Built Tough

Victor Basta
  • 5.0 (2)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
Built Tough

In-depth conversations and business advice from leading founders in Africa. Top CEOs from high growth startups, which have raised hundreds of millions of dollars in VC funding, discuss the strategies that helped them grow from startups into scale ups — while navigating growth to profitability along the way. You’ll also hear about their personal journeys and why they are dedicated to their mission and what keeps them going. Built Tough is hosted by Victor Basta, CEO of DAI Magister, and believes African companies are some of the best in the world, simply because African founders have to be. They have to be resourceful, do more with less, and face problems startups in other regions don't have to. They have to be BUILT TOUGH.

  1. S3, EP6 - Gbenga Ajayi, Partner - QED Investors - Building Trust and Scale - unlocking Africa's Fintech Potential

    14 OCT

    S3, EP6 - Gbenga Ajayi, Partner - QED Investors - Building Trust and Scale - unlocking Africa's Fintech Potential

    In episode 6, we sit down with Gbenga Ajayi, Partner at QED Investors, to explore the evolving landscape of fintech in Africa. Gbenga shares his journey from tech industry roles to venture capital, offering valuable insights into the unique challenges and opportunities in the African fintech sector. He discusses the critical importance of trust in financial services and how innovative fintech solutions are reshaping consumer expectations across the continent. Gbenga also delves into the complexities of navigating diverse regulatory environments in different African countries and the significance of achieving scale in specific markets. Drawing from his extensive experience and QED's global perspective, he provides a thoughtful analysis of the current state of fintech in Africa and its potential for transformative growth. This episode offers listeners a compelling glimpse into the future of financial technology in one of the world's most dynamic and promising markets.

    30 min
  2. S3, EP5 - Iyinoluwa Aboyeji (E), Founding Partner - Future Africa - Solving African Problems with African Solutions

    7 OCT

    S3, EP5 - Iyinoluwa Aboyeji (E), Founding Partner - Future Africa - Solving African Problems with African Solutions

    In this episode of 'Built Tough - Season 3', we have the pleasure of conversing with Iyinoluwa Aboyeji (E), Founding Partner of Future Africa, one of Africa's most innovative investment funds. Iyinoluwa brings a wealth of experience as a serial entrepreneur, having co-founded two of Africa's first startup unicorns: Flutterwave and Andela. His journey from founder to investor has given him unique insights into the African tech ecosystem, which he now leverages at Future Africa to support the continent's next generation of leaders. In this engaging discussion, E shares his perspective on building successful investment funds with long-term impact in Africa. He delves into the challenges and opportunities present in the current investment landscape, emphasising the importance of solving African problems with African solutions. Throughout our conversation, E's passion for nurturing local talent and his optimism about Nigeria's potential as a 'jungle lab' for innovation shine through, providing listeners with a compelling view on the future of tech entrepreneurship in Africa.

    26 min
  3. S3, EP4 - Sam Senbanjo, Partner - A.P. Moller Capital - Africa's Infrastructure Investment Playbook

    30 SEPT

    S3, EP4 - Sam Senbanjo, Partner - A.P. Moller Capital - Africa's Infrastructure Investment Playbook

    In episode 4 of "Built Tough", we sit down with Sam Senbanjo, Partner at A.P. Moller Capital, to explore the evolving landscape of infrastructure investment in Africa. With over two decades of experience in private equity and infrastructure development, Sam delves into the importance of technological innovation, pan-African expansion, and strong governance practices for companies seeking investment. He also discusses the shifting dynamics of fundraising in the current economic climate and offers practical advice for founders on preparing for successful exits. This episode provides a glimpse into the world of African infrastructure investment and the strategies employed by seasoned investors to drive sustainable growth and create value.

    40 min
  4. S3, EP3 - Steve Beck, Co-founder & Managing Partner - Novastar Ventures - Catalysing Sustainable Development in Africa

    23 SEPT

    S3, EP3 - Steve Beck, Co-founder & Managing Partner - Novastar Ventures - Catalysing Sustainable Development in Africa

    In the 3rd episode of "Built Tough", we have the privilege of speaking with Steve Beck, Managing Partner at Novastar Ventures. With over two decades of experience advising Fortune 200 companies and a deep-rooted passion for Africa's potential, Steve shares valuable insights into the evolving venture capital landscape on the continent. He discusses the challenges and opportunities facing entrepreneurs in Africa, drawing from his extensive experience investing in African start-ups since 2009. Steve's journey from global consultant to impact-driven investor is truly inspiring. He shares his vision for catalysing sustainable development in Africa, particularly in the climate space. Listeners will gain a unique perspective on the potential for innovative technologies to transform sectors such as agriculture, transportation, and energy across the continent. Don't miss this fascinating conversation about building resilient businesses and driving positive change in one of the world's most dynamic markets.

    35 min
  5. S3, EP2 - Maurizio Caio, Founder & Managing Partner - TLcom Capital - Insights into the African Ecosystem

    16 SEPT

    S3, EP2 - Maurizio Caio, Founder & Managing Partner - TLcom Capital - Insights into the African Ecosystem

    In the second episode of 'Built Tough’, we sit down with Maurizio Caio, Founder and Managing Partner at TLcom Capital. With a strong background in strategy consulting and over two decades of experience in venture capital, Maurizio has played a pivotal role in shaping TLcom's journey from investing in Europe and Israel to becoming a key player in early-stage investments across Africa. Maurizio offers a wealth of insights on the African tech ecosystem including the unique landscape facing African entrepreneurs and investors. He also shares his optimistic outlook on the future of African start-ups and advice for CEOs navigating the current climate.

    42 min
  6. S3, EP1 - Natalie Kolbe, Managing Partner - Norrsken22 VC - Tech investing in Africa

    9 SEPT

    S3, EP1 - Natalie Kolbe, Managing Partner - Norrsken22 VC - Tech investing in Africa

    Natalie Kolbe, Managing Partner at Norrsken22, brings a wealth of experience to the African tech investment landscape. With 18 years at Actis, one of the leading private equity firms focused on emerging markets, Natalie managed 8 funds with an estimated USD $2.5 billion in assets under her supervision. Now at Norrsken22, a tech growth fund backed by an international network of tech founders, she partners with exceptional entrepreneurs to scale disruptive businesses across Africa. In this first episode of 'Built Tough - season 3', Natalie shares her insights on the shifting landscape of tech investing in Africa. She discusses the challenges and opportunities in the current investment climate, the importance of building strategic value in businesses, and her optimism about Africa's future.

    31 min
  7. S3, Bonus EP - Victor Basta, CEO & Founder - DAI Magister - Making Money in Africa

    29 AUG

    S3, Bonus EP - Victor Basta, CEO & Founder - DAI Magister - Making Money in Africa

    CEO and founder of DAI Magister, Victor Basta shares insights gleaned from years of working across the African tech landscape. Drawing from experiences helping African companies raise nearly a billion dollars in capital, Victor offers a unique perspective on the continent's tech ecosystem. The episode explores the persistent generational opportunities in Africa, highlighting the vast 'white space' available for building continental leaders. Victor discusses the challenges facing the ecosystem, including market size realities and governmental headwinds, while also emphasising the high calibre of African CEOs he's encountered. Victor also delves into the critical importance of successful exits for the ecosystem's growth and the need for companies to focus on exit preparation. He shares observations on what companies are doing right now and what needs to happen in the coming years to drive the ecosystem forward.

    30 min
  8. S2, EP5 - Laurin Hainy, CEO & Co-founder - FairMoney - Building a credit-first neobank for Africa

    25/09/2023

    S2, EP5 - Laurin Hainy, CEO & Co-founder - FairMoney - Building a credit-first neobank for Africa

    Born in Germany to a Nigerian father and German mother, Laurin began his entrepreneurial journey in 2015 by launching a food delivery company in Sweden. He then founded Le Studio VC, a Paris-based startup studio and €15 million fund he ran as CEO. Laurin realized that investing was not for him, and in 2017, he launched his next venture: FairMoney.   Laurin witnessed the rise of neobanks like Revolut and N26 across Europe and recognized the urgent need for a similar solution in Nigeria where more than 60 million adults do not have a bank account. Laurin made a bet: FairMoney would adopt a credit-first approach. Today, FairMoney is Nigeria's most downloaded fintech app and the leading digital bank in the country, with over 10 million downloads.  In this episode, Hainy talks about FairMoney’s strategy of broadening its financial services to merchants, scaling via acquisitions, and its expansion plans outside Nigeria.

    31 min
See All (21)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

In-depth conversations and business advice from leading founders in Africa. Top CEOs from high growth startups, which have raised hundreds of millions of dollars in VC funding, discuss the strategies that helped them grow from startups into scale ups — while navigating growth to profitability along the way. You’ll also hear about their personal journeys and why they are dedicated to their mission and what keeps them going. Built Tough is hosted by Victor Basta, CEO of DAI Magister, and believes African companies are some of the best in the world, simply because African founders have to be. They have to be resourceful, do more with less, and face problems startups in other regions don't have to. They have to be BUILT TOUGH.

Information

  • Creator
    Victor Basta
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2024
  • Episodes
    21
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2022
  • Show Website
    Built Tough

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