Lagos Angel Network (LAN) is proud to announce its latest investments in two pioneering startups at the forefront of Africaโs creative renaissance: Awari and Laudr.
These companies represent a bold new wave of African innovationโdeeply rooted in culture, powered by technology, and built by visionary local founders.
๐ง Laudr, founded by Soji Akinlabi, is building Africaโs podcasting future. The platform serves as an end-to-end ecosystem for audio contentโoffering recording tools, distribution, monetization pathways, and analytics designed for African creators. With a growing library of diverse voices across genres and languages, Laudr is redefining how African stories are told, discovered, and valued in a digital-first world.
๐ฑ Awari, founded by Tannaz Bahnam, is a lifestyle-tech platform that helps users discover and navigate local culture across African cities. Combining smart search, curated lists, AI-powered recommendations, and user-generated content, Awari makes it easier for residents and travelers to find hidden gemsโfrom art galleries and jazz clubs to wellness spaces and cultural hangouts. The platformโs goal is simple but powerful: to help people experience more meaningfully where they are.
โCreative startups like Awari and Laudr are defining a new frontier for African innovationโone built on culture, connection, and technology,โ said Yemi Keri, Board Chair of Lagos Angel Network. โAt LAN, we believe these ventures donโt just entertainโthey build new narratives, open new markets, and create jobs. Weโre proud to walk alongside them as they scale.โ
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LANโs investment goes beyond capitalโit includes strategic support, mentorship, and access to a powerful network of operators, technologists, and investors. This partnership will help:
๐น Laudr expand its creator tools, partnerships, and distribution infrastructure,
๐น Awari strengthen its tech stack, onboard more cities, and deepen community engagement, and
๐น Both startups refine their go-to-market strategies and unlock new growth opportunities.
Founders Soji Akinlabi and Tannaz Bahnam shared their excitement about the investment and partnership:
โLAN’s belief in what weโre building is energizing. Itโs more than fundingโitโs a shared vision for storytelling in Africa,โ said Akinlabi.
โWeโre excited to grow with a partner that truly understands the nuance and potential of Africaโs creative sector,โ added Bahnam.
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Lagos Angel Network (LAN) is Nigeriaโs foremost angel investment collective, made up of seasoned individual and corporate investors committed to empowering early-stage ventures with capital, strategic insight, and global networks.
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Awari is a lifestyle discovery platform curating the best of Africaโplaces to go, things to do, and people to meetโthrough technology, content, and community. Awari is on a mission to help Africans and travelers explore the richness of their environments in more meaningful and personal ways.
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Laudr is building Africaโs premier podcasting ecosystemโproviding creators with tools to record, publish, monetize, and grow their audiences. With a strong focus on elevating authentic African voices, Laudr aims to be the home of African audio storytelling.
