The Finland And Nigeria Startup Ecosystem meetup was organised to promote Vatebra Tech Hub with Finnish Institution and to deepen collaboration on entrepreneurship with Finland and Nigeria Startup Ecosystem.
The meet-up/network event was organized on the visit of entrepreneurs from Finland to Lagos, Nigeria to understand Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country and explore partnership for development.
The event gave a rare opportunity to hear from active stakeholders in the Nigerian and Finland startup ecosystems, the nature of innovation trend challenges opportunities for collaboration and partnership.
The objective of the meetup includes:
- Leading conversation and exploring opportunities for collaboration and partnership with Finland and Nigeria Startup ecosystem.
- Helping Hub Managers and Startups learn from industry experts on Hub Sustainability, growing businesses, scaling up and legal framework to consider while exploring collaboration.
- Creating a veritable platform for co-creation of innovation.
Opening Remarks was delivered by Ms Chinyely Chikwendu which was followed by the Special Address delivered by Ambassador of Finland H.E. Dr Jyrki Pulkkinen represented by Ms Suvi Laakso, Chargé d’Affaires.
Mr Olu Raheem, Trade Commissioner for Finland in West Africa delivered a presentation about Innovation Business Possibilities between Finland and Nigeria. After which there was a panel session on How Nigeria and Finland Startup Ecosystem can collaborate.
The Panel Session was moderated by Ifeanyi Ndiomewese Lead Venture Analyst and writer at Techpoint.africa
Panelists Include
- Reggie Rusan – Technical Advisor, Shortcut School of Startups
- Okey Okere – Country Manager / CEO, Hofstede Insights
- Alessia Balducci- General Manager, Seedstars Nigeria
- Bankole Oloruntoba – CEO, Nigeria Climate Innovation Center
Reggis Rusan had a Presentation on Kide Science, Robbo and Seppo which are Edutech companies in Finland interested to partner with educational companies in Nigeria
The Final Panel Session was on Exploring Start-Up Opportunities with Nordics and Nigeria. The panel was moderated by Abayomi Magbagbeola, Principal Partner, AppleBlossom MI and former Special Assistant to the Chairman, House Committee on Legislative Budget & Research in the House of Representatives.
Panelists Include:
- Taiwo Ajetunmobi- Partner, Passion Incubator
- Chinyelu Chikwendu, Program Director Vatebra Limited
- Reggie Rusan – Technical Advisor, Shortcut School of Startups
It was noted during the course of the panel session and presentation that having a reliable and trusted partner is what Finnish companies are looking for to drive collaboration with local partners.
A representative from the Bank of Industry delivered the closing remarks for the event.