Earlier in October, we were selected as one of the top 10 startups in the country out of a pool of 789 candidates for the NESG 25 startup competition. NESG 25 is a competition organised by Sterling Bank, the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), Venture Capital for Africa, Verakki and GreenHouse Capital, to fund early-stage ventures. The competition took place on Sunday, 6th of October 2019, at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja.
Before the finals, we spent a week at a boot camp organised by Sterling Bank in partnership with NESG and Greenhouse Labs. At the boot camp, we gained insight on pitching at the grand finale, and met with venture capitalists and investors. The boot camp featured sessions on storytelling, forming a team, working with coaches and/or mentors, business advisory, and communicating a venture to venture capitalists and investors with confidence.
Unfortunately, we were not one of the top 3 or the audience choice — where we finished 2nd. But, overall, it was a great experience that allowed us to meet and bond with other founders doing great work across the country. It also gave us time to reflect on our business and attend the 25th edition of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group Summit.
Fun Facts about the top-ten startups:
- 2 Lagos Innovates WorkSpace Voucher Beneficiaries — GatePass and Loystar
- 2 Pampers Private School Alumni — GatePass and Doctoora
- 2 Rainbow College Alumni — GatePass and Doctoora
