In the last 7 months, 16 of our most promising young entrepreneurs joined Amsterdam-based accelerator Forward·Inc on an exciting acceleration journey. They worked with Forward·Inc mentors, followed trainings on investor readiness and more and grew their network considerably. All in preparation for yesterday: the Alumni Accelerator Demo Day.
During a hybrid event, potential investors, clients and other interested parties could join at the Orange Corners HQ in The Hague (the Netherlands) as well as from all over the world to see 10 investor-ready entrepreneurs pitch their businesses and ask their questions directly.
Kicking off with Orange Corners Nigeria‘s Mariam Lawani (Greenhill Recycling), the evening ended full cycle with another Nigerian waste innovator, Boluwatife Arewa (Scrapays). Inbetween alumni from Orange Corners Ghana and Orange Corners Erbil also attempted to win the hearts, minds and euros of the crowd gathered. Sadly the situation in Gaza prevented Orange Corners Palestinian Territories Mahmoud Abushawish from being with us in-person, but in his stead e-commerce platform Torood was pitched by Forward·Inc co-founder and show co-host Laura di Santolo.
Keynote speaker Bradley Heslop (CCO DOT Glasses) shared his own story to success and encouraged those gathered to venture into the unknown. His advice? Trust African founders, who know their own market. Look beyond your conscious and unconscious bias, and beyond Excel sheets about what may be the safest investment. Bradley: “The most important step is always the next one. You’ve taken an important first step by being here with us today. Now I also encourage you to take that next step. Get in touch with these entrepreneurs and see how you might help their businesses forward!”
The event brochure:
Further reading:
Meet the OC alumni: Anthony Owusu-Ansah – ShaQ Express (Orange Corners Ghana)
Meet the OC alumni: Yemi Olutoye – Drugstore Nigeria (Orange Corners Nigeria)
Meet the OC alumni: Boluwatife Arewa – Scrapays (Orange Corners Nigeria)
In the media: Mariam Lawani – Greenhill Recycling (Orange Corners Nigeria)
