On September 28th, 2024, startup founders and entrepreneurs gathered at CcHub for a transformational masterclass focused on navigating the complex, daunting, landscape of fundraising and startup growth. The event was packed with electrifying energy, valuable insights, and exclusive opportunities designed to help founders take their ventures to the next level.
The room was buzzing with excitement as founders eagerly soaked up wisdom from a panel of industry experts who shared their hard-earned knowledge on the do’s and don’ts of startup fundraising. This wasn’t just another business event—it was an interactive, enlightening experience where founders left with real, actionable insights and offers that could change the trajectory of their businesses.
Insights from the Experts
Each panelist brought their unique perspective, creating a dynamic mix of advice from all corners of the startup ecosystem:
- Gbenga Agoye, Investment Manager at CcHub, gave a deep dive into what investors really look for. He emphasized that strong market traction and a compelling vision are often what separates successful pitches from the rest. His candid approach gave founders an inside look at the investor mindset, and trust us—there were plenty of lightbulb moments in the room.
- Fumilayo Ajetombi, a legal advisor for startups, didn’t hold back on explaining the legal minefields that could trip founders up during the fundraising process. Her expose into the Do’s and Dont’s of Fundraising was in-depth and filled with trusted tips and guides which was eye-opening and essential for any founder looking to secure funding.
- Segun Cole, Founder of Maasaï, brought in his personal experience with fundraising and scaling. He provided practical strategies for negotiating startup valuations with confidence. His stories, both funny and insightful, made the often nerve-racking world of fundraising seem a bit more approachable.
- Stephanie Nwannukwu, an expert in talent acquisition and organizational culture, emphasized that investors don’t just invest in ideas—they invest in people. She encouraged founders to build superstar teams that can execute the vision strategically. Her advice on creating a culture that supports rapid growth was exactly what founders needed to hear.
- Ayoola Ogunyomi, CEO of UseUmbrella, highlighted the power of networking and community. His message was clear: ambitious founders should prioritize connections and solve real-world problems with blitz-scale potential. His talk was both motivating and practical, giving founders a fresh perspective on their entrepreneurial journeys.
The panel session, masterfully moderated by Omotola Dorcas, Co-Founder of Oxtra Africa, kept the discussion flowing seamlessly. She engaged the audience, ensuring that the conversation remained interactive and relevant to the founders’ pressing challenges. Omotola’s finesse as a moderator brought out the best insights from each expert while keeping the energy high.
Key Takeaways for Founders
Among the many insights shared, here are some of the standout takeaways:
- Investor Alignment is Key: Founders should look for investors who align with their vision and values. As Gbenga Agoye aptly put it, “Not all money is good money.” The right investor brings more than just capital—they become true partners in the journey.
- Legal Readiness is Non-Negotiable: Understanding term sheets, safeguarding intellectual property, and having the right legal framework in place is essential. Fumilayo Ajetombi made it clear that founders need to be legally ready for the road ahead to avoid future pitfalls.
- Your Team Sells Your Idea: Investors are not just betting on your product or service; they are betting on the strength of your team. Stephanie Nwannukwu emphasized that founders should focus on building a strong, cohesive team that demonstrates the ability to execute their vision.
- Growth After Funding: Securing capital is just the beginning. Founders need to have clear strategies for deploying their funds and scaling effectively without burning through resources too quickly. Segun Cole’s insights on post-funding strategy were a wake-up call for many.
Exclusive Offers for Attendees
In addition to walking away with invaluable knowledge, attendees also received exclusive offers from the event’s generous sponsors:
- Brown HR Solution offered one lucky startup 3 months of free HR Business Partner support, ensuring they have expert guidance on their talent management and HR strategies as they grow.
- Workonnect, an AI-driven recruitment platform, provided 10 startups with 1 month of free access to their platform, helping founders recruit the best talent in a more streamlined and efficient way.
- Metro Times gifted 10 startups with one free press release per month, giving these startups the opportunity to gain valuable media exposure and enhance their visibility in the marketplace.
These exclusive offers reinforced the event’s commitment to equipping startups with resources they need to succeed. Founders were not only able to leave the masterclass with new knowledge but also with tangible tools to help grow their startups beyond the event.
The Energy in the Room
This masterclass wasn’t just about soaking up information—it was about engagement, collaboration, and community. The energy in the room was infectious, with founders connecting over shared experiences, asking candid questions, and leaving with a renewed sense of purpose.
As one attendee put it, “This wasn’t just informative—it was game-changing.” The masterclass left founders better equipped to navigate the challenges of fundraising and growth, with both practical knowledge and fresh confidence.
Spotlight on Our Sponsors: Empowering Startups for Success
The Dos & Don’ts of Fundraising & Startup Growth Masterclass wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible support of our sponsors.
Brown HR Solution
As a leading provider of HR services, Brown HR Solution understands the critical role human resources play in the growth of any startup. They specialize in HR strategy, talent acquisition, and business partner support, providing startups with the tools needed to build scalable, high-performing teams.
At the masterclass, Brown HR Solution went above and beyond by offering an exclusive 3-month HR Business Partner support package to one lucky startup. This service includes everything from recruitment strategies to employee engagement initiatives, ensuring that the winning startup can focus on growth while their HR needs are expertly managed.
Workonnect
In today’s competitive hiring landscape, finding and retaining top talent is a key challenge for startups. Workonnect—an innovative AI-driven recruitment platform—aims to revolutionize how businesses discover and hire the right candidates. By leveraging advanced technology, Workonnect helps startups streamline their recruitment process, saving time and improving the quality of hires.
As part of their sponsorship, 10 startups received 1 month of free access to Workonnect, which will officially launch soon. This generous offer provides early access to an intelligent recruitment platform, allowing these startups to build their dream teams more efficiently and effectively.
Metro Times
Media exposure can be a game-changer for startups, giving them the visibility they need to attract customers, investors, and talent. We at Metro Times, we’re dedicated to giving startups the platform they need to share their stories and successes with the world.
Thanks to Metro Times’ sponsorship, 10 startups will receive one free press release per month, offering invaluable media exposure. This opportunity allows startups to shine in front of a broader audience, helping to boost their brand and reach new markets.
Their exclusive offers demonstrate that the support goes beyond words—they are invested in providing tangible benefits that will help startups thrive and scale. We are proud to have had them as part of this event and look forward to seeing the continued success of our attendees with the help of these game-changing opportunities.
Looking Ahead
As the startup ecosystem continues to evolve, events like this masterclass are crucial in equipping founders with the tools they need to thrive. Whether it’s becoming legally prepared, building a strong team, or aligning with the right investors, the Dos & Don’ts of Fundraising & Startup Growth Masterclass provided essential resources for every founder in attendance.
Thanks to CcHub for hosting this insightful event and to our incredible sponsors who made the day possible: Brown HR Solution, Workonnect Africa, Metro Times, and smallChops.ng, who kept everyone well-fueled and energized throughout the day.
With so many key takeaways and exclusive offers, this event was more than just a learning opportunity—it was a catalyst for growth.
CcHub and our event sponsors remain committed to supporting the next wave of successful startups. So, until next time, keep innovating, scaling, and making the impact the world needs!
