Hello world!

Nigeria’s tech ecosystem has grown remarkably over the past decade, producing unicorns, attracting global investment, and inspiring a new generation of entrepreneurs. Yet, there remains a recurring gap in how innovation is discussed and presented at industry events:

• Startup pitches sometimes resemble final-year projects rather than viable businesses.
  
• Overuse of jargon leaves many products and solutions unclear to potential users or investors.
  
• Certain sectors, such as legal tech and green energy, remain underexplored despite their potential.
  
• Edtech faces issues of oversaturation and lack of differentiation.
  
• Fintech has reached mass adoption, raising questions on what’s left to solve.
  
• Event spaces often fail to provide real-time feedback loops that help founders validate ideas.
  

Beyond the Pitch seeks to address these gaps by creating candid, intimate, and thought-provoking fireside conversations with leading voices in business, policy, and technology. The series will prioritise clarity over jargon, substance over buzzwords, and actionable insights over empty inspiration.

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2. Vision

To build Africa’s most respected platform for candid conversations on innovation — a space where ideas are challenged, assumptions tested, and authentic insights shared for the growth of Nigeria and Africa’s tech ecosystem.

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3. Objectives

• To provide a stage for real conversations with Africa’s leading innovators, investors, and policymakers.
  
• To highlight sectors with untapped or enormous potential such as legal tech, health tech, and green energy.
  
• To create a reusable library of high-quality video and audio content for global audiences.
  
• To attract and engage sponsors seeking thought leadership positioning in Nigeria’s tech landscape.
  
• To serve as a feedback platform for MVPs and new solutions, connecting founders with honest input from experts and the public.
  

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4. Format

• Series Frequency: Quarterly (4 editions per year).
  
• Event Style: Fireside conversations (1:1 or 2:1) moderated by an experienced host.
  
• Audience Size: 100–200 curated participants (founders, investors, professionals, policymakers, students).
  
• Hybrid Delivery: In-person with live streaming.
  
• Content Lifecycle:
  
  • Recorded and distributed via YouTube, podcast platforms, and social media.
    
  • Edited into short clips for bite-sized engagement.
    
  • Written summaries and articles published post-event.
    

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5. Debut Edition – Overview (Event 1)

Fireside Conversation I: Beyond Fintech – What’s Left to Solve?

• Speakers: Ngozi Dozie (Carbon), Tosin Eniolorunda (Moniepoint), Odun Eweniyi (Piggyvest)
  
• Summary: With widespread fintech adoption, is “banking the unbanked” still relevant? What unique opportunities remain in the sector, and where is fintech headed?
  

EFireside Conversation II: Legal Tech – The Sleeping Giant

• Speakers: Funke Adekoya, SAN; Tokunboh Akinbiyi (LegalTech Nigeria); Osarumen Osamuyi (Ecosystem Analyst)
  
• Summary: Legal technology remains underexplored. From contract automation to online dispute resolution, what are the practical opportunities for legal innovation in Nigeria?
  

Fireside Conversation III: Edtech Beyond Templates – Differentiation or Death

• Speakers: Sim Shagaya (uLesson), Honey Ogundeyi (EduKoya), Kola Aina (Ventures Platform)
  
• Summary: Many edtech startups are solving the same problems with similar models. What strategies will enable true differentiation and long-term growth?
  

Fireside Conversation IV: Climate & Green Tech – Adaptation Before Adoption

• Speakers: Damilola Ogunbiyi (Sustainable Energy for All), Habiba Ali (Sosai Renewable Energies), Dr. Wiebe Boer (All On)
  
• Summary: Can climate and renewable energy innovation succeed in Nigeria without first addressing basic infrastructural challenges? What adaptation models can drive local adoption?
  

Special Feature:
MVP in the Room – After each conversation, one early-stage startup presents its product for live expert and audience feedback.