MTN’s recently publicised startup investment menage with with Millicom and Rocket Internet was big news yesterday. But little did we know that we would be hit with a Tuesday morning show-stopper. iROKOtv just raised $8 million in series D funding.
Now that they are sure that they aren’t being punked, here’s what people across the ecosystem had to say.
He’s got the midas touch
Mr Njoku knows how to raise money. Perhaps he is also at the right place at the right time.
— Joachim MacEbong (@je_mc2) December 17, 2013
You don’t say…
I admit that I was one of those who believed Jason/Iroko would fail. But with this new $8 million, this dude might be on to something.
— Mfonobong Nsehe (@EmperorDIV) December 17, 2013
Double entendre?
@MrBankole @toluogunlesi @TechCabal 'grats to team. good progress. In the famous words of Kim Jong Un, the execution must continue, unabated
— Eghosa Omoigui (@EghosaO) December 17, 2013
Enter the pundits
@MrBankole I estimate @JasonNjoku & Bastain now own around 20% iRoko combined unless this round was to consolidate their debt/balance sheet
— Peter O (@niyoma) December 17, 2013
Riposte!
@TechMoran @niyoma @TefoMohapi @MrBankole Bastian and I combined own more than 20%, we control the board and iROKO has $0 debt.
— JasonNjoku (@JasonNjoku) December 17, 2013
But what are you really gon’ do with this $8 million, Jason?
@niyoma @JasonNjoku @TefoMohapi @MrBankole But we are worried this money will be taken over by spark to buy companies.
— TechMoran (@TechMoran) December 17, 2013
Change $8 million to Naira
Iroko just raised N1.4b to do distribution in Nigeria. What they chose to do with it will be very interesting.
— Naz Onuzo (@IamSnazz) December 17, 2013
Take that, haters
Jason Njoku's haters won't sleep tonight. Must be hard to deal, as the man's predicted demise has been postponed, once again.
— Editi Effiöng (@EditiEffiong) December 17, 2013
More reactions (and ours) as they come.