When we talk to startups at VP we are often asked the question - “what do you think we need to focus on the most?” One of our answers is - “know your customer, listen to them and be clear on what your value proposition is.” This is an answer that we apply to ourselves at VP and the past few months have only made this clearer.
Starting Ventures Platform many months ago the one thing that was clear was that we wanted to build a platform for great African Ventures.
We wanted to identify the best startups solving real problems in interesting new ways, support them, become a part of their story and perhaps make a return.
We wanted to build cool and inspiring places for people to work, live and share.
We also felt it important to have a ton of useful events, learning opportunities and initiatives that would force the kind of behavior and change we wanted to see in the world starting with our ecosystem.
It’s been 10 months now, and as we approach our 1st anniversary we remain convinced about wanting to build a platform or rather “platforms”.
Our learnings however have shown us that we need to better clarify how we interact with the ecosystem and the value we offer. And so in doing this it seems natural that we separate our platforms, especially since they speak to different groups of people and entrepreneurs along different stages of their journey.
To do this better we are happy to announce that we will be making some structural changes going forward.
- Ventures Platform will accelerate startups by finding, investing in and supporting the best founders and most innovative companies at the very early stage. We will continue to actively build relationships that support the growth of our companies while in our programs or as alumni.
- Ventures Park is going to focus on building world class infrastructure and facilities for the African entrepreneur. With our first campus, already we have a great model of a co-working and co-living community.
- Ventures Platform Foundation will focus on our social impact work and ecosystem interventions, where we intend to continue to make impact with our partners.
As we progress, each entity will operate as its own startup, serving its archetypes and building its own reputation.
We are also happy to announce that we will be growing our team to strengthen our ability to deliver better results.
- To strengthen Ventures Platform’s work with early stage startup, we are happy to announce a new Entrepreneur in Residence program and we couldn’t have been prouder than that Fola Olatunji — David would be migrating to becoming our 1st EiR, while Kayode Oyewole will now be Startup Advisor. With that, we are now looking to bring on board an Accelerator Program Manager, a Program Administrator, a Communications Intern and 2 more EiR’s. Please tell someone you know.
- Ventures Park is also recruiting for a communications intern role. Please tell someone you know.
- Obioha Mimshach will lead our efforts at the foundation while we are recruiting for a communications intern role. Please tell someone you know.
- To strengthen our strategic planning, leadership and metric monitoring we are also bringing on board a President to help provide leadership to Ventures Platform Accelerator, Ventures Park and the Foundation. Please tell someone you know.
We are excited about our team members taking on new roles and we look forward to growing our family with you.
What’s Next?
We’ve had a busy 1st quarter so far and here is a sneak peak of what else is in store;
- We went on a tour of several cities in February talking to founders and are grateful for all the support we received from our hub partners in Nigeria and Ghana. We intend to do this again soon.
- We just closed applications for accelerator cohort 2 at Ventures Platform. Thank you for all those that applied from across the continent, you can expect to get feedback by the 1st of April.
- Our cohort 1 companies have been mighty busy building their businesses and talking with investors. You can expect updates as they come.
- The guys at Ventures Park will be hosting the first Startup Jam for 2017 on the 30th of March. Sign up to attend here.
- Overall we are excited about the future and look forward to engaging more with you. Stay up to date with what we are doing and you can check in with me on twitter here @kola_aina
