U.S. – Nigeria Accelerator/Startup Connector

About

California and Silicon Valley are globally renowned for storied, best-in-class technology development. As a Nigeria-based startup, how can you access this unique ecosystem to harness the talent, advice, peer networks and capital to scale your company in the U.S. and beyond?

On April 13, the U.S.-Nigeria Accelerator/Startup Connector brings together Silicon Valley-based accelerators and VCs who will share how they are working with global tech firms in the U.S. and abroad.

This program is hosted by the Silicon Valley-based African Diaspora Network, whose mission is to harness and engage the intellectual, financial, philanthropic and entrepreneurial capacity of Africans and friends of Africa in support of economic and social development across Africa.

The Agenda

Moderator:
Douglas Wallace, Director, U.S. Commercial Service, San Francisco

Opening Remarks:
-Almaz Negash – Founder & Executive Director, Africa Diaspora Network
-Fred Stewart – Director, Office of Africa, U.S. Department of Commerce (Washington, DC)

Introduction to Accelerators (ICT focus):
-Vijay Rajendran – Head of Portfolio Value, 500 Startups
-Khadija Ghazi – Head of Business Development and Partnerships, Draper University
-Omosalewa Adeyemi, Senior Vice President, Market Penetration, Flutterwave

Introduction to accelerators (Foodtech/Agtech focus):
-Jeff Macon – Venture Development Manager, Water, Energy, Technology (WET) Center,
California State University, Fresno
-Danny O’Brien- Managing Director EMEA, SVG Partners/THRIVE-
-Femi Aiki- co-founder and CEO, FoodLocker

Introduction to Prosper Africa:
Iman Kennerly – Senior Advisor, Prosper Africa, USAID

SelectUSA:
Chamberlain Eke – Commercial Specialist, U.S. Consulate, Lagos

Closing remarks