Women-In-Tech 4.0 Fireside Chat

The Africa Fintech Foundry’s (AFF) Women-In-Tech 4.0 Fireside Chat brought together some of the most influential women in technology, investment, and entrepreneurship to address one of the biggest hurdles faced by women-led startups: access to funding. Under the theme “Rising Above the Hurdles of Funding”, this event was designed to equip women entrepreneurs with actionable insights, strategies, and connections to navigate the complex world of startup financing.

Setting the Stage for Change

According to CB Insights, 38% of startups fail due to a lack of funding. Women founders, in particular, face additional barriers, with studies revealing that they receive a disproportionately lower share of venture capital funding compared to their male counterparts. The Women-In-Tech 4.0 Fireside Chat aimed to challenge this status quo by bringing together a powerhouse lineup of female leaders who have successfully navigated the investment landscape.

Key Highlights and Notable Speakers

The event opened with a welcome address from Abiodun Olubitan, Group Head, Women Bankinrig, Access Bank, emphasizing the bank’s commitment to supporting female entrepreneurs. This set the tone for an impactful session featuring an array of distinguished speakers.

Keynote Speaker: Rosy Fynn – Country Director, Nigeria, The Mastercard Foundation

Rosy Fynn, a trailblazer in youth empowerment and female leadership, delivered an inspiring keynote on the importance of creating sustainable financial opportunities for women-led startups. She emphasized the Mastercard Foundation’s “Young Africa Works” strategy, which aims to generate 10 million jobs for young Nigerians by 2030.

Guest Speaker: Surayyah Ahmad – Founding Partner, Aduna Capital

As a leading investor in female-led ventures, Surayyah Ahmad shared valuable insights on how women entrepreneurs can position themselves for early-stage funding. She highlighted the importance of mentorship, networking, and innovative funding models that can help bridge the gender financing gap.

Panel Discussions: Insights from Industry Leaders

The highlight of the event was the expert-led panel discussion featuring some of Africa’s most accomplished women in tech, investment, and entrepreneurship. The session covered key topics such as:

• Funding Options for Different Startup Stages – Exploring grants, venture capital, angel investing, and alternative financing solutions.
• Demystifying the Funding Landscape – Breaking down investor expectations, risk factors, and valuation insights.
• Building a Strong Fundraising Team – Strategies to assemble the right advisory board and leadership team to attract investors.
• Overcoming Funding Hurdles – Tackling gender bias, and rejection, and refining the perfect pitch.

Panelists included:

• Yvonne Johnson (Co-founder/CEO, Indicina) – A fintech expert who discussed her experience raising venture funding and shared key milestones in securing investment.
• Adeolu Adewumi-Zer (Founder, ZER Consulting Africa): A finance and strategy veteran who explored overlooked funding options for women-led businesses.
• Teniola Adedeji (Co-Founder/CEO, Pharmarun): A healthcare entrepreneur who shared insights on securing funding in the MedTech sector.
• Ada Nduka Oyom (Founder, She Code Africa): A leading advocate for women in STEM who addressed the role of financial inclusion in empowering female entrepreneurs.
• Oladiwura Oladepo (Co-founder, Taltrix & Tech4Dev): A talent and tech ecosystem builder who discussed how non-profit ventures can navigate early-stage funding.
• Dolapo Morgan (Venture Capitalist, Ventures Platform): An investor’s perspective on what VCs look for in startups and how women can better position themselves for funding.
• Nneile Nkholise (Co-founder, Thola): A sustainability-focused entrepreneur who provided insights into funding opportunities for climate tech ventures.
• Jess Anuna (Founder/CEO, Klasha): A fintech disruptor who spoke on attracting cross-border investments in African startups.

Impact and Key Takeaways

The Women-In-Tech 4.0 Fireside Chat provided a platform for attendees to learn directly from successful women founders and investors, network with potential funders, and gain practical tools to refine their fundraising strategies. Key takeaways included:

• The importance of storytelling in investor pitches: Investors want to back founders with a compelling vision and a clear growth plan.
• The role of data-driven decision-making: Female founders were encouraged to leverage market research, financial projections, and business metrics to strengthen their funding proposals.
• Strategies for navigating rejection – Panelists emphasized resilience, adapting feedback, and seeking alternative funding sources when faced with setbacks.
• The need for strong networks and mentorship: Building relationships with investors, accelerators, and industry leaders can significantly improve access to funding.

Closing Thoughts: Looking Ahead

As the fireside chat concluded, one thing was clear; while the funding gap for women-led startups is a reality, initiatives like the Africa Fintech Foundry’s Women-In-Tech series are crucial in leveling the playing field. By fostering discussions, creating networking opportunities, and equipping women entrepreneurs with the right tools, the ecosystem is taking tangible steps toward more equitable access to funding.

The event’s success reaffirms the need for continued advocacy, education, and structural changes in the investment landscape. As more women step into leadership roles, access to funding will no longer be a barrier but an enabler of Africa’s next generation of innovators.

**#### Exciting News! Women-In-Tech 5.0 is Coming! **Italic Following the success of this year’s event, we are thrilled to announce that Women-In-Tech 5.0 is on the horizon! Register now to join the waitlist and receive exclusive updates.