Beta mode is a podcast focused on stories of entrepreneurship from different parts of Africa and Africans in the diaspora. We learn what it takes to build products and services by discussing strategy and the creative processes involved. Inspiration abounds through the stories of breaking through personal hardships to great successes and all the nonglamorous behind-the-scenes part of building and growing a business.
New episodes released every first Wednesday of the month!
In this episode, we talk with Oliver Windram, co-founder and CTO of Kuronga, an agri-tech startup focused on empowering small-scale African farmers. Oliver shares his journey from growing up on a farm in Zimbabwe to founding Kuronga, which uses technology to reduce food waste and improve agricultural productivity. The episode explores the potential of tech to revolutionize African farming and the importance of combining practical solutions with digital innovation.
In this Beta Mode podcast episode, we delve into the dynamic world of African venture capitalism with Lydia Idem, the Chief Operating Officer of LoftyInc Capital Management. Lydia narrates her extraordinary journey from a dot-com era developer to the African venture capital scene, driven by a vision to boost tech-enabled businesses across the continent. She elaborates on her role in identifying and investing in Afropreneurs, African founders and those in the diaspora, who are creating scalable solutions for Africa’s unique challenges. Throughout the conversation, Lydia emphasizes the critical importance of persistence and a supportive network in navigating Africa’s entrepreneurial landscape. We also explore LoftyInc’s mission to foster economic growth by investing in startups that have the potential to create significant socio-economic impact. Lydia concludes by reflecting on the future of venture capital in Africa, envisioning a robust ecosystem where African-founded companies thrive and compete globally.
In this Beta Mode podcast episode, we delve into the ethical transformation of African mining practices with Ayo Sopitan, founder and CEO of Metalex Commodities. Ayo narrates his transition from a data analyst in corporate America to leading a venture aimed at reforming the mining industry in Africa through ethical sourcing and data-driven methods. He emphasizes the importance of connecting small-scale miners to the global market, ensuring fair compensation, and adopting sustainable mining practices. The discussion also explores the critical role of technology in optimizing operations and the significant impact of the African diaspora in supporting the continent’s development. Ayo envisions Metalex Commodities as a global leader in the metals market, focusing on transparency, equity, and the empowerment of African communities, showcasing the potential of ethical entrepreneurship to drive societal change in one of Africa’s key sectors.
In this episode of the Beta Mode podcast, Tomiwa Igun, co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of SunFi, details his journey from confronting power issues in Nigeria as a teenager to co-founding a sustainable energy and fintech startup. He introduces SunFi, a fintech platform he co-founded, specifically designed to accelerate the adoption of solar energy solutions across Africa. SunFi’s mission is to offer techno-economic solutions, utilizing solar panels to provide African communities with clean, affordable, and sustainable energy technologies. Tomiwa highlights the necessity of embracing calculated risks and building solid relationships as fundamental to success in any business venture. Tune in for an episode rich in insights and inspiration.
In this episode of Beta Mode, we feature Ogechi Agu, a nurse practitioner and the founder of Amaka, a brand specializing in Afrocentric handbags. Ogechi’s journey from nursing to fashion entrepreneurship highlights her multifaceted talents and her passion for African-inspired fashion. Amaka, reflecting Ogechi’s Nigerian heritage, uses eco-friendly materials to create affordable luxury handbags. She discusses her aspirations to expand Amaka beyond handbags, including men’s accessories and luggage, and her strategies for brand growth. Ogechi’s narrative exemplifies how pursuing a passion outside of one’s professional field can lead to exciting and successful entrepreneurial ventures.
In this episode, Cheukai Makari, CEO of Aminat Ventures, recounts her journey from Sierra Leone to UC Berkeley, and how it shaped her mission to empower African women entrepreneurs. Her experiences in Sierra Leone and academic pursuits in International Business and Global Development at Berkeley fueled her passion for sustainable development. Aminat Ventures, her brainchild, focuses on providing resources, mentorship, and tools to African women, fostering community-driven and environmentally sustainable business practices. Cheukai’s vision is to expand Aminat Ventures across Africa, demonstrating the profound impact of women-led, community-focused initiatives on societal well-being.
I had the very great pleasure of interviewing Yewande, the founder of Startup Plug on this episode. She is a startup advisor and runs a company that helps founders find the tools to efficiently build companies and simultaneously learn how to run a business.
On this episode, I have the pleasure of interviewing Nichole Yembra CEO of The Chrysalis Capital an Africa focused venture firm. We discuss everything from the continent’s most successful mobile money M-pesa, to why North Africa is the next terrain to conquer.
I discuss with 2 founders about the Lagos economy, and how people are coping amidst a pandemic. They also tell us about things they have done to keep their businesses alive and what they hope to accomplish in the future.
