We are backed with another edition of our newsletter that's packed with all the juicy debates, inspiring stories, and thought-provoking conversations you've been craving!

First up, we've got a Trailblazer Talk that's guaranteed to blow your mind. Eche, our very own superhero, sits down with the one and only Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, a serial entrepreneur who's changing the game in Africa. Trust me, you don't want to miss this one!

Next, we shine the spotlight on the incredible Nait Jones, the mastermind behind Oyi Labs. This tech genius is revolutionizing the audio ad industry and empowering small businesses like never before. Prepare to be inspired!

But wait, there's more! Afropolitan Ventures is making moves with a potential investment in Brij, a company that's transforming cross-border payments across Africa. If you're looking to get in on the action, you know what to do!

And last but not least, social media is buzzing with @eshioma's hot takes on coffee dates and rotational dating. We've been spilling the tea in our legacy group chat, and let me tell you, the opinions are flying! Want to join the conversation? You know where to find us!

So, grab your favorite beverage, get cozy, and dive into this edition of the newsletter. We've got everything you need to stay informed, entertained, and connected with your fellow Afropolitans. Let's go!

Trailblazer Talks

In this episode of Trailblazer Talks, Afropolitan co-founder Eche engages in an insightful conversation with Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, the General Partner and Co-Founder of Future Africa. As a serial entrepreneur with an impressive track record, Iyinoluwa is dedicated to partnering with visionary talent and capital to shape Africa's future.

Throughout this video podcast, Iyinoluwa shares his wealth of experience, from co-founding Andela, Africa's largest engineering organization, to leading Flutterwave, a rapidly growing payments technology business. He provides valuable insights into the process of building a successful start-up, recognizing when to step back, and maintaining motivation in the face of challenges.

For those seeking to transform Africa's most pressing issues into innovative business opportunities, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge and inspiration. Iyinoluwa's unique perspective and strategic approach to entrepreneurship make this a must-watch for anyone in the Afropolitan community looking to make a lasting impact. Join us as we delve into the mind of a true trailblazer and explore the future of African entrepreneurship.

Watch the interview below

Afropolitan Spotlight

Afropolitan Spotlight:

In this week's Afropolitan Spotlight, we highlight the impressive achievements of Nait Jones, the Founder of Oyi Labs. As a tech entrepreneur, investor, and executive with extensive experience in product and go-to-market strategies, Nait has made significant strides in the world of startups and venture capital.

Nait's journey includes being a three-time founder/CEO of venture-backed companies and a former investor at Andreessen Horowitz, where he spent seven years investing primarily in consumer internet companies at the seed stage. His wealth of experience and expertise has positioned him as a key player in the tech industry.

Recently, Nait raised venture capital from prominent investors such as Bloomberg Beta (Roy E. Bahat), Haystack (Semil Shah), Correlation Ventures (Wesley Barrow), and The Raine Group, among others, to build Oyi Labs alongside his long-time friend Yan Lhert. This venture-backed company is set to make waves in the industry with its innovative solutions.

Oyi Labs has just announced the beta release of their first product, adtwin.ai, a groundbreaking tool designed to help small businesses and startups create and distribute audio ads easily and inexpensively. The platform has already been used in national ad campaigns for major brands, showcasing its effectiveness and potential to revolutionize the audio advertising landscape.

With adtwin.ai, Nait and his team at Oyi Labs aim to empower small businesses by providing them with the same "superpowers" that larger companies have access to, making audio advertising more accessible and cost-effective. By extending these capabilities to startups and small businesses, Oyi Labs is leveling the playing field and enabling more companies to leverage the power of audio advertising to grow their brands.

Keep an eye on Nait Jones and Oyi Labs as they continue to disrupt the industry and provide innovative solutions for businesses of all sizes.

Join Our WhatsApp Channel: Your Direct Line to Afropolitan

At Afropolitan, we believe in the power of connection and the importance of staying informed. That's why we're excited to invite you to join our exclusive WhatsApp channel, designed to keep you in the loop with all our latest announcements and updates.

By joining our WhatsApp community, you'll gain direct access to a global network of like-minded individuals who share your passion for celebrating and elevating the African diaspora. From upcoming events and initiatives to thought-provoking discussions and opportunities for collaboration, our WhatsApp channel is your gateway to staying connected with the pulse of the Afropolitan movement.

Don't miss out on the chance to be part of the conversation and contribute to the growth of our vibrant community. To join, simply click on the link below and follow the prompts to become a member of our WhatsApp channel. We can't wait to welcome you and keep you informed every step of the way.

Together, we'll continue to shape the narrative and drive positive change for Afropolitans worldwide.

@eshioma

Why I don’t and will never accept coffee dates… the biggest waste of time. Abeg, I’ll just stay home. #FYP #ROTATIONALDATING

This week's social media is abuzz with a thought-provoking conversation sparked by @eshioma, who shared her reasons for not accepting coffee dates and her advocacy for rotational dating. Her posts have ignited a lively debate across the interwebs, with people weighing in on the pros and cons of these dating practices.

@eshioma's perspective has even made its way into our legacy group chat, where members have been sharing their own experiences and opinions on the matter. It's clear that there are legitimate reasons why coffee dates may or may not make sense for certain individuals, and the discussion has highlighted the diverse preferences and approaches to dating within our community.

While some argue that coffee dates provide a low-pressure, casual setting to get to know someone, others echo @eshioma's sentiments, preferring more intentional and engaging date activities. The topic of rotational dating has also garnered attention, with proponents advocating for the benefits of exploring multiple connections simultaneously, while others express concerns about the potential emotional complexities involved.

Regardless of where you stand on the issue, it's evident that @eshioma's posts have struck a chord and sparked a meaningful dialogue about modern dating practices. These conversations are a testament to the power of social media in bringing our community together and fostering open, honest discussions about the things that matter to us.

If you're interested in joining the conversation and connecting with like-minded individuals, we invite you to apply to our legacy group chat. It's a space where Afropolitans can share their experiences, learn from one another, and build meaningful connections. Don't miss out on the opportunity to be part of this vibrant and engaging community!

Afropolitan Ventures

Afropolitan Ventures is excited to announce that we have successfully held a second call for our next potential investment, Brij. As a community, we are currently reviewing this innovative company that is set to transform cross-border payments across Africa.

Brij is tackling a massive market opportunity, with $200bn in annual remittance flows to and through Africa, $100bn in intra-Africa cross-border trade, 44m Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Africa, and 400m mobile money users. By solving regulatory hurdles and establishing key commercial partnerships, Brij has built a technology infrastructure that enables instant cross-border payments in Africa, allowing for direct exchange between African countries and filling a critical gap in the continent's financial ecosystem.

With licenses acquired in Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, and Ghana, Brij offers a range of products and services, including:

1. Brij for Merchants: A no-code checkout and collection solution enabling intra-Africa cross-border payments.

2. Brij for Users: A multi-currency wallet for real-time bill payment and P2P services.

3. Brij in Banking & Telco Apps: Embedded cross-border solutions powering trade payments and remittances.

Led by a strong leadership team consisting of Dr. Aloy Chife (Founder and Executive Chairman), Nicholas Koros (CEO), and Ashley Smith (MD, Paybills Global), Brij is currently raising $4 million in seed funding to expand user acquisition, grow revenue, and scale operations to new markets in Africa.

Afropolitan Ventures recognizes the critical importance of Brij's mission in addressing the gaps in Africa's financial infrastructure and enabling seamless cross-border transactions. If you are interested in learning more about this exciting investment opportunity, please reply to this email, and we will send you more information and add you to the Afropolitan Ventures community.

Join us in supporting Brij as they work towards revolutionizing cross-border payments and empowering businesses and individuals across Africa. Reply to this email if you are interested in learning more.

The Afropolitan Pulse: Your Global African News