We're working on a Green Mobility startup project that needs us to be at the Canton Fair.
For the context, I am not in the US, UK or Canada, but we're bringing a very good offer to the table.
Kindly send a dm for more details
From my experience, I can only imagine the frustration of young founders and the number of dreams buried in Nigeria.
Recently I was working on a project that needs funding, while corporate lenders didn't respond or asked for insane collaterals, nearly every major tech hubs said they don't have a running incubation program. I went from Port Harcourt to Abuja and Lagos, and it's all the same. Without a strong family name, no door seems to open.
The only thriving industry in Nigeria, seems to be the Car dealership and real estates. No structural support for many other sectors. Aside fintech and crypto tech is almost nonexistent.
I was relieved when I got a referral. After a week of trying to meet him, I could only meet him in a club. He told me the project was 'cool' and asked that I keep in touch through his PA and that was the end.
Raising funds outside is almost impossible. I've had good referrals but it seems mentioning that the project is in Nigeria signifies the end of the conversation.
I'm sick and worried of Nigeria. Fraudsters are damaging our reputation. Bankers are stealing monies from customers, insecurity is forcing farmers to stay at home, politicians are looting public funds, and pastors are exploiting members in the name of God.
The worst part is you're expected to own a GLK, else the society will look down on you. A landlord once told me to my face that I don't look like a yahooboy and he doubts I can afford his apartment.
I just don't know if I can be hopeful for Nigeria. If with my education, exposure and the little privileges I've hard, Nigeria still deals with me, what of the many others in the slums? No education and not support systems?