With the support of several new strategic partners in the region, the Founder Institute (http://FI.co), the world's premier idea-stage accelerator and startup launch program, announced today that it is launching in Lagos this Spring 2016.
Based in Silicon Valley and with chapters across 200 cities and 100 countries, the Founder Institute has helped launch some of the fastest-rising startups across 6 continents like Udemy, Realty Mogul, iCarsClub, Itembase, goplaceit, Appota, and many more. The company's mission is to "Globalize Silicon Valley" and create sustainable startup ecosystems that will create one million new jobs worldwide.
If you'd like to apply to the program, then complete an application, or attend a free event.
The Founder Institute is the most challenging and effective step-by-step startup launch program for talented and motivated aspiring entrepreneurs. If you are serious about launching a startup, the Founder Institute can give you the structured process, constant feedback and evaluation from expert mentors, and global network of entrepreneurs you need to start an enduring company. In addition, the Founder Institute is the only program of its kind that focuses on people versus ideas, accepts founders with day jobs, and shares equity with all participants.
Leaders of the world’s fastest-growing startups have used the Founder Institute to transition from employee to entrepreneur, test their startup ideas, build a team, get their first customers, raise funding, and more.
Lagos is now on the global technology map and this has raised the stakes and encouraged the emergence of several local technology entrepreneurs seeking to provide products and services that address Africa's unique challenges. FI's presence in Lagos and its unique methodology will undoubtedly support the emergence of these entrepreneurs as they design and develop their products to meet the needs of their chosen markets." - Segun Olukoya
Led by Local Leaders Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata, Wande Adalemo, Fasuyi Oluwarotimi, and Eze Ifedy other successful entrepreneurs who have pledged their support to mentor founders in a Lagos Founder Institute program include:
- Abayomi Ogunwo: CFO, Mutual Benefits Assurance Plc., Mutual Benefits Assurance Plc
- Abimbola Bajomo: Senior Product Manager, Remita Payment Services Limited
- Abisola Longe: CEO, Productivity Plus
- Abolore Salami: Founder, Riby Finance
- Abraham Durosawo: Investment Banking Specialist , Unicorn Capital Limited
- Abubakar Suleiman: CEO
- Adeboye Idowu: Co-Founder , Arche Energy Development
- Adedeji Ajani: Principal Partner , Leads Innovation Limited
- Adekunle Tuyo: Partner, Adekunle Tuyo &Co.
- Adekunle Ajiboye: CEO, Aajimatics
- Adenike Adeyemi: Executive Director, FATE Foundation
- Adeniyi Duale: Partner, Duale, Ovia & Alex-Adedipe
- Adeola Kayode: Director, Strategy & Business., Isisu
- Adeoye Abodurin: Director , Xpos Technologies
- Adetolani Balogun: Chief Financial Officer, Quidax
- Adewale Yusuf: Chief Executive Officer, TalentQL
- Adeyemi Ajayi: Partner, Exitum Consulting Limited
- Adeyemi Adegbayi: Venture Capital Analyst, TLcom Capital LLP
- Adeyinka Aderombi: Head, Digital Transformation, Leadway Assurance Company
- Adora Ikwuemesi: Director, Kendor Consulting
- Afolabi Abiodun: CEO , SB Telecoms and Devices
- Afolabi Akinbo: MD, Proftouch Consulting, Proftouch Consulting
- Aimua Ogboghodor: Co-founder, Boosty
- Aituaz Kola Oladejo: Executive Director , Financial Services Innovators
- Ajuma Ataguba: Venture Partner, White Hibiscus Capital
- Akintunde Johnson Bada: Country Manager, ViacomCBS Networks Africa
- Akinyinka David Akintunde: Vice President, AFEX Commodity Exchange., AFEX Commodity Exchange.
- Albert Afolabi: Chief Operating Officer, TM30
- Amobi Okeke: Principal Strategist, Q Prime
- Anil Atma: CEO, Kreem
- Arinze Anyaeche: CEO, Estendo Power Products Co.
- Atul Kshetry: Managing Director, Hoesch Pipe Mills (Nig) Ltd.
- Ayo Animashaun: Founder/CEO, Smooth Promotions
- Ayo Dawodu: Founder, Loystar
- Ayo Adegboye: Chief Executive Officer , Arravo
- Ayodeji Balogun: CEO, AFEX Commodity Exchange, AFEX Commodity Exchange
- Ayodeji Fasore: Chief Operating Officer, , Appzone
- Ayodeji Agboola: CEO, Akowe
- Ayotunde Coker: Managing Director, Rack Centre
- Babafemi Lawal: MD/CEO, Synergon Infrastructure Limited
- Babajide Ipaye: Founder, Project Keexs
- Bade Aluko: Managing Partner, White Hibiscus Capital
- Banji Olaokun
- Banke Alawaye: CTO, aCubed Limited
- Barinaada Bema Alexander: Founder, Barinaada Legal
- Bekeme Masade Olowola: Executive Director, CSR-In-Action
- Bekeme Masade Olowola: CEO, CSR-in-Action., CSR-in-Action.
- Berg Moe: Owner, Berg Moe Media
- Best Atti, CorporateBestie
- Beverley Agbakoba Onyejianya: Partner, Olisa Agbakoba Legal
- Bina Idonije: Senior Labour & Employment Legal Counsel, GE Africa
- Biodun Ogunlabi: Founder/CEO, 3 Way Communcations Limited
- Biodun Kolade: CEO, Colad Gray
- Biola Akinyemi: Cloud Devops Consultant, UBS
- Biyi Oladipo: Treasurer, NIRA
- Bode Abifarin: COO, Flutterwave
- Bola Adeyinka: CEO, First Global Commerce
- Bolanle Afuye: Head of Digital Services, TPAY MOBILE
- Boluwatife Arewa, Scrapays
- Bunmi Teru: Principal Consultant, Alfred & Victoria Associates
- Carla De Calvo Dantas: CLV Founder and Lawyer, CLV Advogados
- Charles Emembolu: CEO, Crestsage Limited
- Charles Anudu: CEO, Swift Networks
- Charles Isidi: Head of Growth Marketing and Communications, Africa Fintech Summit.
- Chidi Nwaogu: Co-Founder, Publiseer
- Chidinma Onwubere: Associate, PAC Solicitors
- Chika Nwobi: Founder/CEO, Decagon
- Chika Oke: Associate, Duale, Ovia & Alex-Adedipe
- Chike Okoli, EduMESS
- Chinedu Azodoh: Cofounder, Metro Africa Xpress
- Chinenye Mba Uzoukwu: CEO, InfoGraphics Nigeria
- Chintan Oza: Founder, Anantam Ecosystems
- Chinwike Ezebube: Lawyer, Tochukwu Onwugbufor& Co (SAN)
- Chioma Agwuegbo: Founder, TechHerNG
- Christian Keller: CEO, African Founders
- Clement Efanga: Founder/CEO, Clemas Garment Co. LTD
- Collins Onuegbu: CEO, Signal Alliance
- Damain Umeasala: Partnership Manager, HEART sectors, Sterling Bank Plc
- Damola Solanke: Director, Microsoft
- Dapo Ogundeji: MD/CEO, Certfort Limited
- Dare Ojo Bello, Dellyman Inc
- Dave Emnett: Co-Founder, Ozé
- David Olaniyan: Founder/CEO, Startup Builder
- David Adebayo: Head Products and Partnership (Health & Education)
- David Hundeyin: West Africa Correspondent, The Africa Correspondent
- Davidson Oturu: Managing Partner, Nubia Capital ·
- Dayo Adefila: Head, Digital Marketing Africa, PZ Cussons
- Debbie Akwara: Principal Customer Experience Consultant, Niche Customer Experience Consulting Firm
- Debo Ogunrinde: CEO, Mediva Company Limited
- Deepankar Rustagi: Founder, Omnibiz
- Deji Macaulay: CO- Founder, Zoom Lifestyle
- Deji Sarumi: Co-Founder, Tech Hive Advisory
- Desiree Craig: VP, Product & Technology
- Dimeji Olaniyan: Lead Partner/CEO , LastMile Advisory Limited
- Dotun Olowoporoku: Associate Director, Novastar Ventures Limited
- Dr Amy Jadesimi: Managing Director, LADOL
- Dr. Debo Odulana: Founder/CEO, Doctoora
- Dr.(H.C.) Peter Adewale Obadare: Founder/COO, Diital Encode Limited
- Dr. Omobola Johnson: Senior Partner, TLcom Capital LLP
- Edidiong Sebastian: Venture Analyst Intern, Nubia Capital ·
- Edward Popoola: Co-founder, CowryWise., CowryWise.
- Edward Omiwale: Management Associate, Sterling Bank
- Ehi Braimah: CEO , Neo Media & Marketing
- Ehia Erhaboh: Chief Transformation Officer, Interswitch Group
- Eizu Uwaoma
- Emeeyene Henry: Senior Assistant Registrar, Trademarks, Patent & Designs Registry
- Emilia Asim Ita: Founder/Practice Director, AML
- Emmanuel Effiong Bright: Idea Strategist, Emmagination Consulting
- Emmanuel Oluwatosin: ED & Product Lead, Startupcourt
- Emmanuel Agherario: Associate II, Olisa Agbakoba Legal
- Emmanuel Adejoh: COO, Novateur Nigeria
- Eni Abugo: Co- Founder, Automotive Consulting
- Eromosele Omomhenle: Senior Manager, WW ISV Alliances and Partner Development , Microsoft
- Eteobong Tom: Legal Associate, Benchmac & Ince
- Etop Ikpe: CEO, Autochek Africa
- Eyitayo Ogunmola: CEO, Utiva
- Fayo Williams: Managing Consultant, Simply Exponential Consult Limited
- Femi Awosika: CEO, Robert and John Ltd.
- Fola Tanimola: Director, Jextost
- Fola Olatunji: Founding Partner, Kickoff Africa
- Frances Obiago: Senior Associate, Aelex
- Francis Anatogu: Executive Secretary, Secretariat of the National Action Committee on AfCFTA
- Gbemi Akande: Managing Partner, Pacer Ventures
- Gbenga Sogbaike: CEO, Plaqad
- Gbenga Adebowale: Country Manager, Vertiv
- Gbenga Owolabi: Mr., Pendaxia Limited
- Gbenga Omolokun: CEO, VFD Microfinance Bank
- Gbite Oduneye: Founder and Managing Partner, ODBA
- Geoffrey Weli Wosu: Co-Founder, Director Legal Compliance and Marketing, VoguePay
- George Agu: Chief Executive Officer , ActivEdge Technologies Limited
- Gordy Oshoko: CEO, Treadgold Ltd.
- Hakeem Onasanya: Head, Startups, Lagos Innovates
- Helen Anatogu: Lead Business Officer , Pegasystems
- Helen Anaelo: Partnership Manager - HEART Sectors, Sterling Bank
- Honey Ogundeyi: Country Director, , UK - Nigeria Tech hub
- Ibitayo Banigbe: Technology Leader, Invensys
- Ibrahim Salau: CEO , Environmental Accord
- Idowu Akinde: Founder, Boolean Labs
- Idowu Akinde: Founder, Boolean Labs
- Ife Olatunji: Founder, Metamorph
- Ifeanyi Akosionu: Founder & Convener, The Angel-A Collective | Angel-A Digital Ventures
- Ifeyinwa Ufondu: Senior Associate, Benchmac & Ince
- Ifreke Brendan: Business Operation Manager, Worden HCD
- Ifunanya Chiegboka: Director, Strategy and Development, OPay
- Ike Ibeku: Managing Partner , Benchmac & Ince
- Ikechukwu Arisa: Agricultural Finance officer, Sterling Bank
- Ikechulwu Kalu: Founder, Iyconsoft
- Innocent Chukwuma: Regional Director, West Africa at Ford Foundation
- Isaiah Oreweme: Partner, PAC Solicitors
- Iyinoluwa Aboyeji: Co-founder, Future.africa
- James Miller: Senior Consultant, Ex Oracle, Gartner, IBM, Infosys, Wipro
- Jane Egerton Idehen: Head of Sales | Middle East & Africa , Facebook
- Jatin Kataria: Founder & CEO, InMeSta
- Jean Marc Ricca: Managing Director , BASF West Africa
- Jerry Oche: CEO, Zowasel
- Jo Eyre: Marketing & Communications, Epic Games
- Joel Omeike: Founder CEO, P4PE Institute
- Jonathan Okanlawon: Co-Founder/Board Executive , Global Croft Ltd
- Juliet Ehimuan: Director, West Africa, Google Austria
- Kaffy Shafau Ameh: CEO, IMAGNETO DANCE COMPANY
- Kamal Hassan: Founding Partner, Loyal VC
- Kate Henshaw: Actress, Nollywood
- Katie Mapondera: Founder and Managing Partner, Q L and D, LLC
- Katie Mapondera: Founder and Managing Partner, Q L and D LLC
- Kayode Aladesuyi: CEO, AdsMyWay
- Kelechi Nwosu: Managing Director, TBWA\CONCEPT
- Kenneth Okolie: CEO, SYNLAB
- Keshni Morar: Managing Director, Founder Institute South Africa + Investable
- Keshni Morar: Managing Director, Founder Institute South Africa + Investable
- Kitawa Wemo: Founder & CEO, MAMA Social Ventures
- Kola Aina: Founder, Ventures Platform Hub
- Kola Aina: Founding Partner, Ventures Platform
- Lanre Ore: Founder, Kkon Technologies
- Lanre Adelanwa Basamta: Group Head, Mobile Financial Services, Interswitch Group
- Lateef Ashekun: Deputy Chief Information Officer, Fulton County Government
- Lavina Ramkissoon: AI Ethics and Technology Policy, African Union
- Lewu Oluyemisi: Partnership Officer, HEART Sectors, Sterling Bank
- Lilian Mbayiwa: Head of Group Marketing and Innovation , Old Mutual ZW
- Lino Velev: Founder/CEO , Worldwide TechServices
- Linus Wahome: CEO, ManPro
- Lola Esan: Workforce Advisory Service Leader (West Africa), Ernst & Young
- Lola Eniolorunda: Partner (Advisory, Scaling & Operations), Seedle Partners
- Manny Asika: MD, HP Nigeria
- Mark Kleyner: Co-Founder, Dream VC
- Maxwell Ampong: CEO, Maxwell Investment Group
- Michael Oluo: Co-Founder/CEO, Signaleats
- Michael Olafusi
- Michael Aku: Digitalization Manager, CypherCrescent Nig Limited
- Mitchell Elegbe: MD/CEO, InterSwitch Limited
- Modupe Marc Dawodu: Managing Consultant, Marcforte Business Consulting
- Mohammed Aliyu: Founder & Mentor, Transform Africa
- Morakinyo Animasaun: CEO, Netplus Limited
- More Argwings Kodhek: Director of Marketing, Made by People
- Naadiya Moosajee: Co-Founder, WomHub
- Nkem Nweke: PM Engineering Innovation, Microsoft
- Nkemdilim Uwaje Begho: Owner, Future Software Resources Ltd.
- Nkiru Balonwu: Managing Partner, RDF
- Nnamdi Ezeigbo: Founder, SLOT Systems Limited
- Nosa John Garrick: Senior Associate, Olisa Agbakoba Legal
- Oare Ehiemua: CEO, Laborhack
- Obi Asika: Chairman, Social Media Week Lagos
- Obi Ozor: CEO, Kobo360
- Obi Anusiem: Co-founder & CEO, NGEX, LLC
- Obinna Ukachukwu: Divisional head, Business Growth and Transaction Banking, Sterling Bank Plc
- Obinna Onwuelingo: Partnership Manager - HEART Sectors, Sterling Bank
- Odiong Akpan: Digital Business Advisor, Caspania
- Ogechi Adeola: Founder/CEO, Digital Business Tutelage
- Ogochukwu Francis Osifo: Co-Founder/VP, Engineering, 54gene
- Okang Ashiwel Ochui: Head of Marketing, Smile Identity
- Ola Oyetayo: Co-founder, VertoFX
- Olabinjo Adeniran: Product and Growth Marketing Africa. , Future Africa
- Olalekan Akinyele: Deputy Creative Director , Dare Create
- Olamide Afolabi: Managing Director , Touch and Pay Technologies Limited
- Olasunkanmi Abioye: Team Lead, Project Finance and Credits, Sterling Bank
- Olatayo Elegbede: Executive Director , Enterprise Ecosystem Support
- Olayinka James: President/CEO, AKEA Services Inc
- Olubukunola Asehinde, Bellafricana
- Olumide Sholanke: Human Resources Director, Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company
- Olusegun Olukoya: COO, Nextzon Business Services
- Olusegun Adeniji: Co-Founder, Alusoft Technologies ltd. ( AlutaMart )
- Olusola Olanipekun: CEO, FuelCredit
- Oluwatomi Solanke: CEO, Trove Finance
- Oluyomi Ojo: Founder, Cova
- Ommo Clark: Founder, iBez
- Omobola Omofaiye: Chief Commercial Officer, Arnegy
- Onyeka Akumah: Founder, Farm Crowdy
- Ore Somolu: Founer/ Executive Director, Women’s Technology Empowerment Centre (W.TEC).
- Oreoluwa Shomolu Lesi: Founder, Women's Technology Empowerment Centre (W.TEC)
- Osibo Imhoitsike: Executive Director, TBWA\CONCEPT
- Oyeniyi Faleye: Co Managing Director, True Value Marketing Solutions
- PEDRO-EBIPADE TIMOTUBO
- Pius Okigbo: CEO, InfoSoft Nigeria Limited
- Pius Okigbo: CEO, InfoSoft Nigeria Limited
- Rapulu Nduka: Legal Practitioner, The Rock Chambers
- Ray Sharma: Founder
- Rebecca Enonchong: Founder & CEO, AppsTech & Board Chair Afrilabs.
- Richard Ojo: CEO/Founder, Taxmingo
- Saidu Abdullahi: President/CEO, Procentric IQ
- Sam Ohuabunwa: Mr.
- Sandra Oyewole: Partner, Olajide Oyewole LLP
- Satoshi Shinada: GP, Kepple Africa Ventures
- Sean Burrows: C0-founder, Ingressive For Good
- Segun Adeyemi: Manager, Jumo World
- Seun Abimbola, Rentit Online Inc
- Seun Abimbola: Co founder, Rent it
- Shalom Dickson, Paperloops
- Shehu Umar: Director, WattlinQ
- Sheilah Birgen: CEO, The CoRD
- Simeon Ononobi: CEO, Connected Analytics
- Simon Turner: Founding Partner, Groundbreaking, Managing Director, FI Ghana
- Solabomi Adedeji: Partner, Platform Capital Investment Partners
- Stephanie Ede: Founder, ReHBoX
- Stephanie Mills: Growth Manager, AFEX
- Sunny Ameh: Country/Commercial Unit Head; Nigeria, Syngenta
- Suzan Fasipe: Head, Retail Payment , Interswitch
- Sylvester Kay Adade: LP Relations , Ingressive Capital
- Temitope Isedowo: Programes Manager, AfriLabs
- Temitope Babatunde Ekundayo: Mr Temitope Ekundayo, Printivo Limited
- Temple Ezebuike: Associate Company, Benchmac & Ince
- Tereigh Ozakpo: Director, TheBossOffice
- Theo Lawson: CEO, Total Consut
- Theophilus Emuwa: Managing Partner, Aelex
- Tijana Momirov: Startup Consultant - Product Management, StartupSetup
- Timi Olagunju: Senior Consultant , Grounds Consulting
- Timothy Adeleye: CEO, Optiweb Communication
- Timothy Nunu: CEO, TIMPROXY
- Titi Adewusi: Co-founder, 9ijakids
- Tobenna Okoli: FMCGnaija, Creator/Founder
- Toki Mabogunje
- Tola Alabi: Founder, TA Consulting
- Tolulope Olukokun: CEO, ThinkBikes
- Tolulope Omoleye-Osindero: Head of Legal and Compliance , Branch International
- Toluwase Olaniyan: Executive Director, EGO Foundation
- Tomi Davies: Collaborator-in-Chief, TVC Labs
- Tomilola Majekodunmi: Co Founder/CEO , Bankly
- Tomiwa Aladekomo: CEO, Big Cabal Media
- Tony Omachonu: ICT Business Analyst, J. D. Irving Ltd
- Tope Bukola Ojo: CEO, Autogig International
- Tosin Faniro Dada: Head, Lagos Innovates, LSETF
- Tunde Adeoti: CEO, MEGAWATTS
- Tunde McIver: Founder/CEO, MusterPoint
- Tunde Bello: CEO, Alexander Stephen IQ
- Tunde Akin-Moses: Mr., Sycamore
- Tunji Abioye: Founder/CEO, Fuel Communication Limited
- Tunji Adegbesan: Founder/CEO, Gidi Mobile
- Uche Aniche: Director, Rebel Seed Capital
- Udo Okonjo: CEO, Fine & Country
- Uzo Anekwe: Head Business Development, Connect Nigeria
- Victor Mamora: CEO, Appiibox Limited
- Victoria Ekhomu: Managing Director, Trans-World Security Systems Limited
- Victoria Madedor: Co-Founder, AgroVerified
- Weyinmi Egbe: Alliances & Channel Leader Africa, Technology, Cloud & Systems, Oracle
- Yemi Keri: Member, Board of Directors, Nigerian-German Chamber of Commerce
- Yemi Oluseun: Founder/ CEO - Fintech, SaaS Business Growth, Automation & Change Management, The Change Hive
- Yemisi Isidi: CEO, Triift Africa
- Yinka Banjo: CEO, WestField Consulting
- Yunus Ibrahim: Venture Builder, Founders Factory Africa
- Yusuf Ogunbiyi: Head Product Structuring and Origination , AFEX
- Zainab Arilesere: Head of Product Team, Omnibiz
- And many more to be announced.
Lagos is the commercial nerve centre of Nigeria. A mega-city home to 20 million people and offices of international companies. The tech community in Lagos is very vibrant and is beginning to nucleate around the Sabo, Yaba axis of Lagos known as 'Silicon Lagoon'. Therefore, Lagos provides the perfect blend of developers, corporations and market." - Joseph Iruafemi
Apply to the Lagos Founder Institute today.
(Lagos Nigeria image by Shutterstock)
