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The Founder Institute (www.fi.co), the world’s largest pre-seed accelerator, announced today that it is officially launching its newest chapter in Abuja, Nigeria. With plans to run two semesters annually, the Founder Institute aims to launch over 20 meaningful and enduring technology companies per year in Abuja. Applications to the program are open now, and anyone interested in working with Abuja’s top startup mentors to launch a technology company is welcome to apply to the Abuja Founder Institute at http://fi.co/apply/abuja
In order to celebrate the launch, the Abuja Founder Institute will host a series of free startup events for the general public, where attendees can learn how to build a company and learn more about the program. See the full list of events at http://fi.co/events/abuja
For aspiring and early-stage entrepreneurs up to the challenge, the Founder Institute’s step-by-step program provides the structure, mentor support, and global network of entrepreneurs needed to start an enduring company. 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. Founder Institute Graduate companies include fast-rising startups across 6 continents like Udemy, Realty Mogul, Zowasel, Limestart, Rentit, Athlst and many more.
In addition, the Abuja 2020 program will include the Founder Institute’s newest company-building curriculum suitable to address the needs of advanced founders (MVP stage) as well as aspiring new entrepreneurs at the idea-stage – a project just released this year in collaboration with hundreds of startup leaders across the globe.
The Abuja Chapter will once again be led by local startup leaders Abdulrazaq Ahmed (Founder, Work and connect Hub), Christian Ndubisi. (Co-founder, 42 NG), Fisayo Olabisi (CEO, Tukio Konsults), Mohammed Ibrahim Jega,(Founder, StartupArewa).
According to the Regional Director, Founder Institute, Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata Jnr., “Startups in Abuja now have the unique opportunity of joining other startups in various other cities across the globe benefit from FI’s hard-core, time tested curriculum and global network.”
Mentors who have expressed interest in helping Abuja Founder Institute participants include:
- Abdul Hakeem Ajijola: Chairman, Consultancy Support Services (CS2) Ltd
- Afolabi Imoukhede: CEO, MCS Consulting Limited
- Aituaz Kola Oladejo: Executive Director, Financial Services Innovators (FSI)
- Akindayo Akindolani: Founder, McAnderson Institute of Technology
- Anna Ekeledo: Executive Director , AfriLabs
- Ayodeji Abitogun: Lead Consultant, Management Edge
- Bankole Oloruntoba: CEO, Nigeria Climate Innovation Center
- Basil Udotai Esq.: Managing Partner , Technology Advisors
- Chioma Agwuegbo: Founder, TechHer
- Collins Nwosu: Executive Director, P.R.I. global ventures limited
- Doyin Adewola: CEO, Box Office Hub
- Ife Adebayo: Special Assistant on Innovation & Entrepreneurship to the Nigerian Vice President, Vice President Office, Federal Republic of Nigeria
- Ifeoma Malo: CEO, Clean Technology Hub
- Kadir Salami: CEO, Techspecialist Consulting, Procurease
- Kola Aina: Founder, Ventures Platform
- Lanre Philips: CEO, Elpee Consults
- Lawrence Olawale Roberts: CEO , MicroBoss Technologies
- Louisa Ogwuru: Co-founder, Insiteful Solutions, Alfret.Ng
- Mercy Olorunfemi: Program Manager, Work and Connect
- Michael Oluwagbemi, Executive Partner, LoftyInc Allied Partners Limited
- Mohammed B. Hussaini: CEO, Cupious Energy
- Musa Ali Baba: CEO, Teasy Mobile
- Nkechi Oguchi: CEO, Ventures Park
- Nkoyo Efretei: CEO, Insiteful Solutions and Talented Space
- Noel Akpata: CEO, Stratex Pro
- Osasenaga Enogieru: National Program Manager, Wennovation Hub
- Oyaje Idoko: CEO, Layer3 Tech
- Philip Agbese Jnr.: Founder, CAVIC.
- Raji Mohammed: Co-Founder, MyLearningAcademy
- Saidu Abdullahi: Head of Partnerships, Next Billion Users, Google
- Simiola Olusola: Founder, Aspilos Foundation
Abuja being the capital city isn’t just a civil servants’ city anymore. The city is characterized by a constant influx of fresh young entrepreneurs looking to launch new businesses and to collaborate with the government and its parastatals.
With the launch of government-funded projects like StartUp Fridays (A platform that enables young entrepreneurs to pitch their startups, receive feedback and network with potential investors), it is obvious that the government is always ready to provide support for tech entrepreneurs and established businesses in Abuja.
Startups need more than just money in Abuja. They need a framework and a community to support their ideas and to help them build a valuable network.
The city’s unique combination of entrepreneurial energy, quality of life and a supportive government makes it a perfect place for entrepreneurs trying to build a more liveable future.
Anybody who is interested can apply to the Abuja Founder Institute at http://fi.co/apply/abuja. Anyone who applies by the Early Application Deadline (2020-03-29) 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.
