Hey Afropolitans!

Welcome to another edition of our newsletter, where we celebrate the incredible achievements, insights, and discussions within our vibrant community.

In this issue, we have an exciting lineup of content that showcases the talent, innovation, and thought-provoking perspectives of Afropolitans worldwide. From our cofounder Eche's enlightening conversation with Biola Alabi, a trailblazer in the African media and technology landscape, to our spotlight on Anthony Okoro, a senior director at eBay who has made significant contributions to the tech industry, we aim to inspire and inform you with stories of success and impact.

We also bring you updates on Afropolitan Ventures, our initiative to support and invest in promising startups from Africa and the diaspora, as we recap the recently concluded Accelerate Africa demo day. Additionally, we delve into a thought-provoking discussion sparked by a viral video from author Quanz Mill, which prompts us to reflect on the importance of looks and the pressures of societal beauty standards.

As always, our goal is to foster meaningful conversations, celebrate the achievements of our community members, and provide a platform for sharing ideas and experiences. We hope that this newsletter serves as a source of inspiration, connection, and empowerment for Afropolitans everywhere.

So sit back, enjoy, and let's dive into the incredible stories and insights that make our community so special.

Trailblazer Talks

I'm thrilled to bring you another exciting episode of Trailblazer Talk, where our cofounder Eche sits down with some of the most inspiring and influential leaders in the African business community.

In this episode, Eche had the privilege of interviewing the incredible Biola Alabi, a true trailblazer in every sense of the word. Biola is currently a General Partner at Acasia, bringing her wealth of experience and expertise to the world of venture capital.

During the interview, Eche and Biola delved into some fascinating topics, including the future of investing and the African venture capital landscape. As someone who has been at the forefront of driving innovation and growth in these areas, Biola brought a wealth of knowledge and insights to the conversation.

Biola shared her thoughts on the current state of the African venture capital ecosystem, highlighting the immense opportunities that exist for investors and entrepreneurs alike. She also spoke about the importance of cultivating local talent and building strong networks to support the growth of the industry.

One of the things that really stood out to me during the interview was Biola's passion for empowering the next generation of African leaders. She is actively working to cultivate leadership skills in young, aspiring professionals and entrepreneurs, and her commitment to this cause is truly inspiring.

Eche and Biola also touched on the role of media and technology in driving economic growth and development in Africa. As someone who has been instrumental in launching groundbreaking entertainment channels and creating compelling local and international television programming, Biola had some fascinating insights to share on this topic.

Overall, this episode of Trailblazer Talk is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of investing and entrepreneurship in Africa. Biola Alabi is a true inspiration, and her insights and experiences are sure to leave you feeling motivated and inspired to make your own mark on the world.

So sit back, relax, and enjoy this engaging and thought-provoking conversation between two of Africa's brightest minds. And as always, thanks for tuning in to Trailblazer Talk!

Watch the interview below

Afropolitan Spotlight

This week, we are thrilled to highlight the inspiring journey of Anthony Okoro, a true leader and innovator in the tech industry. Currently serving as the Senior Director at eBay, Anthony has made a significant impact in the world of e-commerce and digital transformation. In his role, he has led the incubation of new billion-dollar ideas and businesses, leveraging eBay's unique assets to drive growth and innovation in the eBay Ads business.

With over 30 years of global experience, Anthony has built an impressive track record of leading business incubations, futurist strategy, innovation culture, and digital transformation at some of the world's most renowned tech companies, including Meta (Facebook), Ernst & Young (EY), and Google. What sets Anthony apart is his entrepreneurial spirit and his ability to help organizations quickly grasp and exploit new technologies, even with limited resources. As an experienced agile innovator, he has a keen eye for identifying opportunities and driving results in fast-paced, dynamic environments.

Anthony's contributions go beyond just his technical expertise. He also has a deep understanding of finance and accounting, making him a valuable asset on any board of directors. His knowledge and experience in these areas have undoubtedly contributed to his success in driving growth and profitability for the companies he has worked with.

As an Afropolitan, Anthony is a shining example of the incredible talent and potential that exists within our community. His journey from Nigeria to the upper echelons of the tech industry is a testament to the power of hard work, determination, and innovation. We are incredibly proud to spotlight Anthony Okoro and his remarkable achievements.

Lem-Fi -Changing The Way You Send Money Home

We know you're always on the lookout for the best ways to support your loved ones back home, but let's be real – sending money to Africa can be a real headache. Between the sky-high fees and the stress of finding a trustworthy service, it's enough to make you want to throw your hands up and say, "Forget it!"

But wait, we've got the inside scoop on a game-changing app that's about to make your life a whole lot easier. Introducing LemFi! – your new best friend for sending money to Africa!

With LemFi, you can kiss those crazy fees goodbye and send cash to your people in Lagos and nine other African countries with just a few taps on your phone. It's like having a money-sending genie at your fingertips!

But here's the real kicker – when you sign up using the referral code AFROPOLITAN, verify your account, and send over $100, LemFi will hook you up with a sweet $30 bonus. That's right, you'll basically get paid to make your life easier!

Trust us, this is one app you won't want to sleep on. Click here to download LemFi and start sending money like a boss today!

@quanmillzbooks

Looks matter. Accept it and move on. #discipline #davidgoggins #selfcare

This week, a viral video by author Quanz Millz has sparked a thought-provoking discussion within our community. In the video, Mill reflects on reaching the age of 40 and coming to the realization that looks do matter and that people are inherently vain. He shares his personal experience of being thin and letting himself go, highlighting the impact it had on his life.

Quan’s candid revelation has resonated with many, prompting us to consider whether this is a discussion we should be having more openly within our community. While it's true that society places a significant emphasis on physical appearance, it's important to approach this topic with sensitivity and nuance.

On one hand, there is no denying that appearance plays a role in how people perceive and interact with others. Studies have shown that individuals who are considered attractive often benefit from certain advantages in both personal and professional settings. This can lead to a sense of pressure to conform to societal beauty standards and maintain a certain level of physical appearance.

However, it's crucial to recognize that true self-worth and value extend far beyond physical appearance. Character, kindness, intelligence, and talents are equally, if not more, important in defining an individual. Placing too much emphasis on looks can lead to a superficial and unhealthy mindset, potentially causing self-esteem issues and a distorted sense of priorities.

As a community, we should strive to foster an environment that celebrates diversity, encourages self-acceptance, and promotes a holistic view of beauty. While taking care of oneself and maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important, it should not come at the cost of mental well-being or a sense of self-worth.

Quan's video serves as a reminder that the pressure to conform to societal beauty standards can be challenging, especially as we age. It's essential to have open and honest conversations about these pressures and to support one another in navigating them. By creating a safe space for dialogue and promoting a balanced perspective on appearance and self-worth, we can work towards building a more inclusive and empowering community.

We encourage our readers to reflect on Quanz Millz message and share their thoughts on this topic. Let's continue to have meaningful discussions that challenge societal norms and promote a more holistic understanding of beauty and self-worth.

Afropolitan Ventures

In a previous edition, we introduced Afropolitan Ventures, an exciting opportunity for our members to invest in carefully curated startups from Africa and the diaspora. As part of our ongoing partnership with Future Africa, we are thrilled to share a recap of the recently concluded Accelerate Africa demo day, where ten promising African startups showcased their innovative ideas and solutions.

Accelerate Africa, founded by Iyin Aboyeji, the founder of Pan-African VC firm Future Africa, and Mia von Koschitzky-Kimani, a general partner, aims to become the "Y Combinator of Africa" by propelling early-stage African businesses to success. The accelerator program provides support, mentorship, and potential funding to help these startups grow and scale.

After an intensive four-month program, the first cohort of Accelerate Africa took the stage at the Marriott Hotel in Lagos for their demo day. The ten selected startups presented their business models, progress, and future plans to an audience of investors, mentors, and industry leaders.

Following the demo day, decisions on pre-seed or seed funding will be made for some of the startups, with investments ranging from $250,000 to $500,000. These investments will come from a pool of angel investors and venture capitalists who recognize the immense potential and talent within the African startup ecosystem.

It's worth noting that, unlike Y Combinator, participation in the Accelerate Africa program does not guarantee funding. However, the exposure, mentorship, and networking opportunities provided by the accelerator are invaluable for these early-stage startups as they navigate the challenges of building and scaling their businesses.

We encourage our members to read more about the Accelerate Africa demo day and the ten incredible startups that participated. As Afropolitan Ventures continues to grow and evolve, we remain committed to supporting and investing in the most promising African and diaspora-led startups, driving innovation and economic growth across the continent.

^{For more information about Afropolitan Ventures, please contact our team at} [email protected].

Afropolitan Founders

We are thrilled to introduce Afropolitan Founders, an exclusive platform that connects high-quality African diaspora founders with vetted investors from Afropolitan Ventures. Our mission is to foster innovation, growth, and success within the African diaspora startup ecosystem by facilitating meaningful connections, providing valuable resources, and creating a supportive environment.

Afropolitan Founders offers comprehensive features and benefits, including curated matching, community events, fundraising support, resources and services, and dedicated support. Our intelligent algorithms connect founders with investors based on shared preferences, industry focus, and investment criteria, ensuring a perfect fit for both parties.

The platform has already seen remarkable success, with founders raising an impressive $1 billion in venture funding. Success stories include Onyi Udeh of Pipeline, who raised $500,000; Ayoola John of Astronaut, who secured funding; and Ibi Cookey of Fitted, who raised $50,000 through the Afropolitan Ventures Network.

If you're an African diaspora founder looking to take your startup to the next level or an investor seeking to support and invest in the most promising African diaspora-led startups, don't miss this opportunity to be part of a thriving ecosystem that empowers African diaspora founders and drives innovation across the continent and beyond.

Read the full article on our blog for more details on how Afropolitan Founders is unlocking the boundless potential of the African diaspora startup ecosystem and creating a brighter future for all.Apply Here

The Afropolitan Pulse: Your Global African News