In this episode of Inside the Techosystem, we are joined by Kristin H. Wilson. Kristin is the Chief Strategy Officer at Spurt and Managing Partner at Innovate Africa Fund.

Kristen shares her unique journey from aspiring doctor to venture capital expert, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based practices in entrepreneurship. The discussion highlights the significant role of the African diaspora in funding startups and the need for effective problem-solving in the entrepreneurial landscape.

You can reach Kristin at:

• https://x.com/kristinhwilson
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/hkristinwilson

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Show Notes & Resources

(05:51) - Kristin Wilson’s Journey in Tech and Venture Capital

(09:05) - The Role of the African Diaspora in Venture Capital

(11:58) - Understanding Problems vs. Solutions in Entrepreneurship

(14:52) - The Importance of Mentorship and Market Access

(29:57) - Navigating Challenges in the Tech Ecosystem

(30:54) - Unlocking Connections: The Importance of Networking

(33:54) - Reevaluating the Move: Perspectives on Relocation

(35:11) - Innovate Africa Fund: Scaling Sustainable Innovation

(39:51) - Founder-First Approach: Supporting Entrepreneurs

(43:52) - Investment Dynamics: Early Stage Challenges

(47:34) - The Methodology of Due Diligence

(50:35) - Diaspora Engagement: Attracting Limited Partners

(52:03) - Learning from Global Markets: Inspiration for Innovation

(55:28) - The Future of Spurt: Culture and Expectations

(57:48) - Living the Dream: Personal Aspirations and Future Goals

In this episode, we interview Douglas Kendyson, the founder and CEO of Selar, the largest creator platform in Africa. Douglas shares his journey in tech, from software engineering to becoming a full-time entrepreneur with Selar.

We also discuss the African creator economy, the future of work, and the role of AI in content creation.

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Send any questions or feedback you have to insidethetechosystem@gmail.com

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Show Notes & Resources

(05:18) Introducing Douglas Kendyson

(18:52) The Rise of the Creator Economy

(24:50) Building a Successful Product in the Creator Economy

(27:52) From AWS Credits to Full-Time Focus

(31:07) Team Growth and Transition

(35:30) Selar: A Store Builder, Not Just a Marketplace

(38:26) Commission and the Affiliate Network

(51:21) The African creator economy and the future of work

(55:00) Sourcing data and conducting surveys for industry reports

(56:28) The role of AI in content creation: Enhancing, not replacing, creators

(01:03:16) Transitioning from engineering to entrepreneurship: A personal journey

(01:09:04) Advice for aspiring creators: Invest in your craft and be strategic in your marketing

In this episode, we sit down with Benjamin Dada, the founder of one of Africa's leading tech publications. We get an insider's view into the Nigerian tech landscape.

We also discuss what it takes to be a tech journalist and what the tech market in Nigeria will look like in the future.

You can reach out to Benjamin on X (formerly Twitter) at @dadaBen_.

Follow #InsidetheTechosystem on Twitter & Instagram: @insidethetechos

Send any questions or feedback you have to insidethetechosystem@gmail.com

You can subscribe to our newsletter at tinyletter.com/insidethetechos

Show Notes & Resources

(05:48) - Guest introduction

(06:31) - Benjamin introduces himself and answers questions about how he got into tech.

(32:14) - What excites Benjamin about the Techosystem?

(38:43) - What’s that one thing that annoys Benjamin about the Techosystem?

(43:50) - Benjamin’s thoughts on Fintech being overcrowded?

(50:44) - Meme about NIBSS holding the fintech space: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/oluwafelami-ajikobi_financefun-nibssinsights-activity-7094881212011298816-plUO/

(59:28) - Does Benjamin think we are still too young to benefit from M&As?

(01:08:04) - What advice would Benjamin give someone starting in journalism?

(01:21:58) - Benjamin talks about the LevelUp series

(01:23:32) - What would Benjamin do differently when building benjamindada.com?

(01:29:14) - What’s the next best industry for Benjamin after Fintech?

(01:33:08) - The episode with Chidi Williams, founder of Rulebase: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/insidethetechosystem/episodes/Episode-19---A-Conversation-With-Chidi-Williams-e1ldo52