Top Events for Startups in Nigeria: A Guide to Networking

Nigeria's startup ecosystem is booming, thanks to a combination of youthful energy, innovative ideas, and increasing support from both the private and public sectors. Networking is crucial for any startup looking to scale, and attending the right events can open doors to investors, mentors, and potential partners. Here’s a guide to some of the top events for startups in Nigeria, perfect for those looking to make valuable connections.

1. Techpoint Build

Overview: Techpoint Build is one of the largest startup and technology conferences in Nigeria, organized by Techpoint Africa. It brings together entrepreneurs, investors, and tech enthusiasts from across the continent.

Key Features:

• Startup exhibitions
• Panel discussions
• Networking sessions

Benefits: Connect with industry leaders, showcase your startup, and learn from expert panels about the latest trends and opportunities in tech.

2. Lagos Startup Week

Overview: Lagos Startup Week is an annual event that celebrates the Lagos startup ecosystem. It features a series of events, including workshops, keynotes, and networking sessions, aimed at fostering entrepreneurship.

Key Features:

• Pitch competitions
• Masterclasses
• Networking mixers

Benefits: Gain insights from successful entrepreneurs, pitch your startup to investors, and expand your professional network.

3. Startup Grind Lagos

Overview: Part of the global Startup Grind community, the Lagos chapter hosts regular events featuring fireside chats with successful entrepreneurs, networking opportunities, and workshops.

Key Features:

• Fireside chats
• Networking opportunities
• Entrepreneurial workshops

Benefits: Learn from the experiences of successful founders, connect with fellow entrepreneurs, and gain practical advice on scaling your startup.

4. Nigeria Fintech Week

Overview: Nigeria Fintech Week is a must-attend for any startup in the financial technology sector. It’s a comprehensive event that covers the latest trends and innovations in fintech.

Key Features:

• Keynote speeches
• Panel discussions
• Fintech showcases

Benefits: Stay updated on fintech trends, network with industry leaders, and explore collaboration opportunities with other fintech innovators.

5. SME Fest

Overview: SME Fest is focused on small and medium-sized enterprises in Nigeria. It offers a platform for entrepreneurs to learn, network, and showcase their businesses.

Key Features:

• Business clinics
• Networking sessions
• Exhibition stands

Benefits: Gain business insights from experts, connect with other SMEs, and explore potential partnerships.

6. Social Media Week Lagos

Overview: Social Media Week Lagos is part of the global Social Media Week series, focusing on the impact of social media on business, society, and culture.

Key Features:

• Workshops
• Panel discussions
• Networking events

Benefits: Learn how to leverage social media for your startup, connect with social media influencers, and stay ahead of digital marketing trends.

7. Africa Fintech Summit

Overview: The Africa Fintech Summit alternates between Washington D.C. and Lagos, providing a global platform for African fintech startups to connect with investors, partners, and other innovators.

Key Features:

• Keynote addresses
• Investor roundtables
• Networking receptions

Benefits: Meet potential investors, showcase your fintech solutions, and gain global exposure.

8. Civic Hive Demo Day

Overview: Civic Hive Demo Day is organized by BudgIT and focuses on civic technology innovations. It’s a great platform for startups working on social impact projects.

Key Features:

• Startup pitches
• Networking sessions
• Mentorship opportunities

Benefits: Showcase your social impact startup, connect with like-minded entrepreneurs, and gain mentorship from industry experts.

9. Women in Tech Africa Lagos

Overview: This event is part of the larger Women in Tech Africa initiative, focusing on empowering women in the technology sector. It includes workshops, networking sessions, and inspirational talks.

Key Features:

• Inspirational talks
• Networking opportunities
• Workshops

Benefits: Connect with female tech leaders, gain insights on navigating the tech industry, and join a supportive community of women in tech.

10. Co-creation Hub (CcHub) Pitch Drive

Overview: CcHub Pitch Drive is an initiative that takes African tech startups on a tour of tech hubs around the world, providing them with opportunities to pitch to global investors.

Key Features:

• Global pitching opportunities
• Investor meetings
• Networking events

Benefits: Gain international exposure, pitch to global investors, and explore new markets for your startup.

11. Startup Arewa

Overview: Startup Arewa focuses on nurturing the startup ecosystem in Northern Nigeria. It includes a series of events aimed at fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.

Key Features:

• Pitch competitions
• Workshops
• Networking sessions

Benefits: Connect with entrepreneurs in Northern Nigeria, gain regional insights, and explore funding opportunities.

12. Africa’s Young Entrepreneurs Empowerment Nigeria (AYEEN)

Overview: AYEEN is an empowerment initiative that supports young entrepreneurs across Africa, offering funding, mentorship, and networking opportunities.

Key Features:

• Entrepreneurial training
• Pitch competitions
• Networking sessions

Benefits: Receive funding and mentorship, connect with other young entrepreneurs, and gain practical business training.

13. Seedstars Lagos

Overview: Part of the global Seedstars World initiative, Seedstars Lagos is a startup competition that identifies and supports the best startups in emerging markets.

Key Features:

• Pitch competitions
• Mentorship sessions
• Networking events

Benefits: Gain visibility, receive mentorship from industry experts, and compete for a chance to join the Seedstars Summit.

14. Google Launchpad Accelerator

Overview: Google Launchpad Accelerator provides mentorship and support to tech startups, helping them scale their businesses.

Key Features:

• Mentorship from Google experts
• Networking opportunities
• Workshops

Benefits: Gain mentorship from Google experts, connect with other startups, and accelerate your growth with Google’s resources.

15. African Leadership Network (ALN) Ventures

Overview: ALN Ventures focuses on supporting high-growth entrepreneurs in Africa, providing them with access to mentors, investors, and a global network.

Key Features:

• Mentorship programs
• Networking events
• Investor meetings

Benefits: Gain mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs, connect with global investors, and join a network of high-growth startups.

16. Techstars Startup Weekend Lagos

Overview: Techstars Startup Weekend is a 54-hour event where aspiring entrepreneurs can learn, network, and launch startups over a weekend.

Key Features:

• Startup pitches
• Team formation
• Mentorship

Benefits: Launch a startup over a weekend, receive mentorship, and connect with fellow entrepreneurs.

17. Lagos Angel Network (LAN) Deal Day

Overview: LAN Deal Day is an event where startups can pitch to a group of angel investors from the Lagos Angel Network, seeking funding and mentorship.

Key Features:

• Pitch sessions
• Investor meetings
• Networking

Benefits: Pitch to angel investors, receive funding, and gain mentorship.

18. Next Economy Pitch Event

Overview: The Next Economy Pitch Event focuses on supporting young entrepreneurs in Nigeria, providing them with opportunities to pitch to investors and mentors.

Key Features:

• Pitch competitions
• Mentorship
• Networking

Benefits: Gain mentorship, pitch to investors, and connect with other young entrepreneurs.

19. She Leads Africa Demo Day

Overview: She Leads Africa Demo Day is part of the She Leads Africa Accelerator program, showcasing the best female-led startups in Nigeria.

Key Features:

• Pitch competitions
• Networking sessions
• Inspirational talks

Benefits: Showcase your startup, connect with investors, and join a supportive community of female entrepreneurs.

20. TechCircle Meetups

Overview: TechCircle organizes regular meetups for tech enthusiasts and entrepreneurs in Nigeria, providing a platform for networking and knowledge sharing.

Key Features:

• Networking sessions
• Workshops
• Panel discussions

Benefits: Connect with the tech community, gain insights from experts, and expand your professional network.

Conclusion

Attending startup events in Nigeria is a crucial step for any entrepreneur looking to scale their business. These events provide invaluable opportunities to learn from industry leaders, connect with investors, and network with fellow entrepreneurs. Whether you’re looking to pitch your startup, gain mentorship, or simply get inspired, there’s an event for you. Mark your calendars and make the most of these opportunities to elevate your startup journey.