Afropolitan

Banke Kuku, founder and creative director of Banke Kuku Textiles, reveals how she built one of Africa’s most recognizable luxury fashion brands, worn by Gabrielle Union, Lupita Nyong’o, and Beyoncé, from her living room in Lagos to global runways.

In this exclusive episode of the Afropolitan Podcast, Banke opens up about the brutal realities of building a “Made in Nigeria” brand, surviving COVID after investing every penny, and redefining African luxury for a global audience.

She explains:

 ◼️ How she pivoted overnight during COVID to save her entire business
◼️ Why she refused to move manufacturing abroad despite the challenges
◼️ The hard truth about funding, quality control, and integrity in African fashion
◼️ What investors actually look for when backing creative entrepreneurs
◼️ Why staying patient, purpose-driven, and ethical is her biggest competitive edge

If you’re a designer, founder, or dreamer building something out of Africa, this episode will inspire you to create with courage, resilience, and authenticity.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bankekuku/
Website: https://www.bankekuku.com

For more unfiltered conversations with the world's most insightful Africans.

Stay connected with Afropolitan:
Twitter: https://x.com/afropolitan
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afropolitanpodcast
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/afropolitannation/
Website: https://www.afropolitan.io
Join the Network State: https://afropolitan.io/join

🔗 Join our community for exclusive updates: afropolitan.io/community
Get email updates: https://www.afropolitan.io/newsletter

VBan — The borderless banking app built for Africa’s digital workforce.
Use the code AFROPOLITAN to sign up: https://vban.com

Inverroche Gin — South Africa’s premium craft gin that fuses heritage botanicals with innovation.
Discover more: https://www.inverroche.com

Risevest — A digital wealth-manager connecting you to global, dollar-denominated investments in US stocks, real estate & fixed income.
Use this link to sign up: https://click.risevest.com/gb0g/afropolitan

Convo by Afropolitan — Book 1-on-1 calls with Africa’s boldest thinkers.
Visit https://convo.vip/ to connect with leaders like Tunde Onakoya, Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, Asa Asika, and more.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Afropolitan
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6YwRlkSOq8e35xU6bOp9pU
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/afropolitan/id1808954585

Eche: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eemole/
Chika: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chikauwazie/

Book 1:1 with Eche - https://convo.vip/echeemole

Book 1:1 with Chika - https://convo.vip/chikauwazie

CHAPTERS

00:00 Intro

00:38 The Rise of Nigeria’s Fashion Industry & Creative Economy

02:20 From Home Interiors to Founding a Fashion Label

04:55 Launching Her Brand Right Before the Pandemic

06:50 How She Pivoted to E-Commerce Overnight

09:30 Selling Pajamas Online to Save the Business

11:00 Building a “Made in Nigeria” Luxury Brand

13:40 The Harsh Realities of Manufacturing in Africa

16:30 Balancing Global Quality Standards with Local Talent

18:50 Funding Her Fashion Startup Through GT Bank & Grants

21:00 Lessons on Integrity, Leadership & Hiring the Right Team

23:00 What Global Investors Look for in African Designers

25:45 How “Made in Nigeria” Became Her Global Advantage

27:30 Pricing, Perception & The African Luxury Dilemma

30:00 Behind the Gabrielle Union Collaboration

33:00 Is Nigerian Fashion Overpriced — or Undervalued?

34:45 The Banke Kuku Woman: Confidence, Class & Culture

37:30 Taking Nigerian Fashion to Global Markets

40:00 The Psychology of Patience, Faith & Growth

42:00 The Doha Partnership & Middle East Expansion

43:30 Moving From London to Lagos — Culture Shock & Adaptation

45:00 Inside Her New Collection “Savannah” & Its Story

47:20 The Future of Fashion Investment in Africa

49:45 Protecting African Craftsmanship, Culture & IP

51:00 Building Her New Luxury Flagship Store in Lagos

52:30 Customer Experience, Culture & Patience in Business

54:00 Her Favorite Signature Pieces & What They Represent

55:40 The Strangest Custom Requests From Clients

57:00 The Afropolitan Toast: Creativity, Legacy & Resilience

59:00 Rapid-Fire Questions + Closing Reflections

Austin Okere, the founder of Computer Warehouse Group (CWG), Nigeria’s first technology company to IPO on the Nigerian Stock Exchange shares the extraordinary 20-year journey of building from $35,000 in seed capital to a $90 million public company.

In this powerful conversation, Austin reveals the hard truths about entrepreneurship in Africa: raising capital without structure, surviving the 2008 crash, handling rejection while scaling ethically, and knowing when to step down to make room for the next generation.

He explains:
◼️ Why building in Africa is harder and more meaningful than anywhere else
◼️ How to raise money ethically and survive multiple rejections
◼️ What most founders get wrong about succession and legacy
◼️ How to build trust, partnerships & governance investors respect
◼️ Why true wealth is measured by impact, not bank balance

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/austinokere

🔔 Subscribe to Afropolitan Podcast for more unfiltered conversations with the world's most insightful Africans.

Stay connected with Afropolitan: 

Twitter: https://x.com/afropolitan 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afropolitanpodcast   

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/afropolitannation/ 

Website: https://www.afropolitan.io

Join the Network State – https://afropolitan.io/join 

🔗 Join our community for exclusive updates: afropolitan.io/community

Get email updates: https://www.afropolitan.io/newsletter 

This episode is sponsored by:

• Vban, short for VIRTUAL BANK ACCOUNT NUMBER is the borderless banking app built for Africa’s digital workforce.

Use the code AFROPOLITAN to sign up: https://vban.com

• Inverroche Gin, South Africa’s premium craft gin that fuses heritage botanicals with innovation.

Discover more: https://www.inverroche 

• Risevest, a digital wealth-manager connecting you to global, dollar-denominated investments in US stocks, real estate & fixed income. 

Use this link to sign up: https://click.risevest.com/gb0g/afropolitan 

Want to connect 1:1 with Africa's boldest thinkers? Book a 15-minute convo on Convo: https://convo.vip/ with leaders like Tunde Onakoya, Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, Asa Asika, and more.

Listen to more Afropolitan Podcast episodes:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Afropolitan   

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6YwRlkSOq8e35xU6bOp9pU?si=b3a132f9afb3459f&nd=1&dlsi=32c01e3224ac4c64 

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/afropolitan/id1808954585 

Hosted by

Eche — https://www.linkedin.com/in/eemole/   

Chika — https://www.linkedin.com/in/chikauwazie/   

00:00 – The Truth About Building in Africa
02:15 – Opportunities in Africa
04:55 – Starting CWG with $35,000
07:00 – Leaving His Job & Early Struggles
09:30 – Partnering with Dell
13:00 – Building Nigeria’s Maintenance Culture
15:30 – Telecom Expansion and VSAT Networks
18:10 – Managing FX Challenges
19:15 – The Afropolitan Toast Segment
20:00 – Software Beginnings & Banking Opportunity
23:00 – The Infosys Partnership
26:00 – Y2K & Winning Three Banks
28:00 – Scaling CWG Through Banking Consolidation
31:45 – $10M Aureos Investment
34:30 – Closing Tony Elumelu at Midnight
37:45 – Surviving the 2008 Global Meltdown
40:20 – Preparing for IPO
41:10 – Listing CWG at $90M Valuation
42:30 – 2,500x Return for Early Investors
44:00 – Private Equity Due Diligence Process
47:30 – Navigating the Nigerian IPO Process
50:55 – Co-Founders and Partnership Structure
53:50 – The T-Person & H-Person Framework
57:00 – Succession Planning & Letting Go
01:00:45 – Transition to Also Leadership Academy
01:03:00 – Redefining What It Means to Be a Billionaire
01:05:30 – How to Join a Board
01:07:55 – Ethics and Corporate Governance
01:09:30 – When CBN Banned ATMs
01:13:20 – Turning a Crisis Into Opportunity
01:15:30 – Reflections on the Abraaj Collapse
01:17:30 – Staying Grounded After Success
01:19:45 – Building the Also Leadership Academy
01:21:45 – Scaling Through COVID & Online Training
01:25:00 – Legacy, Impact, and Shared Prosperity
01:27:30 – Advice to Young Entrepreneurs
01:29:00 – Defining a Billionaire by Impact
01:31:15 – Lessons From 28-Year-Old Austin
01:34:30 – Closing Reflections & Outro

Austin Okere, the founder of Computer Warehouse Group (CWG), Nigeria’s first technology company to IPO on the Nigerian Stock Exchange shares the extraordinary 20-year journey of building from $35,000 in seed capital to a $90 million public company.

In this powerful conversation, Austin reveals the hard truths about entrepreneurship in Africa: raising capital without structure, surviving the 2008 crash, handling rejection while scaling ethically, and knowing when to step down to make room for the next generation.

He explains:
◼️ Why building in Africa is harder and more meaningful than anywhere else
◼️ How to raise money ethically and survive multiple rejections
◼️ What most founders get wrong about succession and legacy
◼️ How to build trust, partnerships & governance investors respect
◼️ Why true wealth is measured by impact, not bank balance

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/austinokere

🔔 Subscribe to Afropolitan Podcast for more unfiltered conversations with the world's most insightful Africans.

Stay connected with Afropolitan: 

Twitter: https://x.com/afropolitan 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afropolitanpodcast   

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/afropolitannation/ 

Website: https://www.afropolitan.io

Join the Network State – https://afropolitan.io/join 

🔗 Join our community for exclusive updates: afropolitan.io/community

Get email updates: https://www.afropolitan.io/newsletter 

This episode is sponsored by:

• Vban, short for VIRTUAL BANK ACCOUNT NUMBER is the borderless banking app built for Africa’s digital workforce.

Use the code AFROPOLITAN to sign up: https://vban.com

• Inverroche Gin, South Africa’s premium craft gin that fuses heritage botanicals with innovation.

Discover more: https://www.inverroche 

• Risevest, a digital wealth-manager connecting you to global, dollar-denominated investments in US stocks, real estate & fixed income. 

Use this link to sign up: https://click.risevest.com/gb0g/afropolitan 

Want to connect 1:1 with Africa's boldest thinkers? Book a 15-minute convo on Convo: https://convo.vip/ with leaders like Tunde Onakoya, Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, Asa Asika, and more.

Listen to more Afropolitan Podcast episodes:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Afropolitan   

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6YwRlkSOq8e35xU6bOp9pU?si=b3a132f9afb3459f&nd=1&dlsi=32c01e3224ac4c64 

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/afropolitan/id1808954585 

Hosted by

Eche — https://www.linkedin.com/in/eemole/   

Chika — https://www.linkedin.com/in/chikauwazie/   

00:00 – The Truth About Building in Africa
02:15 – Opportunities in Africa
04:55 – Starting CWG with $35,000
07:00 – Leaving His Job & Early Struggles
09:30 – Partnering with Dell
13:00 – Building Nigeria’s Maintenance Culture
15:30 – Telecom Expansion and VSAT Networks
18:10 – Managing FX Challenges
19:15 – The Afropolitan Toast Segment
20:00 – Software Beginnings & Banking Opportunity
23:00 – The Infosys Partnership
26:00 – Y2K & Winning Three Banks
28:00 – Scaling CWG Through Banking Consolidation
31:45 – $10M Aureos Investment
34:30 – Closing Tony Elumelu at Midnight
37:45 – Surviving the 2008 Global Meltdown
40:20 – Preparing for IPO
41:10 – Listing CWG at $90M Valuation
42:30 – 2,500x Return for Early Investors
44:00 – Private Equity Due Diligence Process
47:30 – Navigating the Nigerian IPO Process
50:55 – Co-Founders and Partnership Structure
53:50 – The T-Person & H-Person Framework
57:00 – Succession Planning & Letting Go
01:00:45 – Transition to Also Leadership Academy
01:03:00 – Redefining What It Means to Be a Billionaire
01:05:30 – How to Join a Board
01:07:55 – Ethics and Corporate Governance
01:09:30 – When CBN Banned ATMs
01:13:20 – Turning a Crisis Into Opportunity
01:15:30 – Reflections on the Abraaj Collapse
01:17:30 – Staying Grounded After Success
01:19:45 – Building the Also Leadership Academy
01:21:45 – Scaling Through COVID & Online Training
01:25:00 – Legacy, Impact, and Shared Prosperity
01:27:30 – Advice to Young Entrepreneurs
01:29:00 – Defining a Billionaire by Impact
01:31:15 – Lessons From 28-Year-Old Austin
01:34:30 – Closing Reflections & Outro

Guest: Vusi Thembekwayo - Investor, Speaker, Founder of MyGrowthFund & Executive Chairman of Thembekwayo Legacy Group
In this groundbreaking episode, we sit down with Vusi Thembekwayo for an unfiltered conversation about the brutal realities, psychological costs, and unparalleled opportunities of building in Africa today.
Vusi dismantles controversial narratives around Elon Musk and South Africa, reveals the trauma of poverty that holds us back, and delivers the hard truth about why your success is ultimately your responsibility. This is a masterclass in mindset, money, and the future of the continent.
💡 In this episode, we uncover:
→ Why it's the EASIEST time in history to build in Africa (despite the struggles)
→ The shocking truth behind Elon Musk's "Starlink Lie" and the white genocide narrative
→ How the trauma of poverty creates "limiting foundational beliefs" that cost us billions
→ Vusi's personal cost: Losing his relationship with his mother for 10 years
→ The moment he saw $1M and his brain "short-circuited"
→ How to break through the "African pricing" ceiling and demand your worth
→ The real reason he believes we should build "Zebras," not just "Unicorns"
→ The one thing that will unlock $50 Billion in institutional capital for Africa
→ The intellectual dishonesty of Elon Musk and the danger of his influence
→ The nuanced tension between South Africans and Nigerians (and how to fix it)
→ Vusi's most controversial opinion: "Your success is 100% your fault."

Subscribe to Afropolitan Podcast for more unfiltered conversations with the world's most insightful Africans.
Where to Find Vusi Thembekwayo:
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@vthembekwayo?si=IBbm4OY3583DHuIi
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vusithembekwayo/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vusithembekwayo?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
Website: https://vusithembekwayo.com
📢 Join the conversation:
What was the most powerful moment for you? Was it Vusi's take on Elon Musk, the trauma of poverty, or his unwavering stance on personal responsibility? Let us know in the comments!

This episode is sponsored by:
Vban, is the borderless banking app built for Africa's digital workforce.
Use the code AFROPOLITAN to sign up: https://vban.com

Inverroche Gin, South Africa's premium craft gin that fuses heritage botanicals with innovation.
Discover more: https://www.inverroche

Risevest, a digital wealth-manager connecting you to global, dollar-denominated investments in US stocks, real estate & fixed income.
Use this link to sign up: https://click.risevest.com/gb0g/afropolitan

Want to connect 1:1 with Africa's boldest thinkers? Book a 15-minute convo on Convo: https://convo.vip/ with leaders like Tunde Onakoya, Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, Asa Asika, and more.

Listen to more Afropolitan Podcast episodes:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Afropolitan
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6YwRlkSOq8e35xU6bOp9pU?si=b3a132f9afb3459f&nd=1&dlsi=32c01e3224ac4c64
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/afropolitan/id1808954585

Hosted by
Eche — https://www.linkedin.com/in/eemole/
Chika — https://www.linkedin.com/in/chikauwazie/

Book 1:1 with Eche - https://convo.vip/echeemole

Book 1:1 with Chika - https://convo.vip/chikauwazie

Stay connected with Afropolitan:
Twitter: https://x.com/afropolitan
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afropolitanpodcast
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/afropolitannation/
Website: https://www.afropolitan.io

Join the Network State – https://afropolitan.io/join
🔗 Join our community for exclusive updates: afropolitan.io/community
Get email updates: https://www.afropolitan.io/newsletter

CHAPTERS:
0:00 Growing Up in Apartheid South Africa
2:28 Why It's The Easiest Time to Build in Africa
7:00 The Cost of Leaving Corporate for Entrepreneurship
17:00 How My Father's Business Failure Shaped Me
28:00 From $2 to Top Speaker: Breaking Into The Industry
35:00 Why Speaking Agencies Don't Add Value
43:00 Zebras vs Unicorns: What Africa Really Needs
48:00 The Truth About Elon Musk & Starlink in South Africa
59:10 Why Intellectual Dishonesty Creates Extremists
1:07:00 The South Africa-Nigeria Dynamic Explained
1:19:00 DEI, Reparations & Historical Truth
1:23:00 Building My First Venture Fund With My Own Money
1:28:00 "Simba Is Still Waiting for Mufasa to Die"
1:31:00 Why I'm Converting to Permanent Capital
1:37:00 Rapid Fire Questions
1:42:00 Africa & AI: Still On The Consumption End
1:45:00 What People Get Wrong About Me
1:49:00 Who Should Be on The Podcast Next

Guest: Vusi Thembekwayo - Investor, Speaker, Founder of MyGrowthFund & Executive Chairman of Thembekwayo Legacy Group
In this groundbreaking episode, we sit down with Vusi Thembekwayo for an unfiltered conversation about the brutal realities, psychological costs, and unparalleled opportunities of building in Africa today.
Vusi dismantles controversial narratives around Elon Musk and South Africa, reveals the trauma of poverty that holds us back, and delivers the hard truth about why your success is ultimately your responsibility. This is a masterclass in mindset, money, and the future of the continent.
💡 In this episode, we uncover:
→ Why it's the EASIEST time in history to build in Africa (despite the struggles)
→ The shocking truth behind Elon Musk's "Starlink Lie" and the white genocide narrative
→ How the trauma of poverty creates "limiting foundational beliefs" that cost us billions
→ Vusi's personal cost: Losing his relationship with his mother for 10 years
→ The moment he saw $1M and his brain "short-circuited"
→ How to break through the "African pricing" ceiling and demand your worth
→ The real reason he believes we should build "Zebras," not just "Unicorns"
→ The one thing that will unlock $50 Billion in institutional capital for Africa
→ The intellectual dishonesty of Elon Musk and the danger of his influence
→ The nuanced tension between South Africans and Nigerians (and how to fix it)
→ Vusi's most controversial opinion: "Your success is 100% your fault."

Subscribe to Afropolitan Podcast for more unfiltered conversations with the world's most insightful Africans.
Where to Find Vusi Thembekwayo:
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@vthembekwayo?si=IBbm4OY3583DHuIi
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vusithembekwayo/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vusithembekwayo?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
Website: https://vusithembekwayo.com
📢 Join the conversation:
What was the most powerful moment for you? Was it Vusi's take on Elon Musk, the trauma of poverty, or his unwavering stance on personal responsibility? Let us know in the comments!

This episode is sponsored by:
Vban, is the borderless banking app built for Africa's digital workforce.
Use the code AFROPOLITAN to sign up: https://vban.com

Inverroche Gin, South Africa's premium craft gin that fuses heritage botanicals with innovation.
Discover more: https://www.inverroche

Risevest, a digital wealth-manager connecting you to global, dollar-denominated investments in US stocks, real estate & fixed income.
Use this link to sign up: https://click.risevest.com/gb0g/afropolitan

Want to connect 1:1 with Africa's boldest thinkers? Book a 15-minute convo on Convo: https://convo.vip/ with leaders like Tunde Onakoya, Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, Asa Asika, and more.

Listen to more Afropolitan Podcast episodes:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Afropolitan
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6YwRlkSOq8e35xU6bOp9pU?si=b3a132f9afb3459f&nd=1&dlsi=32c01e3224ac4c64
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/afropolitan/id1808954585

Hosted by
Eche — https://www.linkedin.com/in/eemole/
Chika — https://www.linkedin.com/in/chikauwazie/

Book 1:1 with Eche - https://convo.vip/echeemole

Book 1:1 with Chika - https://convo.vip/chikauwazie

Stay connected with Afropolitan:
Twitter: https://x.com/afropolitan
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afropolitanpodcast
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/afropolitannation/
Website: https://www.afropolitan.io

Join the Network State – https://afropolitan.io/join
🔗 Join our community for exclusive updates: afropolitan.io/community
Get email updates: https://www.afropolitan.io/newsletter

CHAPTERS:
0:00 Growing Up in Apartheid South Africa
2:28 Why It's The Easiest Time to Build in Africa
7:00 The Cost of Leaving Corporate for Entrepreneurship
17:00 How My Father's Business Failure Shaped Me
28:00 From $2 to Top Speaker: Breaking Into The Industry
35:00 Why Speaking Agencies Don't Add Value
43:00 Zebras vs Unicorns: What Africa Really Needs
48:00 The Truth About Elon Musk & Starlink in South Africa
59:10 Why Intellectual Dishonesty Creates Extremists
1:07:00 The South Africa-Nigeria Dynamic Explained
1:19:00 DEI, Reparations & Historical Truth
1:23:00 Building My First Venture Fund With My Own Money
1:28:00 "Simba Is Still Waiting for Mufasa to Die"
1:31:00 Why I'm Converting to Permanent Capital
1:37:00 Rapid Fire Questions
1:42:00 Africa & AI: Still On The Consumption End
1:45:00 What People Get Wrong About Me
1:49:00 Who Should Be on The Podcast Next

From Burnout To Beyond: The Untold Story Of Building Africa’s Leading Wellness Brand
Guest: Simi Williams, Founder of Beyond Fitness

At 26, Simi Williams was hospitalised from burnout while working in high finance in London.
She lost $1M in funding when investors saw she was pregnant — but that didn’t stop her from returning to Nigeria to build Beyond Fitness, now one of Africa’s most respected wellness brands.

In this powerful episode, she opens up about the cost of ambition, postnatal depression, gender bias in fundraising, and the daily fight to build a global business out of Lagos.

In this episode:
→ Burnout and the illusion of success in high finance
→ Motherhood, postnatal depression, and recovery
→ Losing $1M in funding because of pregnancy
→ How gender bias shapes fundraising for women
→ Building Beyond Fitness into a global brand
→ Balancing family, faith, and entrepreneurship
→ Why Lagos taught her control is an illusion
→ Redefining what success and purpose really mean

Follow Afropolitan

Website – https://afropolitan.io

Instagram – @afropolitan

Twitter – @afropolitan

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/afropolitannation/ 

This episode is sponsored by Inverroche Gin, South Africa’s premium craft gin that fuses heritage botanicals with innovation.

Discover more: https://www.inverroche 

Want to connect 1:1 with Africa's boldest thinkers? Book a 15-minute convo on Convo: https://convo.vip/ 

Book 1:1 with Eche - https://convo.vip/echeemole

Book 1:1 with Chika - https://convo.vip/chikauwazie

Listen to more Afropolitan Podcast episodes:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Afropolitan   

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6YwRlkSOq8e35xU6bOp9pU?si=b3a132f9afb3459f&nd=1&dlsi=32c01e3224ac4c64 

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/afropolitan/id1808954585 

Hosted by

Eche — https://www.linkedin.com/in/eemole/   

Chika — https://www.linkedin.com/in/chikauwazie/   

Timestamps

0:00 - The Gym Incident That Started Everything

0:38 - Introduction: Simi Williams - From Banking to Beyond Fitness

1:51 - Trying to Be a Global Wellness Entrepreneur

2:34 - When Success Was Breaking Me: Hospital at 26

4:40 - Childhood Connection to Fitness

6:03 - Losing My Therapy: Three Times Movement Failed Me

8:25 - Double Entrepreneur Household: Managing Two Businesses

13:06 - The Birth of Beyond Fitness

15:28 - Fundraising While Pregnant: Losing Investors

19:06 - Being a Woman in Fundraising

21:02 - Reinventing Myself: From Finance to Fitness

22:56 - Moving Back to Nigeria: The Cultural Shock

25:04 - Did I Make a Mistake Coming Back?

27:12 - Bible App Moment & Beyond Fitness Experience

31:29 - Creating a Culture of Care

33:09 - What Banking Taught Me to Unlearn

35:03 - Every Role Except Security: Building From Scratch

37:20 - Why High-Profile People Drop Their Guard at Beyond

39:20 - The Tender Parts: Bamboo Season

42:11 - What I Want My Daughter to See

43:25 - Global Vision for Beyond Fitness

44:48 - Beyond on Tour: Wellness Retreats

48:46 - When Everything Goes Wrong: The Bus Story

51:13 - What I Want to Be Remembered For

51:30 - Rapid Fire Questions

52:46 - Motherhood: What It Taught Me

54:05 - Birth Center Decision

56:00 - Who Should Be Next on the Podcast

Yele Bademosi is a founder, investor, and creative thinker at the intersection of culture, capital, and clarity. He’s the Co-creator and CEO of Onboard. He reveals the untold truth behind losing $3.9 million overnight in the FTX collapse and how that moment transformed his relationship with money, purpose, and freedom.

A former medical student turned tech founder and investor, Yele has built some of Africa’s most influential startups, including Bundle (incubated within Binance). But after reaching the height of startup success, everything came crashing down.

In this deeply personal conversation, Yele shares lessons on resilience, rebuilding from zero, and why he believes private credit, not crypto,  is Africa’s biggest untapped opportunity. He also discusses the future of the creator economy, the importance of financial sovereignty, and how Africa’s next billion-dollar companies will be built by creators, not corporations.

He explains:
 - Why he walked away from medicine to pursue freedom
 - How losing everything in FTX changed his definition of wealth

 - The truth about Africa’s credit gap and economic opportunity
 - What “potential capital” really means  and how to find yours
 - Why creators are Africa’s next economic revolution

 Key Themes

• The Future of Credit in Africa
• Surviving the FTX Collapse
• Rebuilding Purpose & Identity
• The Creator Economy as Africa’s Next Wave
• Financial Freedom, Integrity & the Pursuit of Happiness

🔗 Follow Yele

X (Twitter) – @YeleBademosi
LinkedIn – Yele Bademosi
OnboardGlobal – https://www.linkedin.com/company/onboardbynestcoin/  

Follow Afropolitan

Website – https://afropolitan.io
Instagram – @afropolitan
X (Twitter) – @afropolitan
LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/afropolitannation/ 

This episode is sponsored by Inverroche Gin, South Africa’s premium craft gin that fuses heritage botanicals with innovation.

Discover more: https://www.inverroche 

Want to connect 1:1 with Africa's boldest thinkers? Book a 15-minute convo on Convo: https://convo.vip/ 

Book 1:1 with Eche - https://convo.vip/echeemole
Book 1:1 with Chika - https://convo.vip/chikauwazie

Listen to more Afropolitan Podcast episodes:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Afropolitan   

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6YwRlkSOq8e35xU6bOp9pU?si=b3a132f9afb3459f&nd=1&dlsi=32c01e3224ac4c64 

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/afropolitan/id1808954585 

Hosted by

Eche — https://www.linkedin.com/in/eemole/   

Chika — https://www.linkedin.com/in/chikauwazie/   

Stay connected with Afropolitan: 

Twitter: https://x.com/afropolitan 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afropolitanpodcast   

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/afropolitannation/ 

Website: https://www.afropolitan.io

🔗 Join our community for exclusive updates: afropolitan.io/community

Get email updates: https://www.afropolitan.io/newsletter 

00:00 - The Biggest Opportunity in Africa: Private Credit

01:09 - Introduction: What's the Biggest Opportunity in Africa?

03:12 - Why Credit is Africa's Missing Infrastructure

05:06 - South Africa's Credit System vs Rest of Africa

06:28 - Who Was Yele Before Bundle & Nestcoin?

07:55 - Growing Up in Ibadan: Early Entrepreneurial Roots

10:20 - Moving to UK at 14: The Internet Opens New Worlds

12:18 - The Medical School Journey & Father's Blessing

14:12 - "Opting Out" of Medical School

16:55 - Writing the Letter to Mom: Pursuit of Freedom

18:37 - Afropolitan Toast: To African Creativity & Legacy

20:25 - Life Lessons from Parents: Excellence & Integrity

22:24 - Losing Dad: The Impact 15 Years Later

26:04 - Five Types of Wealth: Transforming Priorities

28:05 - Moving to London: Being Closer to Family

30:13 - Financial Sovereignty & Why Crypto Matters

32:38 - Building Digital Infrastructure for Africa

35:02 - The Bundle Story: Right Place, Right Time

38:15 - Leaving Binance to Build Nestcoin

40:22 - Raising the Largest African Crypto Seed Round

44:58 - The FTX Collapse: November 11, 2022

48:51 - Surviving the Crisis: Resilience & Recovery

52:13 - 18 Months of Uncertainty: Getting 95% Back

56:43 - Learning to Forgive Yourself

58:27 - Personal Funds Lost in FTX

01:01:32 - Redefining Wealth: Potential Capital

01:06:34 - Afropolitan's Journey: The Million Dollar Prophecy

01:09:28 - Why Afropolitan Will Succeed: Culture Connectors

01:16:51 - The Creator Economy Thesis: Distribution is Queen

01:19:19 - From BET for Africa to Creator Infrastructure

01:23:29 - The Cost of Creation is Dropping: Distribution Wins

01:27:47 - Leading Through Pivots: Vision Evolution

01:32:09 - African Creators to Watch

01:36:05 - Three Systems Creators Need: Banking, Credit, Management

01:40:06 - Onboard: Freedom to Transact Globally

01:42:26 - Stablecoins: The New Financial Infrastructure

01:46:53 - Rapid Fire: Lagos vs London

01:48:28 - Favorite Nigerian Food: Ofada Rice at Mega Chicken

01:51:51 - Who Should Be on Afropolitan Podcast

Yele Bademosi is a founder, investor, and creative thinker at the intersection of culture, capital, and clarity. He’s the Co-creator and CEO of Onboard. He reveals the untold truth behind losing $3.9 million overnight in the FTX collapse and how that moment transformed his relationship with money, purpose, and freedom.

A former medical student turned tech founder and investor, Yele has built some of Africa’s most influential startups, including Bundle (incubated within Binance). But after reaching the height of startup success, everything came crashing down.

In this deeply personal conversation, Yele shares lessons on resilience, rebuilding from zero, and why he believes private credit, not crypto,  is Africa’s biggest untapped opportunity. He also discusses the future of the creator economy, the importance of financial sovereignty, and how Africa’s next billion-dollar companies will be built by creators, not corporations.

He explains:
 - Why he walked away from medicine to pursue freedom
 - How losing everything in FTX changed his definition of wealth

 - The truth about Africa’s credit gap and economic opportunity
 - What “potential capital” really means  and how to find yours
 - Why creators are Africa’s next economic revolution

 Key Themes

• The Future of Credit in Africa
• Surviving the FTX Collapse
• Rebuilding Purpose & Identity
• The Creator Economy as Africa’s Next Wave
• Financial Freedom, Integrity & the Pursuit of Happiness

🔗 Follow Yele

X (Twitter) – @YeleBademosi
LinkedIn – Yele Bademosi
OnboardGlobal – https://www.linkedin.com/company/onboardbynestcoin/  

Follow Afropolitan

Website – https://afropolitan.io
Instagram – @afropolitan
X (Twitter) – @afropolitan
LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/afropolitannation/ 

This episode is sponsored by Inverroche Gin, South Africa’s premium craft gin that fuses heritage botanicals with innovation.

Discover more: https://www.inverroche 

Want to connect 1:1 with Africa's boldest thinkers? Book a 15-minute convo on Convo: https://convo.vip/ 

Book 1:1 with Eche - https://convo.vip/echeemole
Book 1:1 with Chika - https://convo.vip/chikauwazie

Listen to more Afropolitan Podcast episodes:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Afropolitan   

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6YwRlkSOq8e35xU6bOp9pU?si=b3a132f9afb3459f&nd=1&dlsi=32c01e3224ac4c64 

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/afropolitan/id1808954585 

Hosted by

Eche — https://www.linkedin.com/in/eemole/   

Chika — https://www.linkedin.com/in/chikauwazie/   

Stay connected with Afropolitan: 

Twitter: https://x.com/afropolitan 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afropolitanpodcast   

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/afropolitannation/ 

Website: https://www.afropolitan.io

🔗 Join our community for exclusive updates: afropolitan.io/community

Get email updates: https://www.afropolitan.io/newsletter 

00:00 - The Biggest Opportunity in Africa: Private Credit

01:09 - Introduction: What's the Biggest Opportunity in Africa?

03:12 - Why Credit is Africa's Missing Infrastructure

05:06 - South Africa's Credit System vs Rest of Africa

06:28 - Who Was Yele Before Bundle & Nestcoin?

07:55 - Growing Up in Ibadan: Early Entrepreneurial Roots

10:20 - Moving to UK at 14: The Internet Opens New Worlds

12:18 - The Medical School Journey & Father's Blessing

14:12 - "Opting Out" of Medical School

16:55 - Writing the Letter to Mom: Pursuit of Freedom

18:37 - Afropolitan Toast: To African Creativity & Legacy

20:25 - Life Lessons from Parents: Excellence & Integrity

22:24 - Losing Dad: The Impact 15 Years Later

26:04 - Five Types of Wealth: Transforming Priorities

28:05 - Moving to London: Being Closer to Family

30:13 - Financial Sovereignty & Why Crypto Matters

32:38 - Building Digital Infrastructure for Africa

35:02 - The Bundle Story: Right Place, Right Time

38:15 - Leaving Binance to Build Nestcoin

40:22 - Raising the Largest African Crypto Seed Round

44:58 - The FTX Collapse: November 11, 2022

48:51 - Surviving the Crisis: Resilience & Recovery

52:13 - 18 Months of Uncertainty: Getting 95% Back

56:43 - Learning to Forgive Yourself

58:27 - Personal Funds Lost in FTX

01:01:32 - Redefining Wealth: Potential Capital

01:06:34 - Afropolitan's Journey: The Million Dollar Prophecy

01:09:28 - Why Afropolitan Will Succeed: Culture Connectors

01:16:51 - The Creator Economy Thesis: Distribution is Queen

01:19:19 - From BET for Africa to Creator Infrastructure

01:23:29 - The Cost of Creation is Dropping: Distribution Wins

01:27:47 - Leading Through Pivots: Vision Evolution

01:32:09 - African Creators to Watch

01:36:05 - Three Systems Creators Need: Banking, Credit, Management

01:40:06 - Onboard: Freedom to Transact Globally

01:42:26 - Stablecoins: The New Financial Infrastructure

01:46:53 - Rapid Fire: Lagos vs London

01:48:28 - Favorite Nigerian Food: Ofada Rice at Mega Chicken

01:51:51 - Who Should Be on Afropolitan Podcast

From $0 To $2.4M In 3 Weeks The Brutal Truth About Startup Fundraising

Guests: Chika & Eche Founders of Afropolitan
What does it really take to raise millions as an African founder In this unfiltered episode Chika & Eche break down how they raised $2.4 million in just 21 days and the painful lessons learned along the way From losing $1.5 million in commitments overnight to discovering why 98% of startups fail this is the playbook for anyone dreaming of building something big

In this episode:
→ How Chika & Eche closed $2.4M in 3 weeks
→ Why $1.5M in commitments disappeared overnight
→ The difference between idea vs traction when pitching
→ Why your team matters more than your idea
→ The pitch deck structure that wins investors
→ Hard lessons from losing a $1M deal
→ Why 98% of startups fail but some still thrive
→ The 5 fundraising stages every founder must master
Want to connect 1:1 with Africa's boldest thinkers? Book a 15-minute convo on Convo: https://convo.vip/ with leaders like Tunde Onakoya, Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, Asa Asika, and more.
Book 1:1 with Eche - https://convo.vip/echeemole
Book 1:1 with Chika - https://convo.vip/chikauwazie
Listen to more Afropolitan Podcast episodes:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Afropolitan
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6YwRlkSOq8e35xU6bOp9pU?si=b3a132f9afb3459f&nd=1&dlsi=32c01e3224ac4c64
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/afropolitan/id1808954585
Hosted by
Eche — https://www.linkedin.com/in/eemole/
Chika — https://www.linkedin.com/in/chikauwazie/
Stay connected with Afropolitan
Twitter: https://x.com/afropolitan
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afropolitanpodcast
LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/afropolitannation/
🔗 Join our community for exclusive updates: http://afropolitan.io/community
Get email updates:

00:00 - Intro
01:37 - How to Fundraise & Pitch: Special Episode Introduction
02:47 - Chika's Fundraising Background: TalentBase & 500 Startups (2015-2016)
04:29 - What Investors Really Care About: Numbers & Audacity
06:09 - Eche's Community Building Journey: From Events to Investment
08:16 - The Power of Long-Term Track Records in Fundraising
10:47 - From Labor to Leverage: Naval's Framework for Building Wealth
13:47 - The Importance of Relationships: 10 Years to First Million
15:42 - The Afropolitan Pitch: 3 Minutes That Changed Everything
18:41 - Phase 1: Events & Year of Return ($2B Economic Impact)
19:17 - Phase 2: COVID Pivot to Clubhouse (200K Community)
20:02 - Phase 3: The 5AM Revelation in Nairobi
22:27 - Phase 4: The Four-Phase Roadmap to Digital Nation
25:14 - Why Team Matters: The Marriage of Co-Founders
28:07 - From Idea to Traction: What VCs Actually Want
31:17 - The Psychology of Fundraising: Creating FOMO
34:09 - When $3.5M Became $2.1M: The Bear Market Reality
37:47 - Due Diligence Goes Both Ways: Choosing Your Investors
40:24 - Creating Momentum: The 3-Week Close
42:22 - Why African Founders Undervalue Themselves
44:47 - The Pitch Deck Breakdown: What Actually Matters
48:41 - Team Dynamics: Why Most Startups Really Fail
51:58 - Chika's TalentBase Story: When Boards Betray Founders
54:27 - The Power of Failure: Your Network is Your Net Worth
56:49 - From Tech-First to Culture-First: The Afropolitan Pivot
59:34 - Building Through Bear Markets: Choosing Gratitude
01:02:11 - Co-Founder Alignment: The Conversations That Save Startups
01:04:36 - Final Thoughts: Your Failed Startups Are Tomorrow's Cap Table

From $0 To $2.4M In 3 Weeks The Brutal Truth About Startup Fundraising

Guests: Chika & Eche Founders of Afropolitan
What does it really take to raise millions as an African founder In this unfiltered episode Chika & Eche break down how they raised $2.4 million in just 21 days and the painful lessons learned along the way From losing $1.5 million in commitments overnight to discovering why 98% of startups fail this is the playbook for anyone dreaming of building something big

In this episode:
→ How Chika & Eche closed $2.4M in 3 weeks
→ Why $1.5M in commitments disappeared overnight
→ The difference between idea vs traction when pitching
→ Why your team matters more than your idea
→ The pitch deck structure that wins investors
→ Hard lessons from losing a $1M deal
→ Why 98% of startups fail but some still thrive
→ The 5 fundraising stages every founder must master
Want to connect 1:1 with Africa's boldest thinkers? Book a 15-minute convo on Convo: https://convo.vip/ with leaders like Tunde Onakoya, Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, Asa Asika, and more.
Book 1:1 with Eche - https://convo.vip/echeemole
Book 1:1 with Chika - https://convo.vip/chikauwazie
Listen to more Afropolitan Podcast episodes:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Afropolitan
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6YwRlkSOq8e35xU6bOp9pU?si=b3a132f9afb3459f&nd=1&dlsi=32c01e3224ac4c64
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/afropolitan/id1808954585
Hosted by
Eche — https://www.linkedin.com/in/eemole/
Chika — https://www.linkedin.com/in/chikauwazie/
Stay connected with Afropolitan
Twitter: https://x.com/afropolitan
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afropolitanpodcast
LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/afropolitannation/
🔗 Join our community for exclusive updates: http://afropolitan.io/community
Get email updates:

00:00 - Intro
01:37 - How to Fundraise & Pitch: Special Episode Introduction
02:47 - Chika's Fundraising Background: TalentBase & 500 Startups (2015-2016)
04:29 - What Investors Really Care About: Numbers & Audacity
06:09 - Eche's Community Building Journey: From Events to Investment
08:16 - The Power of Long-Term Track Records in Fundraising
10:47 - From Labor to Leverage: Naval's Framework for Building Wealth
13:47 - The Importance of Relationships: 10 Years to First Million
15:42 - The Afropolitan Pitch: 3 Minutes That Changed Everything
18:41 - Phase 1: Events & Year of Return ($2B Economic Impact)
19:17 - Phase 2: COVID Pivot to Clubhouse (200K Community)
20:02 - Phase 3: The 5AM Revelation in Nairobi
22:27 - Phase 4: The Four-Phase Roadmap to Digital Nation
25:14 - Why Team Matters: The Marriage of Co-Founders
28:07 - From Idea to Traction: What VCs Actually Want
31:17 - The Psychology of Fundraising: Creating FOMO
34:09 - When $3.5M Became $2.1M: The Bear Market Reality
37:47 - Due Diligence Goes Both Ways: Choosing Your Investors
40:24 - Creating Momentum: The 3-Week Close
42:22 - Why African Founders Undervalue Themselves
44:47 - The Pitch Deck Breakdown: What Actually Matters
48:41 - Team Dynamics: Why Most Startups Really Fail
51:58 - Chika's TalentBase Story: When Boards Betray Founders
54:27 - The Power of Failure: Your Network is Your Net Worth
56:49 - From Tech-First to Culture-First: The Afropolitan Pivot
59:34 - Building Through Bear Markets: Choosing Gratitude
01:02:11 - Co-Founder Alignment: The Conversations That Save Startups
01:04:36 - Final Thoughts: Your Failed Startups Are Tomorrow's Cap Table