The Eunice Ajim Show

Eunice Ajim

Your go-to podcast for doing business in Africa, investing in Africa, and living your African dream, whatever that means to you. I am motivated by the stories of talented African founders and determined to contribute to their success, giving back to the continent that has given me so much. Investing in startups in Africa is not just a good deal; it's an opportunity to unlock untapped potential and foster transformative growth in emerging markets. read less
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Episodes

46: My Personal Success Story & Breakthrough
29-05-2024
46: My Personal Success Story & Breakthrough
In this episode, Eunice Ajim shares her personal success stories and the habits and tips that led to her success. She emphasizes the importance of showing up and looking your best when opportunities arise. Eunice also discusses the value of learning from a co-founder and investor and how it can contribute to personal growth. She then delves into financial habits, such as paying off debts and building emergency funds, as well as investing in life insurance and retirement plans. Eunice highlights the benefits of investing in the public market and real estate, and shares her experiences with angel investments. She concludes by encouraging listeners to pursue their African dream and build wealth through understanding different asset classes. Takeaways Always show up and look your best when opportunities arise.Learning from experienced individuals can greatly contribute to personal growth.Developing good financial habits, such as paying off debts and building emergency funds, is crucial for long-term financial stability.Investing in life insurance, retirement plans, the public market, and real estate can help build wealth.Understanding different asset classes is essential for maximizing investment returns. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 02:23 The Importance of Showing Up 03:22 Learning from a Co-founder and Investor 05:19 Financial Habits: Paying Off Debts and Building Emergency Funds 06:47 Investing in Life Insurance and Retirement Plans 08:42 Investing in the Public Market 10:38 Real Estate Investment 14:01 Angel Investments and Building Wealth 15:25 Understanding Different Asset Classes 15:54 Conclusion Make sure to connect with Eunice Ajim on various platforms: Ajim Capital Website: https://www.ajimcapital.com/ Eunice Ajim Website: https://euniceajim.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/euniceajim/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/euniceajim/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/euniceajim/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@euniceajim
45: 8 Ways To Finance Your Startup - No VC Funding Required!
15-05-2024
45: 8 Ways To Finance Your Startup - No VC Funding Required!
In this episode, the host discusses alternative sources of capital beyond venture capital for startup founders. The conversation explores various options, including friends and family as investors, bootstrapping, incubators and accelerator programs, angel investors, crowdfunding, grants, loans or debt financing, and private debt and microlending. The host emphasizes the importance of considering smaller investments and leveraging existing networks to raise capital. The episode highlights the need to understand the African market and its unique challenges and opportunities. Overall, the conversation provides valuable insights for founders seeking funding outside the traditional VC route. Takeaways Consider friends and family as potential investors, as many may be willing to provide small investments if they believe in your company.Bootstrapping and finding customers should be the first source of capital for any startup founder.Explore incubators and accelerator programs for resources and potential funding.Angel investors, crowdfunding, grants, and loans or debt financing are additional sources of capital to consider.Private debt and microlending can be viable options for startups with revenue and difficulty raising VC funding. Chapters 00:00 Introduction: Looking Beyond Venture Capital 00:29 Friends and Family as Investors 01:27 Approaching Parents for Funding 02:24 Importance of Small Investments 03:21 Bootstrapping: Customers as Capital 04:48 Staggering Friends and Family Funding 05:17 Incubators and Accelerator Programs 06:14 Angel Investors 06:42 Crowdfunding 07:37 Grants 08:05 Loans or Debt Financing 09:32 Private Debt and Microlending 10:02 Conclusion: Exploring Non-VC Capital Make sure to connect with Eunice Ajim on various platforms: Ajim Capital Website: https://www.ajimcapital.com/ Eunice Ajim Website: https://euniceajim.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/euniceajim/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/euniceajim/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/euniceajim/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@euniceajim
43: How To Find Investors and Raise Money
17-04-2024
43: How To Find Investors and Raise Money
In this episode, Eunice Ajim discusses how to meet investors for your startup. She covers topics such as identifying a good investor, considerations for African startups, using similar portfolio companies as a strategy, strategies to meet startup investors, preparing for the first meeting, making a compelling pitch, and follow-up after the first meeting. Takeaways Different investors have different investment criteria, so it's important to identify investors who align with your startup's industry, stage, and location.When targeting investors who have not invested in your specific market, use their portfolio companies as a reference to show the potential for success in your market.To meet startup investors, be active on social media, invite them to participate in your podcast or event, leverage your network, and ask for introductions from founders they have previously invested in.In the first meeting with an investor, focus on building a connection and sharing your story rather than diving straight into the pitch deck. Follow up after the meeting and continue to nurture the relationship. Chapters 00:00 Identifying a Good Investor for Your Startup 02:22 Considerations for African Startups 03:21 Using Similar Portfolio Companies as a Strategy 06:32 Strategies to Meet Startup Investors 11:08 Preparing for the First Meeting 14:07 Making a Compelling Pitch 16:01 Follow-up After the First Meeting Make sure to connect with Eunice Ajim on various platforms: Ajim Capital Website: https://www.ajimcapital.com/ Eunice Ajim Website: https://euniceajim.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/euniceajim/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/euniceajim/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/euniceajim/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@euniceajim
42: Do We Need More Tech Startups in Africa?
03-04-2024
42: Do We Need More Tech Startups in Africa?
In this episode, Eunice Ajim discusses the focus on tech-focused businesses in Africa and whether it bothers her as an investor. She emphasizes the importance of solving real problems and highlights the need for entrepreneurs to align their passion and expertise with the businesses they invest in. Eunice also explores the idea that not everyone should be a founder and that employees are just as important as founders in a company. She encourages young entrepreneurs to take risks and enjoy life while finding the right balance. Takeaways Investors should focus on businesses that solve real problems and align with their expertise and interests.Not everyone should be a founder, and employees play a crucial role in a company's success.Young entrepreneurs should take risks and enjoy life while finding the right balance between work and play.It is important to live life to the fullest and pursue dreams while considering personal responsibilities and goals. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Discussion on Tech-focused Businesses 03:20 The Importance of Solving Real Problems 05:46 Balancing Personal Vision and Impact 09:11 Not Everyone Should Be a Founder 11:01 Entrepreneurship and Enjoying Life Make sure to connect with Eunice Ajim on various platforms: Ajim Capital Website: https://www.ajimcapital.com/ Eunice Ajim Website: https://euniceajim.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/euniceajim/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/euniceajim/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/euniceajim/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@euniceajim
40: How to Build a Personal Brand as a Founder or Investor
13-03-2024
40: How to Build a Personal Brand as a Founder or Investor
In this episode, Eunice Ajim discusses the importance of building a brand as a startup founder or investor. She emphasizes that as the creator of a product or service, nobody knows your company better than you do. Eunice explains that creating content is a powerful way to share your company's story and connect with your target audience. She also highlights the significance of personal branding and networking in building a successful brand. Eunice shares common mistakes to avoid when building a brand online and emphasizes the importance of focusing on personal brand alongside the product. Lastly, she discusses the different types of content that can be created to educate, entertain, and inspire your audience. Takeaways Building a brand is crucial for startup founders and investors to connect with their target audience.Creating content is an effective way to share your company's story and engage with your audience.Personal branding and networking are essential in building a successful brand.Avoid common mistakes such as focusing solely on the product and neglecting personal branding.Types of content that can be created include educational, entertaining, and inspiring content. Chapters 00:00 Introduction: Building a Brand as a Startup Founder 01:22 Creating Content to Build Your Brand 04:36 Mistakes in Building a Brand Online 08:10 Focusing on Personal Brand over Product 10:27 Types of Content: Educate, Entertain, Inspire 11:55 Conclusion Make sure to connect with Eunice Ajim on various platforms: Ajim Capital Website: https://www.ajimcapital.com/ Eunice Ajim Website: https://euniceajim.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/euniceajim/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/euniceajim/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/euniceajim/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@euniceajim
38: How To Break into Venture Capital Without an Ivy League Degree or Money
28-02-2024
38: How To Break into Venture Capital Without an Ivy League Degree or Money
In this episode, Eunice Ajim discusses unconventional ways of getting into venture capital without an Ivy League degree or a lot of money. She highlights the example of Harry Stebbings, who used social media to invite top VCs to join his podcast and eventually became a successful VC himself. Eunice provides actionable steps for breaking into VC, such as starting to invest on your own, doubling down on industry expertise, building a competitive edge, gaining work experience, and networking with investment prospects. She also emphasizes the importance of sharing investment thinking online and helping startups and portfolio companies. Takeaways You can break into venture capital without an Ivy League degree or a lot of money.Start investing on your own and consider crowdfunding platforms.Double down on industry expertise and share your investment thinking online.Build a competitive edge by leveraging your audience and networking with investment prospects.Gain work experience and build a reputation by working with great startups.Consider getting an MBA or founding a successful company to open doors in VC. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Unconventional Ways of Getting into Venture Capital 01:23 Building a Network and Using Social Media to Connect with VCs 03:11 Taking Action: Start Investing and Double Down on Industry Expertise 05:19 Building a Competitive Edge and Leveraging Your Audience 06:47 Gaining Work Experience and Building a Reputation 09:10 Getting an MBA and Founder Success 10:04 Preparing a Market Thesis and Networking for Investment Prospects 11:54 Sharing Investment Thinking Online and Doing Unofficial Internships 13:53 Helping Startups and Portfolio Companies 15:16 Conclusion Make sure to connect with Eunice Ajim on various platforms: Ajim Capital Website: https://www.ajimcapital.com/ Eunice Ajim Website: https://euniceajim.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/euniceajim/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/euniceajim/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/euniceajim/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@euniceajim
37: The Art of Replicating Successful Business Ideas: How It Can Work For You
21-02-2024
37: The Art of Replicating Successful Business Ideas: How It Can Work For You
In this episode, Eunice Ajim discusses the concept of replicating successful business models and the opportunities it presents. She shares the example of three German brothers who replicated eBay's model in Germany and eventually sold their company to eBay. Eunice also talks about the importance of legal agreements and competition in the business world. She emphasizes the need for African founders to protect their ideas and prevent employees from building similar companies. Additionally, she highlights the importance of adapting business models to local markets and the coexistence of competition. The episode concludes with a reminder to research competition and find unique advantages. Takeaways Replicating successful business models can be a viable strategy for entrepreneurs.Legal agreements should be in place to protect ideas and prevent employees from building similar companies.Adapting business models to local markets is crucial for success.Competition can coexist and even benefit businesses.Researching competition is essential to identify unique advantages. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 01:19 Replicating Successful Business Models 03:15 Legal Agreements and Competition 04:43 Building Complementary Products 05:39 Adapting Business Models to Local Markets 07:06 Competition and Coexistence 08:27 Importance of Researching Competition 08:55 Conclusion Make sure to connect with Eunice Ajim on various platforms: Ajim Capital Website: https://www.ajimcapital.com/ Eunice Ajim Website: https://euniceajim.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/euniceajim/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/euniceajim/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/euniceajim/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@euniceajim
36: How to Have a Successful Marriage While Being an Entrepreneur
14-02-2024
36: How to Have a Successful Marriage While Being an Entrepreneur
In this episode, the host dedicates the conversation to her husband and highlights the importance of having a supportive spouse, especially for women in business. She shares the story of how they met and the intense connection they had from the start. The host also discusses how her husband supported her during difficult times, including providing her with a car and helping her move out of a difficult living situation. She emphasizes the role her husband played in her entrepreneurial journey and encourages other founders to share and appreciate their work with their spouses. The episode concludes with a dedication to great spouses who push their partners to the next level. Takeaways Having a supportive spouse can be crucial for success, especially for women in business.A great spouse is someone who is willing to take a step back and let their partner shine.Support from a spouse can make a significant difference during difficult times.Sharing and discussing work with a supportive spouse can be beneficial for entrepreneurs. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Dedication to Husband 01:28 Meeting and Connection 02:27 Support During Difficult Times 03:50 Moving In Together 05:17 Supporting Entrepreneurship 06:37 Appreciating a Supportive Spouse 07:29 Blessing of a Supportive Spouse 08:22 Dedication to Great Spouses Make sure to connect with Eunice Ajim on various platforms: Ajim Capital Website: https://www.ajimcapital.com/ Eunice Ajim Website: https://euniceajim.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/euniceajim/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/euniceajim/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/euniceajim/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@euniceajim
35: How To Plan Your MVP (Minimum Viable Product)
07-02-2024
35: How To Plan Your MVP (Minimum Viable Product)
In this episode, Eunice Ajim discusses how to plan your Minimum Viable Product (MVP) for a tech startup. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the problem and conducting user research before building a product. Validating the solution through customer interviews and feedback is crucial. Eunice also highlights the need to start with non-scalable solutions and gradually build towards a technology product. Market research and following Lean Startup principles are essential for success. Finally, she emphasizes the importance of traction and showing potential investors that there is a need for the product before seeking funding. Takeaways Before building a product, conduct user research and understand the problem you are solving.Validate the solution by interviewing potential customers and gathering feedback.Start with non-scalable solutions and gradually build towards a technology product.Market research and following Lean Startup principles are crucial for success.Show traction and a need for the product before seeking funding. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Problem-Solution Fit 01:00 User Research and Understanding the Problem 02:22 Validating the Solution 04:18 Building the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) 07:06 Market Research and Lean Startup Principles 08:59 Iterating and Scaling the MVP 09:55 Importance of Traction and Funding 10:24 Conclusion Make sure to connect with Eunice Ajim on various platforms: Ajim Capital Website: https://www.ajimcapital.com/ Eunice Ajim Website: https://euniceajim.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/euniceajim/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/euniceajim/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/euniceajim/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@euniceajim
34: How To Break Into Venture Capital
31-01-2024
34: How To Break Into Venture Capital
In this episode, Eunice Ajim discusses different paths to becoming a venture capitalist. She explains that one can either take the entrepreneur route by becoming a startup founder and angel investor, or the job route by joining a venture capital program. Eunice also highlights the challenges of running a venture capital fund, such as the need for capital and travel expenses. She shares some of her favorite portfolio companies and emphasizes the importance of assessing company scalability. Lastly, she discusses the significance of having a fund thesis to guide investment decisions. Takeaways There are two main paths to becoming a venture capitalist: the entrepreneur route and the job route.Becoming a mentor and angel investor is a great way to gain experience and understanding of the startup ecosystem.Joining a venture capital program can provide valuable knowledge and connections in the industry.Running a venture capital fund comes with challenges, including the need for capital and travel expenses.Assessing company scalability is crucial in making investment decisions.Having a fund thesis helps guide investment decisions and ensures alignment with the fund's goals. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Different Paths to Venture Capital 01:41 Becoming a Mentor and Angel Investor 04:23 Joining a Venture Capital Program 06:18 Challenges of Running a Venture Capital Fund 07:41 Investment Highlights and Favorite Companies 11:08 Assessing Company Scalability 13:22 The Importance of a Fund Thesis 14:49 Conclusion Make sure to connect with Eunice Ajim on various platforms: Ajim Capital Website: https://www.ajimcapital.com/ Eunice Ajim Website: https://euniceajim.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/euniceajim/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/euniceajim/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/euniceajim/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@euniceajim
33: How to Build a Company Ethically in Africa aka "NOT 419"
24-01-2024
33: How to Build a Company Ethically in Africa aka "NOT 419"
In this episode, Eunice Ajim discusses the challenges and risks associated with building a company in Nigeria. She highlights the negative impact of the African press on the perception of African startups and emphasizes the need for more positive coverage. Eunice also emphasizes the importance of due diligence in the investment process and shares her experiences in detecting fraudulent practices. She discusses the consequences of fraud for founders and the legal implications, especially for international investors. Finally, she provides recommendations for investors to mitigate risks and encourages ethical business practices. Takeaways - The African press should focus on sharing positive stories and successful use cases of African startups to counterbalance the negative perception. - Due diligence is crucial for investors to identify and mitigate risks associated with fraudulent practices. - Fraudulent practices can have severe consequences for founders, including reputational damage and difficulty in raising future funding. - International investors should be aware of the legal implications and potential challenges when investing in African startups. - Investors should consider working with experienced funds or syndications to leverage their expertise in conducting thorough due diligence. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Setting the Context 01:17 The Role of African Press in Shaping Perceptions 02:12 The Importance of Due Diligence in Investing 03:10 Detecting Fraudulent Practices 05:00 The Consequences of Fraud for Founders 07:22 Legal Implications and International Investors 08:16 Recommendations for Investors 09:16 Conclusion Make sure to connect with Eunice Ajim on various platforms: Ajim Capital Website: https://www.ajimcapital.com/ Eunice Ajim Website: https://euniceajim.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/euniceajim/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/euniceajim/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/euniceajim/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@euniceajim
31: Why I Don't Invest In Blockchain in Africa
10-01-2024
31: Why I Don't Invest In Blockchain in Africa
In this episode, Eunice Ajim discusses why she doesn't invest in blockchain technology companies in Africa. She highlights the lack of painkiller solutions and the absence of successful use cases outside of cryptocurrencies. Eunice also mentions the challenges of fraudulent activity and unpredictable regulations in Africa. She emphasizes the importance of timing and specific use cases for blockchain technology. Additionally, she explains her investment focus on early-stage tech companies in Africa and the need to stick to her investment strategy. Takeaways - There is a lack of painkiller solutions and successful use cases for blockchain technology companies in Africa. - Fraudulent activity and unpredictable regulations pose challenges for blockchain companies in Africa. - Timing and specific use cases are crucial for considering investments in blockchain technology. - Eunice Ajim focuses her investments on early-stage tech companies in Africa and sticks to her investment strategy. Chapters 00:00 Why I Don't Invest in Blockchain 03:16 Lack of Good Use Cases in Africa 04:42 Fraud and Regulatory Challenges 07:04 Timing and Specific Use Cases 08:22 Investing Focus on Africa 09:16 Sticking to the Investment Strategy 10:46 Wrap-up Make sure to connect with Eunice Ajim on various platforms: Ajim Capital Website: https://www.ajimcapital.com/ Eunice Ajim Website: https://euniceajim.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/euniceajim/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/euniceajim/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/euniceajim/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@euniceajim
29: How to Make Sure You Don't Miss Out on The Best Deals as An Investor
27-12-2023
29: How to Make Sure You Don't Miss Out on The Best Deals as An Investor
In this episode, the host discusses the importance of not missing out on the best investment opportunities in African tech startups. She shares examples of successful companies like Airbnb and emphasizes the need for investors to keep moving forward and explore the numerous opportunities available. The host also highlights the factors she considers before making investment decisions, including her ability to provide value to the founders. She explains that investing in Africa is less risky due to the proven success of certain investment models. Additionally, she discusses the challenges of competition and the importance of working closely with founders to provide support and guidance. Takeaways - Investors should strive to not miss out on the best investment opportunities in African tech startups. - Factors to consider before investing include the ability to provide value to the founders and a clear understanding of the problem and solution. - Investing in Africa is less risky due to the proven success of certain investment models. - Competition can make it challenging to determine the success of an investment. - Founders need support in areas such as fundraising, talent acquisition, and mindset development. - Having someone who understands and supports founders' challenges is crucial for their success. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and the Importance of Not Missing Out on Deals 01:17 Factors to Consider Before Investing 03:11 Investing in Africa: Less Risky but Still Challenging 04:03 Competition and Working with Founders 05:24 Providing Value to Founders 06:23 Founders' Mindset and Emotional Support 07:48 Importance of Having Someone to Understand and Support Founders 08:19 Closing Remarks Make sure to connect with Eunice Ajim on various platforms: Ajim Capital Website: https://www.ajimcapital.com/ Eunice Ajim Website: https://euniceajim.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/euniceajim/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/euniceajim/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/euniceajim/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@euniceajim
27: What To Look For When Investing in Tech Startups in Africa
13-12-2023
27: What To Look For When Investing in Tech Startups in Africa
In this episode, the host discusses what to look for when making an investment decision in tech startups. The key factors to consider include the founders and team, their prior experience, traction, product evaluation, market readiness, target customer definition, and revenue and growth expectations. Takeaways - The team and founders are crucial to the success of a startup. Look for founders with prior experience and learn from their failures. - Traction is an important factor to consider before investing. Look for evidence of customer acquisition and revenue generation. - Evaluate the product and its ability to solve a problem. Focus on the minimum viable product and customer feedback. - Assess the market and determine if it is ready for the product. Define the target customer and understand their needs and preferences. - Consider revenue and growth expectations. Aim for significant annual revenue and demonstrate a clear path to scalability. Chapters 00:00 Importance of Founders and Team 03:12 Prioritizing Founder Experience 06:37 Importance of Traction 08:05 Evaluation of Product 10:59 Assessing the Market 14:16 Defining the Target Customer 15:41 Revenue and Growth Expectations Make sure to connect with Eunice Ajim on various platforms: Ajim Capital Website: https://www.ajimcapital.com/ Eunice Ajim Website: https://euniceajim.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/euniceajim/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/euniceajim/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/euniceajim/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@euniceajim