successful business by leveraging its culture of innovation to simplify processes and impact the quality of people’s lives and society in general.

On the honor of receiving this award, ARM Holdings Co. has pledged its commitment to promoting innovation in the startup community and creating vibrant platforms that enable proper growth potential for young startups.

DAAYTA 2023

Apply here

ARM in partnership with TechnoVision (TVC) announces that the 2023 edition of the Deji Alli ARM Young Talent Award (DAAYTA) finalists pitch event will be held virtually on April 14th, 2023.

This notice officially opens up the call for applications for DAAYTA 2023 as ARM seeks the brightest and most innovative start-up business ideas in Nigeria to participate in this edition.

Interested entrepreneurs can apply here

The Deji Alli ARM Young Talent Award (DAAYTA) programme is a youth awards initiative founded in 2015 by ARM in honour of its founding CEO, Deji Alli. The goal of the award is to provide support to young entrepreneurs who have smart and innovative ideas that make a significant positive impact on the lives of the people and communities around them. The initiative is in line with the firm’s commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) with the aim of building a generation of change leaders, working together to build a better future.

DAAYTA 2023 focuses on identifying start-ups with a minimum viable product (MVP) and at least one customer.

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.

The DAAYTA Award which is in its fifth edition following a successful pilot edition in 2015 is coordinated by TechnoVision Communications LLC.

About ARM

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.

ARM is a leading investment management firm that provides a diverse range of asset management services to a substantial and diversified client base that includes corporations, foundations and charities, high net-worth individuals, and small savers. See arm.com.ng for more details.

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 tvcng.com for more details.

Apply here

ARM Labs Innovation Program – Demo Day

ARM Group in partnership with Greentec Capital Partners is delighted to announce the Demo Day for the ARM Labs Innovation program.

Formerly known as LABS by ARM Accelerator Programme, the initiative designed to support ARM’s mission to fund compelling Nigerian Fintech start-ups in the incubation stage, will virtually hold this Thursday, September 22, 2022.

Having gone through a robust accelerator Programme which includes working with a Silicon Valley mentor within their domain expertise, the selected startups are ready to pitch their business models to investors.
Selected startups for the ARM Labs Innovation Demo Day include:

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Toju: a record management platform for thrift collectors, Microfinance Institutions, and Cooperative societies.

Regxta: a digital credit platform that provides quick and easy access to financial services for unbanked people and micro-business owners in Africa. With just a smartphone, a community agent can offer financial products to clients.

Crediometer: A Fintech created to build banking for startups and growing businesses of all sizes. They aim to power the next generation of companies shaping the industries.

Trade Lenda: a technological solution providing accessible financing to small businesses across Africa.

Keble: A Proptech designed to break the barriers faced by young Africans in the real estate market. With this platform, Africans can own properties and build wealth for as low as $10.

We are excited to have worked with these startups in the past 7 weeks and we believe that the Demo Day will be a wonderful display of their hard work and passion, as well as a chance for us to picture what the future holds for each and everyone of them.

Save the date to join

Applications Open for ARM Labs Lagos Techstars Accelerator Program

ARM Labs Lagos Techstars Accelerator Program
Applications are now open to early-stage entrepreneurs in Africa for the inaugural edition of the ARM Labs Lagos Techstars Accelerator Program.

LAGOS, Nigeria (June 6th, 2022) – ARM in partnership with Techstars for the ARM Labs Lagos Techstars Accelerator Program calls for applications for the inaugural edition of the program. The accelerator is a 3-month intense training program set to kick off in Lagos state by December 2022.

Following the announcement of the ARM Labs Lagos Techstars accelerator launch, applications are now open for early-stage fintech and proptech start-ups based in Africa from June 6th – to August 24th, 2022. At the end of the application process, 12 start-ups will be selected for the program. The inaugural class will commence on the 5th of December 2022 and conclude with a Demo Day scheduled for the 16th of March 2023.

During the training program, selected start-ups will have access to Techstars’ vast network of 7,000+ mentors, 20,000+ investors, over 10,000 founders, alumni, and corporate partners. Other benefits include up to $120k in funding, curated start-up programming, one-on-one mentorship sessions, access to a Lagos office space and to future Techstars events.

The first month will be dedicated to aggressive and hands-on training with mentors to help selected founders refine their products. After the execution stage in the second month, the final phase will largely be focused on helping start-ups refine their financial strategies.

Apply now

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 N1.6 trillion (as of December 2021). 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 start-ups, investors, corporations, and cities to help build thriving start-up communities. www.techstars.com

Apply now

ARM announces the winner of N12M in the Deji Alli ARM Young Talent Award (DAAYTA) 2022

ARM has announced the winner of the Deji Alli ARM Young Talent Award (DAAYTA) 2022 programme at the finalists’ pitch event which was held on the 8th of April, 2022.

Tunde Adeyemi of D-Olivette Enterprise emerged winner out of seven contestants to claim the N12million grant. His business idea – D-Olivette is a social enterprise that is accelerating the advent of sustainable domestic biogas biodigester for clean cooking, electrification, and sustainable agriculture. The enterprise is doing this through the provision of domestic biodigesters innovation exclusively designed to convert household, farm organic waste & biodegradable wastewater into fertilizer and biogas within ten (10) days.

DAAYTA 2022 focused on start-ups with a minimum viable product (MVP) and at least one customer. Four hundred and twenty-five (425) applications from start-up entrepreneurs were received and following a meticulous review process, the top 6 contestants were identified and chosen. These six made their pitches at the event in the hope of winning the N12 million grant.

The top 6 finalists were: Tunde Adeyemi of D-Olivette – a social enterprise accelerating the advent of sustainable domestic biogas biodigester for clean cooking, electrification, and sustainable agriculture through the provision of domestic biodigesters innovation exclusively designed to convert household, farm organic waste & biodegradable wastewater into fertilizer and biogas; Emmanuel Ezenwere of Arone Energy whose goal is to solve Nigeria’s long-term energy crisis with unreliable power supply and CO2 emissions from generators; Onyinye Oguego of myStash Technologies which helps Africans save and invest subconsciously through a save-as-you-spend/earn model; Oluwatomisin Kolawole of Vinsighte Limited whose solution is aimed at providing sight to those with blindness through a designed assistive reading solution called Visis; Oluseyi Lukman Fadaiya of Celloop Limited whose solution is a digital platform that recovers end of life battery cells and processes them for a second life usage; Boluwatife Omotayo of Gamp Technology Limited whose business idea aims to provide ease of affordable service delivery to device consumers through OEMs; Rasheed Aliu of Arleegreens Renewable Enterprise whose solution is the Green box – a cheaper solution that treats toilet human waste into odorless, and clean reusable water to be reused in these communities.

Speaking about the occasion, the Executive Director (ED) of ARM Pensions, Osahan Ogiemuda said, “I say a big congratulations to the winner Tunde Adeyemi of D-Olivette Enterprise and all runners up. We believe that they all have what it takes to make a sustainable impact in their communities. I also appreciate the entire team and partners who have supported this initiative to ensure that we achieve our goal of enabling young entrepreneurs with innovative ideas to change the narrative in their various communities.”

The team of judges who delivered the sound judgment was: Dr. Ndidi Nnoli-Edozien – an Angel investor who has dedicated a significant part of her life to building bridges between large businesses and entrepreneurs, helping thousands of people at the bottom of the economic pyramid (BOP) in Nigeria live better lives; Kola Aina, founding Partner at Ventures Platform, an avid angel investor and mentor to startup founders; Sadiq Mohammed, Deputy Group CEO of ARM Group; Folashade Olusanya, a Partner at Jackson Etti & Edu, Victor Asemota, the Africa Partner for Alta Global Ventures, a US-based venture capital company, and Ina Alogwu, Digital Transformation Director ARM Group.

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) http://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.

 

ARM commences the ARM LABS INNOVATION PROGRAM

ARM Labs Innovation Programme

ARM Labs Innovation Programme

The ARM Group in partnership with Greentec Capital Partners announces the commencement of the ARM Labs Innovation program.

Formerly known as LABS by ARM Accelerator Program and recently changed to ARM Labs Innovation Program, the program is designed to support ARM’s mission to fund compelling Nigerian fintech startups in the incubation stage. These startups should be poised to solve key problems in innovative ways within the financial industry and introduce ideas that transform how users access and consume financial services.

Through this program, ARM will support the selected startups to commercialise and grow the distribution of products and services.

During this 7-week Innovation program, each FinTech startup will be engaged intensively in a series of activities including advisory and mentorship sessions amongst others, all aimed at exponentially advancing the growth of their companies within the short time frame.

The ARM Group will make an investment of $50,000 (fifty thousand dollars) for 6% equity to each of the 5 selected startups and provide them with office workspace as an additional benefit to assist with their business operations.

ARM Labs Innovation Programme

ARM Holding Company Ltd Renovates Onikan General Hospital’s COVID-19 Outpatient Clinic, Donates Medical Equipment

As part of our commitment to supporting the communities in which we conduct business, ARM Holding Company Limited, on the 4th of December 2020, delivered to the Lagos State Government a renovated COVID-19 Outpatient Clinic section at the Onikan General Hospital, along with state-of-the-art medical equipment.

The donation is in support of the Lagos State Government’s effort against the COVID-19 pandemic.

Part of the medical equipment donated by ARM includes the Mirasol Pathogen Reduction Technology System, which is said to be the first of its kind in West Africa.

The Mirasol Pathogen Reduction Technology System for platelets and plasma uses riboflavin and UV light to introduce irreparable lesions into nucleic acids, thereby inhibiting pathogen and white blood cell replication and reducing the load of infectious pathogens.

Present at the official handing over and commissioning ceremony of the renovated health centre was the Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof Akin Abayomi, CEO and Deputy CEO of ARM Holding Company Limited,  Ms Jumoke Ogundare and Mr Sadiq Muhammed, MD ARM Academy, Ms Uche Azubuike, Medical Director of Onikan General Hospital, Dr Biyi Kufo, and other staff of the hospital.

Speaking at the handing over and commissioning event, Group CEO of ARM Holding Company Limited, Ms Jumoke Ogundare emphasised the need for corporate organisations like ARM to stand with the Government in fighting the COVID-10 Pandemic.

She said, “This is an important initiative for us, and we are all aware of the havoc COVID 19 pandemic has caused, not only in Nigeria, but in other parts of the world, and therefore, it’s time for organisations like ARM to step up and do the right time in taking care of its community. So we are particularly pleased that we have been able to do this.

We hope this will make a big difference in ensuring that COVID-19 is completely eradicated in our community. Hopefully, going forward, this facility will be used for other things as well.”

In his keynote address, the Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Professor Akin Abayomi, thanked ARM for its continuous contribution and support to the state. He said the Mirasol Pathogen Reduction Technology System donated by ARM has been on the top of the state’s Wishlist for a long time. He said the system is the first of its kind in West Africa.

He said, “This is a very valuable contribution in many ways, and the Lagos State Government on behalf of incident commander, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, we are very grateful to the corporate social response of ARM in the Lagos state COVID-19 strategy. This will go a long way in ensuring Lagos State completely eradicate the COVID-19 pandemic and ensure that our communities are safe for all of us”.

ARM wraps up DAAYTA 2021, announces winner of ₦12m grant

The finalists’ pitch event for the 2021 edition of the Deji Alli Young Talent Award (DAAYTA) programme held on April 9th, 2021, with Tope Idris Sulaimon of Scrapays Technologies Limited emerging winner to claim the N12 million grant.

He expressed his excitement saying, “I am happy to be the winner of DAAYTA 2021. In addition to the funding, this opens more opportunities for our startup. Working with all the experienced partners increases our chances of reaching our set milestones, and that excites me even more.”

The Deji Alli Young Talent Award (DAAYTA) programme is a youth awards initiative founded in 2015 by ARM in honour of its founding CEO Deji Alli. The award’s goal is to provide support to young entrepreneurs with smart and innovative ideas that positively impact people’s lives and the communities around them.

The top 6 finalists were: Tope Idris Sulaimon with his idea, Scrapays Technologies Limited, a cleantech startup that uses technology to facilitate a decentralized recovery model of recyclable waste in developing nations; Eyitayo Ogunmola whose business idea is a solution called ‘The Nucleus’ because it is the brain box of every premium technology skill training; Akinse Fela Buyi of Salubata which produces modular shoes from plastic wastes; Udebuana Oscar Obiora of Edupoint Limited  whose solution Edupoint leverages artificial intelligence to connect students with verified local teachers who deliver one-on-one lessons in any subject, or skill, to help students or learners meet their learning goals; Imodoye Ayokunbi Abioro of Healthbotics whose business solution Lend An Arm encourages the easy transportation of blood using a virtual robot and a mobile application; Uche Kenneth Udekwe with Natal Cares whose business idea seeks to bridge the healthcare information gap existing in underserved communities.

Speaking about the occasion, CEO of ARM Jumoke Ogundare said, “I’m glad to say that the event went well, and I say a big congratulations to the winner Tope Sulaimon of Scrapays Technologies Limited and all runners up. We believe that they all have what it takes to make a sustainable impact in their communities, and we can’t wait to start recording success stories as we have with the past winners of DAAYTA since its pilot edition in 2015. I also appreciate the entire team, sponsor, and partners who have supported this initiative to enable us to achieve our goal of enabling young entrepreneurs with innovative ideas to change the narrative in their various communities.”

 

The team of judges who delivered the sound judgment were: Dr. Ndidi Nnoli-Edozien – an Angel investor who has dedicated a significant part of her life to building bridges between large businesses and entrepreneurs, helping thousands of people at the bottom of the economic pyramid (BOP) in Nigeria live better lives; Kola Aina, founding Partner at Ventures Platform, an avid angel investor and mentor to startup founders; Sadiq Mohammed, Deputy Group CEO of ARM Group; Folashade Olusanya, a Partner at Jackson Etti & Edu and Victor Asemota, the Africa Partner for Alta Global Ventures, a US-based venture capital company.

About ARM

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. ARM is a leading investment management firm that provides a diverse range of asset management services to a substantial and diversified client base that includes corporations, foundations and charities, high net-worth individuals, and small savers. See https://www.arm.com.ng/ for more details.

 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.

 

 

 

Riparian Farms Limited Gives Back to The Community

On the 31st of March, Riparian Farms Limited, a subsidiary of Asset & Resource Management Holding Company (ARM HoldCo.), officially handed over the CSR projects initiated to improve the learning environment for the Baptist School, Tibo, and Baptist School, Olorunda, both in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

In 2020, Riparian Farms Limited (RFL), a subsidiary of ARM HoldCo, saw the need to embark on this initiative to provide a better toilet facility for the students and teachers at both schools in support of a more conducive and appealing learning environment and to improve the living standards for the community through the provision of potable water supply.

This initiative is part of ARM’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) as an organization committed to building communities and supporting youth empowerment.

The Director, Riparian Farms Limited, Ms Uche Azubuike thanked the Ogun State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) for their support in making this initiative a reality. She also added, “ We look forward to new opportunities to keep making a positive impact for as long as we operate within this region.”

Present at the official handing over and commissioning ceremony of the newly built restrooms and water supply system were H.R.H Oba Moses Adelani Adegboyega Olabode (RN, FWACN, MNI) Odunfa II, Omola of Imala-Land, Ogun State; Executive Director, Riparian Farms Limited, Mr. Theo Onadeko; Director, Riparian Farms Limited, Ms Uche Azubuike.

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LABS by ARM Wins Midcap Startup Stars Award

Asset & Resource Management Holding Company (ARMHoldco) has won the Corporate Startup Stars Awards 2020 in the midcap startup stars category for its work with Labs By ARM – an initiative designed to assist post-MVP FinTech startups in advancing the growth of their companies and ensuring their investment-readiness.

Corporate Startup Stars Awards, now in its fifth year, aims at recognizing the world’s most active corporates in working with startups and identifying worldwide best practices in corporate-startup collaboration.

For the 2020 edition of the award, Mind the Bridge – a global organization with headquarters in San Francisco which provides innovation advisory services for corporates and government organizations in partnership with the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) worked with active corporates in open Innovation nominated by startups at a global level to handpick 50 companies worldwide in various nominated categories of the award. ARM was one of the 50 companies nominated.

Speaking about the award, John W.H. Denton AO, Secretary-General of the International Chamber of Commerce, said, “Innovation in challenging times is more vital than ever. While these pioneering companies play a leading role in their respective ecosystem, they are also having an impact internationally. Showcasing success stories and recognizing the best-in-class efforts through these awards contributes to a virtuous cycle of the positive influence that helps stimulate corporate-startup growth and collaboration globally.”

Labs by ARM was launched in 2019 to discover companies that are post-MVP and operating in the FinTech space in Nigeria. To qualify to partake in the Labs by ARM accelerator program, startups must be well-rounded with a complementary team for product vision, technology, and a solidified view of how to generate income to solve an important problem for a highly-engaged set of customers.

Selected startups are provided with financial investment, distribution, access to investors and mentors, amongst others, to kickstart the growth of their enterprises.

Recognizing ARM’s nomination in this category, Sadiq Mohamed said, “ We are committed through Labs by ARM to helping startups in the Nigerian FinTech space who are hungry to provide laudable service to the general public through their innovative products. To be recognized on a global level for this initiative is humbling and encouraging. A lot of startups have benefitted from the Labs by ARM program, and we look forward to helping more FinTech startups.”

About ARM

Established in 1994, Asset & Resource Management Holding Company (ARMHoldco) is an asset management firm that offers wealth creation opportunities through a unique blend of traditional asset management and alternative investment services.