Beta•Mode

Products x Strategy x Africa

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!

Available on These Platforms! (Starting Summer 2020)

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Transforming African Mining with Ayo Sopitan and Metalex Commodities

Beta Mode
Beta Mode
Transforming African Mining with Ayo Sopitan and Metalex Commodities
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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.

S2E3: Tomiwa Igun’s Commitment to Delivering Affordable and Sustainable Energy Solutions to African Households

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Beta Mode
S2E3: Tomiwa Igun's Commitment to Delivering Affordable and Sustainable Energy Solutions to African Households
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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.

S2E2: Ogechi Agu’s Journey into Afrocentric Fashion with Amaka

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Beta Mode
S2E2: Ogechi Agu's Journey into Afrocentric Fashion with Amaka
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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.

S2E1: Cheukai Makari’s Journey to Empowering African Women

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Beta Mode
S2E1: Cheukai Makari's Journey to Empowering African Women
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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.

Season 2 is here! Meet the new host Seun Romiluyi.

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Beta Mode
Season 2 is here! Meet the new host Seun Romiluyi.
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Intro to season 2

Episode 3 – Survive & Collaborate

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Beta Mode
Episode 3 - Survive & Collaborate
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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.

Episode 2 : Tech as the great equalizer

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Beta Mode
Episode 2 : Tech as the great equalizer
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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.

Episode 1 : The Covid Effect – A Lagos Story

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Beta Mode
Episode 1 : The Covid Effect - A Lagos Story
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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.

Episode 0.00 – Podcast Introduction

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Beta Mode
Episode 0.00 - Podcast Introduction
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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.

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