The Founders Factory Academy Nigeria, in partnership with Impact Hub Lagos, has announced its distinguished lineup of mentors and judges for the 2024 Business Support Accelerator (BSA) program. This initiative is designed to empower early-stage startups in Nigeria, equipping them with mentorship, funding opportunities, and a robust 12-week curriculum aimed at fostering business growth and investment readiness. The selected mentors and judges bring a wealth of expertise, deep knowledge of tech startups, and an intimate understanding of the African market, making them uniquely positioned to guide participating entrepreneurs.
The mentors will play a pivotal role in the program, serving as primary reviewers during structured pitch evaluations on Pitch Day and internal review panels. They will also score and select founders for advancement based on program benchmarks, ensuring that only the most promising startups progress toward investment readiness. Additionally, mentors will provide advisory feedback to internal selection teams on which businesses merit further investment, follow-on support, or partnership consideration. Collaborating with other high-level experts, they will deliberate on final selections and outcomes, directly influencing funding decisions and the long-term success of participating ventures.
Among the esteemed mentors is Dr. Ebi Ofrey, MD, MBA, a renowned healthcare professional and entrepreneur with nearly two decades of medical experience and over 11 years in strategic consulting. Dr. Ofrey is the Co-Founder and CEO of GeroCare Solutions Limited, a health-tech company leveraging technology to improve elderly care. GeroCare has received numerous accolades, including recognition by the World Health Organization as one of the top 30 African health innovations. Dr. Ofrey’s expertise in geriatric care and his innovative approach to healthcare make him an invaluable resource for startups in the health-tech space.
Another notable mentor is Temitope Babatunde Ekundayo, an accomplished entrepreneur with extensive experience across technology, consulting, marketing, and social impact sectors. Ekundayo serves as the CEO of Printivo, an online print provider revolutionizing print services for Nigerian startups and SMEs. He is also the Co-Founder of GetEquity, a platform enabling startups to access funding through equity crowdfunding. His proven track record in scaling businesses across Africa positions him as an ideal mentor for startups seeking innovative growth strategies.
Ifeoma Uddoh, a fintech leader and founder of Shecluded, brings her expertise in gender-lens investing and financial inclusion to the program. Shecluded is Nigeria’s first female-focused financial technology company dedicated to empowering women-led businesses through alternative credit models. Uddoh’s extensive background in consulting at PwC and analytics at IROKO Partners has earned her global recognition as a champion for women entrepreneurs.
Other mentors include Dr. Helen Emore, a business development strategist known for her work in fostering entrepreneurship across Africa; Dr. Glory Enyinnaya, an expert in corporate governance and strategy development; Kristin H. Wilson, an international business strategist with experience scaling startups globally; Brian Hammond, a seasoned investor focused on African startups; and Mercy Olorunfemi, a specialist in SME growth strategies.
The BSA program reflects Founders Factory Africa’s commitment to leveraging its global network to position African entrepreneurs for long-term success. By connecting startups with industry leaders with deep knowledge like Dr. Ofrey, Temitope Ekundayo, and Ifeoma Uddoh, this initiative aims to create lasting value within Nigeria’s entrepreneurial ecosystem while driving innovation across various sectors.
