Six startups from Africa have received $10,000 in total grants at the 2025 Demo Day of the SIA Startup Foundry, an accelerator programme by the Sola and Ibukun Adeyinka (SIA) Foundation. The event took place in Lagos and featured final presentations from ten startups shortlisted from an initial cohort of 50.
The SIA Startup Foundry, now in its second year, supports early-stage ventures by providing training, mentorship, and access to funding. Focus areas include agriculture, healthcare, education, light manufacturing, renewable energy, and recycling.
A panel of industry professionals evaluated the final ten startups after they each delivered five-minute pitches. The panel included Mayowa Olaniyan (CHAMS PLC), Gbenga Agoye (Co-Creation Hub), Chidinma Okorie (Dinma Consulting), Abiola Fajimi (PML Advisory), and Samson Olubayo (SanwoPay).
The $3,000 top grant went to Uban Leathered. Dynalimbs and Palmark received $2,000 each as first runners-up. Bolat Paint, FMJ Handicraft, and Vegitubers received $1,000 each as second runners-up.
Sola Adeyinka, Co-chair, SIA Foundation, said: “The goal of the Startup Foundry is to catalyse scalable solutions led by African founders. We are proud of the progress these entrepreneurs have made and optimistic about their continued impact.”
Ubok Ameh, founder of Uban Leathered, shared: “The SIA Startup Foundry was like a mini-MBA especially for someone like me who did not have a background in entrepreneurship, this programme was instrumental in shaping my mindset, the way I see business, and the way I run it. I was a legal practitioner who paused legal practice to start this growing bag factory and emerging as a winner validates everything we do. It’s encouraging to know that our baby steps have become giant strides—and with this funding, we will take bigger leaps in reducing dependence on bag importation and supporting our burgeoning local economy.”
Modupe Phillips, Programme Manager, SIA Foundation, added: “We are committed to developing platforms that drive entrepreneurial success and welcome collaborations that advance this mission. Our joy is to see these innovators transform their businesses into scalable, high-impact ventures.”
Mayowa Olaniyan, one of the event judges, remarked: “Truly commendable indeed, and yet the mantle falls upon us, to uplift, guide, mentor and nurture the seeds of tomorrow. If we don’t inspire these young, aspiring leaders, who will?”
