The Nigerian tech landscape is set for a surge of growth thanks to the upcoming DBN Techpreneur Summit 2024, scheduled for July 10, 2024, in Lagos.

Organised by the Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN), this annual flagship event serves as a launchpad for the nation’s most promising tech entrepreneurs, connecting them with the resources and investors they need to thrive.

From Over 100 Entries to 20 Finalists: A Rigorous Selection Process

The summit kicked off with a critical pre-selection stage held in June. Over 100 submissions flooded in, each full of potential. A panel of industry leaders carefully evaluated each entry based on a set of criteria.

After careful examination, the field was narrowed down to a select group of 20 finalists. These innovators hail from a diverse range of sectors, encompassing fintech, health tech, transport, and the ever-expanding realm of IoT (Internet of Things).

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Dr. Okpanachi: Pre-Selection

Dr. Tony Okpanachi, Ph.D., Managing Director/CEO of DBN, shed light on the importance of the pre-selection process. He emphasised its role in identifying the most promising ventures, stating,”Pre-selection provides valuable feedback on the viability and potential of each innovation. This feedback empowers the participants, enhances their chances of success in the final pitch, and ultimately boosts their confidence.”

The Road to the Final Pitch: Refining Skills and Securing Investment

The 20 chosen innovators will now embark on a critical journey towards the final pitch stage. Here, they will have the opportunity to showcase their groundbreaking ideas to a carefully selected audience of investors and stakeholders.

This crucial step will allow them to refine their pitches, ensuring they are polished, compelling, and, above all, investment-ready.

DBN: Championing MSME and Tech Innovation

Dr. Okpanachi went on to highlight DBN’s unwavering commitment to empowering Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and tech innovators.

He underscored the bank’s pivotal role in unlocking the immense potential of Nigeria’s tech sector. “By supporting MSMEs and techpreneurs in their growth and scaling-up endeavours, DBN is making a significant contribution to Nigeria’s real GDP growth, ultimately driving inclusive economic progress,” he noted.

A Strategic Partnership: Addium Capital and Investor Engagement

Mrs. Comfort Aruosa-Osemwegie, Managing Director of Addium Capital, emphasised the importance of the strategic partnership with DBN, particularly in preparing tech founders for successful investor interactions.

She shed light on the exclusive Deal Room, a cornerstone of the summit, which will connect techpreneurs with at least 50 carefully selected investors. “Our focus is on ensuring startups are investor-ready, bringing deals to the table that are primed for investment success,” she explained.

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Techpreneurs Take Centre Stage: A Platform for Deal-Making

Aruosa-Osemwegie further outlined the summit’s ambitious vision: to become the premier event for investor engagement and deal closure within the Nigerian tech space.

“When it comes to fundraising and connecting with investors, the DBN Techpreneur Summit is the place to be,” she declared. “It’s designed to be the leading deal arena for techpreneurs, attracting a robust audience of both Nigerian and international investors.”

Building a Thriving Tech Ecosystem: Innovation Meets Investment

This year’s DBN Techpreneur Summit promises to be a game-changer. By creating a conducive environment for deal sourcing, origination, and closure, the summit will act as a bridge between Nigeria’s innovative tech startups and the investors eager to propel them forward.

As Aruosa-Osemwegie clearly concluded, “We envision the Techpreneur Summit becoming the go-to event for techpreneurs and investors across Africa.”

With its focus on connecting innovation with investment, the DBN Techpreneur Summit 2024 is poised to significantly impact the Nigerian tech ecosystem, ensuring its continued growth and contribution to the nation’s economic prosperity.