ARM Labs Lagos Techstars Accelerator to showcase 12 Innovative Startups at Demo Day

ARM Labs Lagos Techstars Accelerator Demo Day

Lagos, Nigeria – February 1st, 2024 – The ARM Labs Lagos Techstars Accelerator is excited to announce its Demo Day event, set to take place on February 20th, 2024, at 3PM WAT in Lagos, Nigeria.

The invite-only event  will showcase the accelerator’s 12 new investments, operational in Ghana, Nigeria, and East Africa. The sectors invested in include FinTech, HealthTech, B2B SaaS, Cleantech, Logistics, E-commerce and Big Data.

This Demo Day concludes a 13-week acceleration program designed to support the next generation of entrepreneurs that are changing Africa and the world, by using technology, data and intelligence to serve a population growing in size, youth, income and digital access.

Since the program commenced on November 13th, 2023, the startups have engaged with over 90 mentors and speakers including, Kevin Simmons, General Partner at LoftyInc Capital; Tingting Peng, Chief Capital & Strategy Officer at Moove; Shola Akinlade, Founder/CEO at Paystack; Kola Aina, Founding Partner at Ventures Platform; Tunde Kehinde, Founder/CEO at Lidya; Olatokunbo Alli, Managing Director at Leadway Health; and Yischai Beinisch, Head of West Africa – Emerging Market Power at Shell Energy Europe & Africa.

One of the founders in the class, Ayodeji Alaran- Founder/CEO, PBR Life Sciences remarked “The ARM Labs Lagos Techstars Accelerator has served as a pivotal moment in our company’s development. In just two months, we’ve made significant strides that would have taken us three to four times as long to accomplish without the program’s support. The guidance and resources provided by the program team, mentors, and ARM have been instrumental in propelling us into a new phase of growth.”

The Program’s Managing Director, Oyin Solebo stated, “In 2023, against a backdrop of declining global VC funding, Techstars increased their investment into African startups, becoming the most active startup investor in Africa. Our continent is a hotbed of talent and innovation. The 12 startups graduating from our latest ARM Labs Lagos Accelerator epitomize this. Having worked closely with the founders to accelerate their businesses over the last 13 weeks, I’m incredibly proud to have the opportunity to showcase them to the world.”

Sadiq Mohammed, Deputy Group CEO, ARM Hold Co, expressed his excitement about the startups stating “At ARM, we believe that collaboration is essential for driving sustainable growth and development in Africa. This is why we are proud to have partnered with Techstars on this accelerator, which is helping to foster a new generation of entrepreneurs. I strongly believe that the startups in this second cohort are poised to revolutionize various industries in Africa.”

Oluwadunni Fanibe, Program Manager added “At Techstars, we believe that innovation and entrepreneurship are critical drivers of economic growth and development, our program is designed to provide the resources, mentorship, and network entrepreneurs need to succeed not just locally but globally as well. We are excited to showcase the startups growth in the last 13 weeks, come February 20th.” 

Doors for Demo Day open for registration and networking at 2PM. Event commences at 3PM with an opening address from Oyin Solebo, the program’s Managing Director.

In addition to the pitches from all 12 startups, the event will feature a keynote address from Tayo Bamiduro and Chinedu Azudoh, the founders of Max.ng – Techstars’ first African investment, as well as a fireside chat with one of the most prolific angel investors on the continent, Olumide Soyombo. The event will end with a cocktail reception for key stakeholders and decision-makers in the African tech and VC ecosystem – another opportunity to network and build connections.

The 12 startups presenting at Demo Day include: 

  • 24Seven – 24Seven is an asset-light marketplace that enables small businesses and convenience stores to order inventory on credit with one-hour doorstep delivery; founded by Olufemi Idowu.
  • BeautyHut – Beauty Hut leverages technology to bridge the gap between beauty brands and consumers through efficient product distribution and marketing channels, via their e-commerce web-store and mobile app; founded by Subuola Oyeleye.
  • Eight Medical – Eight Medical is an end-to-end platform that connects users in need to emergency medical resources (such as hospitals, ambulances, personnel, information & credit), reducing waiting times from an average of 3 hours to 10 minutes or less; founded by Dr. Ibukun Tunde-Oni.
  • GetEquity – GetEquity facilitates access to investment opportunities by SEC-accredited providers, reducing entry barriers through investment aggregation across various asset classes; founded by Jude Dike, Temitope Ekundayo and Chigozirim Ugochukwu.
  • Jump n Pass – Jump n Pass is a mobile self-checkout platform and wallet that improves shopping experiences for shoppers, whilst enabling retailers to access inventory financing, and brands to sell more; founded by Tunde Ademuyiwa and Qudus Quadry.
  • One Plan – Through One Plan, workers in Africa’s informal economy can create affordable financial plans, making it easier to start a retirement plan, access low-interest credit, and access health plus life insurance cover; founded by Harold Awuah-Darko.
  • PBR Life Sciences – PBR Life Sciences offers pharmaceutical, consumer healthcare and medical device companies fast and easy access to high-quality market data and insights, helping them make objective decisions on product pricing, volumes and company strategy; founded by Ayodeji Alaran.
  • PressOne Africa – PressOne Africa provides African businesses with deeper insights into phone conversations with customers through a communication platform that provides conversation intelligence and call monitoring; founded by Mayowa Okegbenle, Opeyemi Shokunbi and Unoma Adeyemi.
  • Rana Energy – For critical-sector businesses and communities, Rana democratizes access to clean and reliable power by connecting affordable financing to impactful and bankable projects through a B2B energy-as-a-service platform; founded by Abraham Mohammed and Mubarak Popoola.
  • Surge Africa – Surge Africa allows individuals, micro-entrepreneurs and MSMEs in Africa to make instant cross-border transfers and pay up to 80% less in fees; founded by Kumar Shourav and Ebrahim Essop.
  • Swoove – Swoove is building an operating system to enable delivery businesses in emerging markets to digitize and scale their operations. With Swoove’s platform, businesses can efficiently hire & manage drivers, automate operations, and access an ecosystem of logistics-focused financial services; founded by Kwaku Tabiri, Kingsley Amponsah, Gloria Pascucci, Robert Quainoo and Kevin Blankson.
  • Veend – Veend provides access to on-demand funds for consumers and businesses with verifiable income, offering an innovative ecosystem approach to lending. This approach enables the verification of creditworthiness and collection of repayments from a single source; founded by Olufemi Olanipekun and Ebenezer Ajayi.

The in-person event is invite-only for investors, mentors, press, alumni founders, senior operators and ecosystem leaders. If you would like to attend virtually, or express your interest in attending in-person, please register here.

About Techstars

The Techstars worldwide network helps entrepreneurs succeed. Founded in 2006, Techstars began with three simple ideas – entrepreneurs create a better future for everyone, collaboration drives innovation, and great ideas can come from anywhere. Now we are on a mission to enable every person on the planet to contribute to, and benefit from, the success of entrepreneurs. In addition to operating accelerator programs and venture capital funds, we do this by connecting startups, investors, corporations, and cities to help build thriving startup communities. Techstars has invested in more than 4,000 companies with a combined market cap of more than $105B. www.techstars.com

About ARM

Established in 1994 as an asset management firm, ARM offers wealth creation opportunities through a unique blend of traditional asset management and alternative investment services. ARM enables businesses to thrive, and helps its clients to maximise their returns and realise their most important goals. For almost three decades, ARM has  built a firm uniquely equipped to achieve these objectives and its reputation for quality research, investment expertise and value-added services has endeared it to clients both locally and internationally.

ARM-Harith Infrastructure Investments Ltd Designates Mrs. Rachel More-Oshodi as CEO

ARM-Harith Infrastructure Investments Ltd is pleased to announce the designation of Mrs. Rachel More-Oshodi as its Chief Executive Officer, effective March 2024. This follows the recent appointment of Mrs. Tariye Gbadegesin to the role of CEO at the Climate Investment Funds in Washington DC, United States.

Mrs. More-Oshodi, a seasoned executive with over two decades of extensive expertise in finance, infrastructure and energy, steps into this role after her successful tenure as Deputy Vice President Commercial Sales & Specialties at Africa Total Energies. Previously, she held significant positions, including Head of Infrastructure Finance, West Africa at Rand Merchant Bank and roles at the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the Inter-American Development Bank (IaDB) in Washington D.C. Mrs. More-Oshodi, who holds dual French and U.S. citizenship, is originally from Cameroon, further strengthening ARM-Harith’s commitment to diverse leadership and Pan-African development.

In addition, the Board has appointed Mr. Jobalo Oshikanlu as Deputy CEO of the Fund Manager, effective January 1, 2024. A foundational member of the Fund Management Team at ARM-Harith, Mr. Oshikanlu brings over 25 years of experience in commercial legal, infrastructure finance, and private equity. Prior to this appointment, he served as the Executive Director for Legal & Investments. Mr. Oshikanlu’s deep expertise and Nigerian heritage further reinforce the Fund’s commitment to nurturing African talent and expertise.

Mr. Offong Ambah, Chairman of the Board of Directors, said: “We are thrilled to have Mrs. More-Oshodi lead ARM-Harith. Her remarkable track record in managing multi-country, multi-business platforms, and her profound understanding of energy and infrastructure investment across Nigeria, Africa, and globally, uniquely position her to drive our next growth phase.”

Mrs. More-Oshodi added: “Joining ARM-Harith as CEO is not just another occupation, it is a vocation. Together with the exceptional team at ARM-Harith, I am dedicated to unlocking the transformative power of infrastructure and renewable energy to catalyze economic growth and enhance the quality of life across the continent. It is truly a unique opportunity to enact meaningful change, leverage our collective expertise and resources to create a thriving, resilient Africa – one that stands as a testament to what is possible when passion aligns with purpose.”

The appointment is subject to concluding the regulatory requirements with the Securities and Exchange Commission and relevant authorities.

About ARM-Harith Infrastructure Investments Ltd.

ARM-Harith Infrastructure Investments Ltd is a leading pan-African infrastructure private equity fund management company that invests in sustainable infrastructure projects which support economic growth and development in Africa. The Fund is committed to investing in projects that have a positive impact on local communities and the economies in which it operates.

Tariye Gbadegesin Appointed CEO Of The Climate Investment Funds

The Trust Fund Committee of the Climate Investment Funds (CIF) announced today the appointment of Tariye Gbadegesin as Chief Executive Officer, effective March 2024. Tariye will lead one of the world’s largest multilateral climate funds with over $11Bn pledged, pioneering clean energy transitions, nature-based solutions and resilience in over 70 developing countries.

She joins CIF after holding leadership positions in infrastructure and climate finance as the CEO of ARM-Harith Infrastructure Investments, a leading Pan-African infrastructure fund investing in energy transition and climate resilient infrastructure, and as the Co-Chair of the Voluntary Carbon Markets Integrity Initiative (VCMI), an international organization enabling high-integrity voluntary carbon markets for climate action.  

Tariye is a seasoned climate finance executive with over 20 years of experience investing in emerging markets and developing economies, including significant experience in mobilizing private capital for climate action and supporting policy design for energy transition finance and implementation. In her recent career, she has structured and delivered over $3bn in large-scale energy, infrastructure and industrial investments and has designed and structured multiple complex blended finance funds, platforms, and syndications, mobilizing capital from the private sector, multilateral development banks and concessional windows.

Previously, she worked at the International Monetary Fund, the Boston Consulting Group, Price Waterhouse Coopers, and the Africa Finance Corporation.

Tariye has served as an advisor on multiple climate and economic development organizations including as member of the Climate Policy Initiative’s (CPI) Global Innovation Lab for Climate Finance; the Infrastructure Advisory Committee for the United Nations Principles for Responsible Investing (PRI); the African Advisory Board of the Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero (GFANZ); and the Advisory Council of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC).

A US and Nigerian national, Tariye holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Amherst College and an MBA from Harvard Business School.

“I am deeply honored to join the Climate Investment Funds to accelerate collective climate action. Developing countries are at the forefront of the climate crisis, and we will only meet this decisive moment by working together to scale climate finance where it is needed most,” said Tariye Gbadegesin. “This is an exciting time for the global community, as we seek to build a multilateral system fit for purpose to keep 1.5C alive while lifting millions out of poverty. With six multilateral development bank partners and 15 years of experience delivering pioneering climate finance, CIF is uniquely placed to deliver in this new era.”

CIF Trust Fund Committee Co-Chairs, Bob Natifu of Uganda and Edward Webber of the United Kingdom, noted that this appointment, decided by consensus of all committee members, comes at a critical time. Tariye Gbadegesin was selected following a highly competitive international recruitment process featuring outstanding global climate leaders. “Tariye is a trailblazer, a strategic thinker and relationship-builder with deep expertise, knowledge and experience in climate finance,” they said. “We have no time to lose, and she brings the drive and vision needed to deliver now for our planet.”  

The Trust Fund Committee Co-Chairs also expressed their gratitude to Luis Tineo, CIF’s interim CEO, for his steady leadership during the transition phase. Luis will continue as Interim CEO until March 2024.

Tariye Gbadegesin replaces Mafalda Duarte, who left in July 2023 to lead the Green Climate Fund.

Source: www.cif.org

ARM Labs Innovation Program 5.0 Applications Closed

Thank you for your overwhelming response to the ARM Labs Innovation Program 5.0! We have received an incredible number of innovative applications, exceeding our expectations.

Our team is currently reviewing all the submissions to select the most promising ideas. We appreciate your patience as we carefully evaluate each entry.

Stay tuned for updates on the next steps of the program. We will notify selected participants and provide further information on the program timeline.

Thank you again for your enthusiasm and participation in the ARM Labs Innovation Program.

For more news and updates, make sure to follow our website and social media channels.

 

ARM launches Innovation Workspace in Lagos

Assets and Resource Management Holding company (ARMHoldco) has launched a state-of-the-art Innovation Workspace for fintech startups selected in the ARM Labs Innovation Programme. The workspace, which is located at its headquarters in Ikoyi, Lagos was birthed in fulfilment of the organisation’s commitment to providing a well-equipped location where these startups can develop their businesses and gain access to mentors within the ecosystem. The facility is equipped with access to Wi-Fi, designated workstations, a PS5 entertainment console to sponsor relaxation, a meeting room, and a communal area.

ARM Labs Innovation Programme is designed to engage early-stage FinTech startups in a series of activities aimed at exponentially advancing the growth of their companies within a short time frame and ensuring their investment readiness.

At the launch of the facility, the startups were welcomed by the Group Head, Digital Transformation, Ina Alogwu, who gave them a tour of the workspace.

Speaking at the launch, the Managing Director, ARM Pensions, Wale Odutola, said that the platform presents startups with the opportunity to scale their businesses and help fine-tune how they go to market. According to him, it also helps them to build business relationships within and outside Nigeria. He encouraged the participants to spend time taking advantage of the training and leverage it.

Odutola said “It is not every day you have the opportunity to partner with an established firm that has over a million clients and focuses on course development and services. We are also a business that tends to be more protective of the things we create. This is a great opportunity to test the extent of our mentorship and hopefully come out on the other side transformed and ready to break new ground.”

Odutola further promised that ARM Labs is open to having conversations with the startups about opportunities with any of ARM subsidiaries they believe they can provide value to. “The team will help you make those introductions so that you can have those conversations,” he assured.

The Managing Director, ARM Academy, Uche Azubuike, said the ARM Labs Innovation programme is a learning environment and encouraged the startups to be open about any resources they may need.

“The reason you are here is so that you can interact with different businesses. Because we believe that way, we can add value to whatever you are working on building. Don’t limit yourself. You have the opportunity to do as much as you can,” she said.

About ARM

Established in 1994, ARM is a leading Nigerian diversified and integrated asset management group firm that offers wealth creation solutions and opportunities through a unique blend of traditional asset management and alternative investment services to retail, high net worth, and institutional investors.
ARM currently manages total assets of approximately N1.6 trillion (as of December 2021) arm.com.ng

 

Applications are now open for ARM Labs Innovation Program 5.0

As a leading investment firm in Nigeria, we understand the critical role that startups play in driving economic growth and development. We are thrilled to announce that the 5th Cohort of the ARM Labs Innovation Program is now open for applications.

What is the ARM Labs Innovation Program?

The ARM Labs Innovation Program is an intensive support program for selected Nigerian startups. The program aims to improve their products, expand their market, and strengthen their team skillset to enhance their chances of success.

What’s new in the 5th Cohort?

This year’s Innovation program has been expanded to accommodate FinTech, PenTech (Pension Tech), Data Intelligence, and Digital Trade startups. With a focus on empowering Nigeria’s future leaders, we aim to discover and support potential startups in these categories.

What’s in it for the startups?

Selected startups will receive up to $50,000 in funding, a state-of-the-art office workspace, hands-on mentorship from industry experts, and access to an investor network. These benefits will provide the selected startups with the resources they need to take their businesses to the next level.

Why should you apply?

This program represents a unique opportunity for Nigeria’s brightest and most innovative minds to showcase their potential and significantly impact the economy. By supporting the most promising startups, we are investing in the future of Nigeria.

How can you apply?

If you or anyone you know has a startup that fits into the listed categories, we encourage you to apply for this opportunity. Interested applicants can click here to apply and learn more about the program. Applications will close on June 15th, 2023.

We are excited to witness the impact that the 5th Cohort of the ARM Labs Innovation Program will have on Nigeria’s startup ecosystem. We encourage you to share this opportunity with any promising startups that you know and look forward to receiving your applications.

Apply here

Finalist Pitch for DAAYTA 2023

The Deji Alli ARM Young Talent Award (DAAYTA) program is gearing up for its fifth edition with the finalists’ pitch event scheduled to hold virtually on April 14th, 2023. This initiative was established in 2015 by ARM, in honor of its founding CEO, Deji Alli. The initiative’s primary objective is to support young entrepreneurs who have innovative ideas that can positively impact people’s lives and the communities around them.

Following a thorough review of over 482 applications from start-up entrepreneurs across Nigeria, the organizers have selected the top seven (7) outstanding companies to pitch their ideas.

The selected startups are Cdial Limited, Moon Innovations, Natibo Technologies Nigeria Limited, Sakula Limited, StackJunior, Strich, Inc. and ThinkBikes Limited. 

The winner of the DAAYTA 2023 will receive funding of ₦12,000,000 (twelve million naira) over a period of one (1) year to; develop their business plan, complete an entrepreneurial education at the Pan Atlantic University’s Enterprise Development Centre in Lagos, Nigeria; and finance a 5-month acceleration support to develop their venture via a reputable entrepreneurial hub also in Lagos.

Register to watch the startups pitch

Meet the Cohort for the Inaugural ARM Labs Lagos Techstars Accelerator Program

ARM Labs Lagos Techstars Accelerator, a Lagos-based program to build early-stage African fintech and proptech startups, is delighted to announce its inaugural class.The cohort is made up of 10 Nigerian and 2 Kenyan startups, with 50% female CEOs. 

The selection process was quite rigorous. Beyond applying, the founders went through several interviews with members of the Techstars global team, and a final interview with Techstars Managing Director, Oyin Solebo and a 15-member screening committee. Some members of this committee included Ashim Octerra – Managing Partner, Octerra Capital, Olumide Soyombo – Voltron Capital, Charlene Chen – Former COO of AZA Finance among others. 

“Since the announcement that Techstars was coming to Lagos, there has been great anticipation about the selection of the inaugural cohort. After a competitive application process, we have chosen entrepreneurs who have the capacity to be exceptional founders, startups that have the potential to be industry leaders, and a cohort that is collectively capable of bringing innovation and change to Africa and the world,” said Techstars’ Managing Director, Oyin Solebo.

“The excitement of supporting an accelerator program lies in the potential to ignite the spark of innovation and watch as it transforms into a blazing fire of impact and change. As ARM partners with Techstars to launch an accelerator program that provides funding, mentorship, and access to networks and resources, our goal is to unearth the next set of Unicorns out of Africa,” said Ina Alogwu, Group Director, Digital Transformation, ARMHoldCo.

The founders officially began the 13-week program on the 5th of December 2022, and have had engagements with over 100 mentors and speakers including Tunde Kehinde – Co-founder & CEO, Lidya, Bode Abifarin- COO, Flutterwave, Fara Ashiru Jituboh – Founder & CEO, Okra and Amandine Lobelle – COO, Paystack.

“I am delighted about our selection into the Techstars family because traditionally, as an African, female, fintech founder, the odds are often stacked against you,” said Ebby Gatamu, Co-founder Cladfy. “This program has not only taught us to focus on the problem and our customers, but also led us to meet and interact with phenomenal people we’d otherwise possibly never have met.”

The accelerator’s investment of up to $120,000 in each startup, as well as training and a vast investor network will be significant in the growth and longevity of the cohorts. Demo day is set for the 16th of March 2023. 

“Being accepted into the Techstars accelerator was an unmistakable validation of peppa.io,” said Banky Alao, CEO of peppa.io, a fintech services company dedicated to payment protection. “The program has set us on a sure path to exponential growth and impact. Absolutely the best thing to happen to us.”

“Techstars’ presence in Lagos–Africa’s startup capital–further validates the continent as a rapidly evolving player in the global tech ecosystem. I could not be more excited to announce the names of the first 12 startups to be selected for the first ARM Labs Lagos Techstars Accelerator,” Solebo shares.

Below is the inaugural cohort of the ARM Labs Lagos Techstars Accelerator:

alphabloQ (Nairobi, Kenya)

alphabloQ is a real estate investment platform founded by Trevor Kimani and John Mbui. The startup’s mission is simple – to reduce the entry barrier for real estate investors by enabling investors to purchase a fraction of income-generating properties.

Peppa.io (Lagos, Nigeria)

peppa.io, founded byBanky Alao, Bridget Yadua-Soremekun and Emmanuel Obute, is making it safer to buy on social platforms for Africans through the use of payment protection.

CDcare (Lagos, Nigeria)

CDcare is making it easy for Africans to own gadgets, appliances, cars and more at zero interest, through smart installment plans. The company was founded by Tobi Odukoya and Deji Farohun.

Cladfy (Nairobi, Kenya)

Founded by Ebby Gatamu and Kibe John, Cladfy provides microfinance lenders with credit profiling, digitised loan management, and access to affordable, reliable financing.

Flick (Lagos, Nigeria)

Flick is building PayPal for Africa; enabling users to connect multiple bank accounts and pay directly from one source, making payments 7x faster. Ruth Olojedeand Dipo Gbadebo are the founders of the company.

Keble (Lagos, Nigeria)

Keble, founded by Emmanuel Oballa, Agulanna Josemaria, Adebisi Borokinni and Valentine Offiah, enables Africans at home and abroad to purchase fractional shares of global real estate for as low as $10.

Keza Africa (Lagos, Nigeria)

Keza is powering smartphone financing by enabling people to buy brand-new and certified pre-owned smartphones on a flexible payment plan. Keza Africa was founded by Aisha Hussaini.

Salad (Lagos, Nigeria)

Salad was founded by Chikodi Ukaiwe and Seunfunmi Omotunde and is providing employees with access to financial services and benefits beyond their monthly paycheck.

Sidebrief (Lagos, Nigeria)

Sidebrief simplifies the process of starting and scaling a business across borders, with its one-stop solution for registration, banking and regulatory compliance. The company was founded by Eunice Olopade, Abdulwaheed Yusuf and Usman Sotunde. 

Towntalk (Lagos, Nigeria)

Towntalk, founded by Folake Edun, Disun Vera-Cruz and Tomiwa Erinosho, is building Area!–a protection platform giving companies peace of mind when moving goods and people from point A to B, by providing real-time location and behavioural analytics, vehicle tracking and access to insurance providers.

Vittas (Lagos, Nigeria)

Vittas is a digital lender for healthcare providers, using machine learning, partnerships and embedded 3rd party SaaS solutions to provide loans for the purchase of medications and medical equipment. Vittas was founded by Sulav Singh, Collins Uche and Eric Okemmadu.

Oystr Finance (Lagos, Nigeria)

Founded by Ifedolapo Lawal, Olusola Onajobi and Omotayo Iginla, Oystr is democratizing credit in Africa. The company provides lenders with an infrastructure to help them launch low-risk micro-loan products, grow their portfolios and expand into new markets in less than 30 minutes.

About ARM

Established in 1994, ARM is a leading Nigerian diversified and integrated asset management group firm that offers wealth creation solutions and opportunities through a unique blend of traditional asset management and alternative investment services to retail, high net worth and institutional investors. ARM Labs is our fintech support programme designed to facilitate and encourage innovative growth in the financial services industry. ARM currently manages total assets of approximately N1.77 trillion (as of September 2022). www.arm.com.ng

About Techstars

The Techstars worldwide network helps entrepreneurs succeed. Founded in 2006, Techstars began with three simple ideas—entrepreneurs create a better future for everyone, collaboration drives innovation, and great ideas can come from anywhere. Now we are on a mission to enable every person on the planet to contribute to, and benefit from, the success of entrepreneurs. In addition to operating accelerator programs and venture capital funds, we do this by connecting startups, investors, corporations, and cities to help build thriving startup communities. Techstars has invested in more than 2,500 companies with a combined market cap of more than $220B. www.techstars.com

ARM Labs Innovation Program – Demo Day

ARM Group in partnership with Greentec Capital Partners is delighted to announce the Demo Day for the ARM Labs Innovation program.

Formerly known as LABS by ARM Accelerator Programme, the initiative designed to support ARM’s mission to fund compelling Nigerian Fintech start-ups in the incubation stage, will virtually hold this Thursday, September 22, 2022.

Having gone through a robust accelerator Programme which includes working with a Silicon Valley mentor within their domain expertise, the selected startups are ready to pitch their business models to investors.
Selected startups for the ARM Labs Innovation Demo Day include:

Save the date to join

Toju: a record management platform for thrift collectors, Microfinance Institutions, and Cooperative societies.

Regxta: a digital credit platform that provides quick and easy access to financial services for unbanked people and micro-business owners in Africa. With just a smartphone, a community agent can offer financial products to clients.

Crediometer: A Fintech created to build banking for startups and growing businesses of all sizes. They aim to power the next generation of companies shaping the industries.

Trade Lenda: a technological solution providing accessible financing to small businesses across Africa.

Keble: A Proptech designed to break the barriers faced by young Africans in the real estate market. With this platform, Africans can own properties and build wealth for as low as $10.

We are excited to have worked with these startups in the past 7 weeks and we believe that the Demo Day will be a wonderful display of their hard work and passion, as well as a chance for us to picture what the future holds for each and everyone of them.

Save the date to join

Applications Open for ARM Labs Lagos Techstars Accelerator Program

ARM Labs Lagos Techstars Accelerator Program
Applications are now open to early-stage entrepreneurs in Africa for the inaugural edition of the ARM Labs Lagos Techstars Accelerator Program.

LAGOS, Nigeria (June 6th, 2022) – ARM in partnership with Techstars for the ARM Labs Lagos Techstars Accelerator Program calls for applications for the inaugural edition of the program. The accelerator is a 3-month intense training program set to kick off in Lagos state by December 2022.

Following the announcement of the ARM Labs Lagos Techstars accelerator launch, applications are now open for early-stage fintech and proptech start-ups based in Africa from June 6th – to August 24th, 2022. At the end of the application process, 12 start-ups will be selected for the program. The inaugural class will commence on the 5th of December 2022 and conclude with a Demo Day scheduled for the 16th of March 2023.

During the training program, selected start-ups will have access to Techstars’ vast network of 7,000+ mentors, 20,000+ investors, over 10,000 founders, alumni, and corporate partners. Other benefits include up to $120k in funding, curated start-up programming, one-on-one mentorship sessions, access to a Lagos office space and to future Techstars events.

The first month will be dedicated to aggressive and hands-on training with mentors to help selected founders refine their products. After the execution stage in the second month, the final phase will largely be focused on helping start-ups refine their financial strategies.

Apply now

About ARM

Established in 1994, ARM is a leading Nigerian diversified and integrated asset management group firm that offers wealth creation solutions and opportunities through a unique blend of traditional asset management and alternative investment services to retail, high net worth and institutional investors. ARM Labs is our fintech support programme designed to facilitate and encourage innovative growth in the financial services industry. ARM currently manages total assets of approximately N1.6 trillion (as of December 2021). www.arm.com.ng

About Techstars

The Techstars worldwide network helps entrepreneurs succeed. Founded in 2006, Techstars began with three simple ideas—entrepreneurs create a better future for everyone, collaboration drives innovation, and great ideas can come from anywhere. Now we are on a mission to enable every person on the planet to contribute to, and benefit from, the success of entrepreneurs. In addition to operating accelerator programs and venture capital funds, we do this by connecting start-ups, investors, corporations, and cities to help build thriving start-up communities. www.techstars.com

Apply now