The Founder Institute, the world’s largest entrepreneur training and startup launch program, announced today that it is officially launching its first chapter in Nigeria - in the city of Lagos. The Silicon-Valley based program decided to officially launch earlier than scheduled, after a successful trial period this summer attracted over 50 applicants.
Applications to the first ever Lagos Founder Institute are open now, and anyone interested in launching a technology company is welcome to apply at http://fi.co/apply/lagos.
In order to celebrate the launch, the Lagos Founder Institute will host a series of free startup events for the general public - to see the full list of upcoming events, visit http://fi.co/curriculum/lagos.
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, Co-Director of the Lagos Founder Institute
Through the Founder Institute’s four-month program, promising entrepreneurs “learn by doing” and launch a company with structured training, expert feedback, and support from experienced startup CEOs. Since the program is part-time, it is also a great opportunity for full-time professionals to test and build their ideas before making “the leap” from employee to entrepreneur and quitting their jobs. Based in Silicon Valley and with chapters across 100 countries, the Founder Institute has helped launch over 7,500 companies, including fast-rising startups across 6 continents like Udemy, Realty Mogul, iCarsClub, Itembase, goplaceit, Appota, and many more.
Leading the Founder Institute's efforts in Lagos are Dayo Adefila (Co-Founder & Chief Operating Officer, Hotsauce Ltd); Joseph Iruafemi (Business/Lead Developer, Websphere Solutions); and Olusegun Olukoya (Assistant Vice President, Nextzon Business Sevices).
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." - Olosegun Olukoya, Co-Director of the Lagos Founder Institute
Other technology leaders who have signed on to mentor new entrepreneurs in the Lagos Founder Institute program include top founders from the city, and beyond;
- Bankole Alonge: Solicitor, Akinla Alonge Akpomiemie & Akintomide LLP
- Chuka Ofili: Co-Founder, Delivery Science
- Demola Aladekomo: Group Managing Directo, CHAMS PLC
- Marek Zmyslowski: MD, Jovago.com
- Mark Essien: Founder, Hotels.ng
- Mayowa Owolabi: Co-Founder, Mobile Monday Nigeria
- Morakinyo Animasaun: CEO, Netplus Limited
- Nwachukwu Onyeaso: CEO, Push and Start Crowdfunding Platform
- Olalekan Olude: Co-Founder and SVP, Jobberman.com
- Raphael Afaedor: CEO, Supermart.ng
- Tomi Davies: Co-Founder and President, African Business Angels Network (ABAN)
- Tunde Owoeye: CEO, Phoster Solutions Limited
- And many more to be announced.
Anybody who is interested can apply to the Lagos Founder Institute at http://fi.co/apply/lagos. Anyone who applies by the Early Application Deadline on September 13, 2015 is eligible for a variety of scholarships - including the Female Founder Fellowship, which is offered to the best overall female applicant.
Learn more about the Founder Institute at http://fi.co.
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About the Founder Institute
The Founder Institute (www.FI.co) is the world's largest entrepreneur training and startup launch program, helping aspiring founders across the globe build enduring technology companies. In the Founder Institute's four-month, part-time program, promising startup entrepreneurs "learn by doing" and launch a company through structured training courses, practical business-building assignments, and expert feedback from a large network of business mentors. Plus, aspiring founders are not required to quit their day job to participate, so they can begin building a business around their ideas without putting their livelihood at risk.
Based in Silicon Valley and with chapters across 200 cities and 100 countries, the Founder Institute has helped launch over 7,500 companies, which have created over 30,000+ new jobs. The company's mission is to "Globalize Silicon Valley" and create sustainable startup ecosystems that will create one million new jobs worldwide.
