Lekki, Lagos – On Thursday, 4th April 2024, Panache Ventures, Canada’s leading early-stage venture capital fund, alongside Kora, a pan-African payment gateway, hosted a transformative event at Afronaut in Lagos, Nigeria. The event aimed to foster connections and ideas in order to better prepare and position startups for venture capital (VC) funding.
The event featured an esteemed lineup of speakers who shared their insights and experiences with the eager audience. Prashant Matta, General Partner at Panache Ventures, shared his knowledge as a key player in the Canadian VC scene, leading the firm’s investment in Kora, a pan-African payment gateway. Matta, who is also a close advisor and friend to the company, expressed his enthusiasm for the event, stating, “This gathering serves as a testament to the incredible potential and entrepreneurial spirit in Africa’s tech ecosystem. The collaborations and discussions from this event will shape the future of innovative startups across the region.”
Joining Matta on the list of esteemed speakers were industry leaders such as Lotanna Julian, CEO of Advancly, Somto Ifezue, CEO of Piggyvest, and Buchi Okoro, CEO / Founder of Quidax. These tech leaders enlightened the audience on various aspects of the startup journey, including funding strategies, and ideas on how to build high-functional teams.
The event, which attracted over 100 founders who are building the next generation of transformative technology companies in Africa, provided an exceptional platform for entrepreneurs to network and learn from one another. The founders represented a diverse range of industries, from fintech to e-commerce, logistics and clean energy demonstrating the breadth and depth of transformative technology companies present on the continent.
Kora, as the host of the event, showcased its position as a leading pan-African payment gateway, facilitating seamless transactions across the region. With a commitment to supporting tech founders and startups, Kora has been instrumental in driving innovation and economic growth in Africa.
“The collaboration between Panache Ventures and Kora in hosting this event underscores our shared vision of empowering tech founders and catalyzing Africa’s vibrant startup ecosystem,” said Dickson Nsofor, CEO of Kora. “By fostering partnerships, providing mentorship and guidance around funding opportunities, we aim to nurture groundbreaking startups that will redefine the technology landscape in Africa.”
The event served as a springboard for the participants, igniting new ideas, partnerships, and collaborations. The founders left inspired and equipped with valuable insights to enhance their businesses and take them to the next level.
About Panache Ventures:
Panache Ventures is a leading early-stage venture capital fund based in Canada. With a focus on investing in innovative startups, Panache Ventures provides financial and operational support to accelerate the growth and success of promising companies. Through its extensive network and expertise, Panache Ventures has become a trusted partner for entrepreneurs looking to scale their businesses.
About Kora
Kora is a pan-African payment gateway that enables businesses and individuals to transact seamlessly across the continent. With a robust and secure platform, Kora facilitates swift and reliable payment processes, driving economic growth and innovation in Africa.
