In this episode, we talk with Oliver Windram, co-founder and CTO of Kuronga, an agri-tech startup focused on empowering small-scale African farmers. Oliver shares his journey from growing up on a farm in Zimbabwe to founding Kuronga, which uses technology to reduce food waste and improve agricultural productivity. The episode explores the potential of tech to revolutionize African farming and the importance of combining practical solutions with digital innovation.

In this episode, we talk with Oliver Windrum, co-founder and CTO of Koronga, an agri-tech startup focused on empowering small-scale African farmers. Oliver shares his journey from growing up on a farm in Zimbabwe to founding Koronga, which uses technology to reduce food waste and improve agricultural productivity. The episode explores the potential of tech to revolutionize African farming and the importance of combining practical solutions with digital innovation.

In this Beta Mode podcast episode, we explore the impact of employee welfare innovation in corporate Africa with Lekan Olude, the founder of Motherboard. Lekan shares his journey from a computer science student at Obafemi Awolowo University to co-founding Jobberman, a leading job acquisition platform in Nigeria, and eventually creating Motherboard. Driven by a passion for enhancing employee benefits across Africa, Lekan discusses his mission to provide accessible and usable benefits to employees, improving their quality of life and fostering loyalty and productivity within companies. He delves into the challenges and successes of launching a startup in the Nigerian tech ecosystem and how his experiences have shaped Motherboard’s development. Throughout the conversation, Lekan emphasizes the importance of trust, integrity, and perseverance in building sustainable businesses in Africa. We also delve into Motherboard's vision to improve employee benefits by connecting employers, employees, and vendors in a seamless and efficient manner. Lekan concludes by reflecting on the future of employee welfare in Africa, envisioning a landscape where comprehensive benefits are the norm, contributing to a thriving workforce and strong economic growth.

In this Beta Mode podcast episode, we delve into the dynamic world of African venture capitalism with Lydia Idem, the Chief Operating Officer of LoftyInc Capital Management. Lydia narrates her extraordinary journey from a dot-com era developer to the African venture capital scene, driven by a vision to boost tech-enabled businesses across the continent. She elaborates on her role in identifying and investing in Afropreneurs, African founders and those in the diaspora, who are creating scalable solutions for Africa’s unique challenges. Throughout the conversation, Lydia emphasizes the critical importance of persistence and a supportive network in navigating Africa's entrepreneurial landscape. We also explore LoftyInc's mission to foster economic growth by investing in startups that have the potential to create significant socio-economic impact. Lydia concludes by reflecting on the future of venture capital in Africa, envisioning a robust ecosystem where African-founded companies thrive and compete globally.

In this Beta Mode podcast episode, we delve into the ethical transformation of African mining practices with Ayo Sopitan, founder and CEO of Metalex Commodities. Ayo narrates his transition from a data analyst in corporate America to leading a venture aimed at reforming the mining industry in Africa through ethical sourcing and data-driven methods. He emphasizes the importance of connecting small-scale miners to the global market, ensuring fair compensation, and adopting sustainable mining practices. The discussion also explores the critical role of technology in optimizing operations and the significant impact of the African diaspora in supporting the continent's development. Ayo envisions Metalex Commodities as a global leader in the metals market, focusing on transparency, equity, and the empowerment of African communities, showcasing the potential of ethical entrepreneurship to drive societal change in one of Africa's key sectors.

In this Beta Mode podcast episode, we explore the transformative power of African literature with Simi Aluko, founder of Illino Media. Simi recounts her journey from a passionate storyteller to a champion of African fiction, emphasizing literature's role in societal change. She discusses balancing creative writing with her technical role as a civil engineering PhD student, highlighting the importance of innovation resonating with its audience. The episode delves into Illino Media's commitment to preserving the authentic voices of African writers while expanding their reach. Simi concludes by reflecting on her work's socio-economic impact in Africa, underscoring the need to empower writers both artistically and financially.

In this episode of the Beta Mode podcast, Tomiwa Igun, co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of SunFi, details his journey from confronting power issues in Nigeria as a teenager to co-founding a sustainable energy and fintech startup. He introduces SunFi, a fintech platform he co-founded, specifically designed to accelerate the adoption of solar energy solutions across Africa. SunFi's mission is to offer techno-economic solutions, utilizing solar panels to provide African communities with clean, affordable, and sustainable energy technologies. Tomiwa highlights the necessity of embracing calculated risks and building solid relationships as fundamental to success in any business venture. Tune in for an episode rich in insights and inspiration.

In this episode of Beta Mode, we feature Ogechi Agu, a nurse practitioner and the founder of Amaka, a brand specializing in Afrocentric handbags. Ogechi's journey from nursing to fashion entrepreneurship highlights her multifaceted talents and her passion for African-inspired fashion. Amaka, reflecting Ogechi's Nigerian heritage, uses eco-friendly materials to create affordable luxury handbags. She discusses her aspirations to expand Amaka beyond handbags, including men's accessories and luggage, and her strategies for brand growth. Ogechi's narrative exemplifies how pursuing a passion outside of one’s professional field can lead to exciting and successful entrepreneurial ventures.

In this episode, Cheukai Makari, CEO of Aminat Ventures, recounts her journey from Sierra Leone to UC Berkeley, and how it shaped her mission to empower African women entrepreneurs. Her experiences in Sierra Leone and academic pursuits in International Business and Global Development at Berkeley fueled her passion for sustainable development. Aminat Ventures, her brainchild, focuses on providing resources, mentorship, and tools to African women, fostering community-driven and environmentally sustainable business practices. Cheukai's vision is to expand Aminat Ventures across Africa, demonstrating the profound impact of women-led, community-focused initiatives on societal well-being.

Intro to season 2