S02E09 Crown Castê: Transforming Startups in Three Months with Henry Ojuor from Startup Bootcamp

Welcome to Crown Castê, your financial literacy podcast for small businesses. We publish inspiring, insightful conversations with investors and stewards of capital. In this episode of Crown Castê, we are joined by Henry Ojuor, Program Lead for Startup Bootcamp’s Afritech fund, to explore the transformative power of accelerators. Henry begins by sharing his entrepreneurial journey, from launching startups in Nigeria to becoming a key player in Startup Bootcamp. He recounts his early challenges with local angel investors, their unrealistic expectations, and the breakthrough that came with leveraging Facebook’s Graph API, which earned him an invitation to a private dinner with Mark Zuckerberg during his visit to Nigeria (1:10). Henry provides an in-depth look at Startup Bootcamp’s innovative model, which blends a venture studio approach with an accelerator program that prioritizes corporate partnerships. He explains how the program compresses two years of startup progress into just three months, offering tailored mentorship, funding, and resources to participating startups (7:49). Startups receive $20,000 in cash and $70,000 in in-kind support, designed to help them focus on generating revenue—the most sustainable form of funding (18:01). Henry highlights the importance of their scouting and selection process, which includes collaborative Fast Track events. These events not only identify top startups but also provide immense value to all participants by connecting them with mentors, industry professionals, and corporates, regardless of whether they are ultimately selected (12:13). He also shares impressive metrics, including a 92% survival rate for startups after seven years and a 1.4x return to investors through partial exits, showcasing the program’s effectiveness in building sustainable businesses (18:36). This episode is filled with actionable insights for entrepreneurs, from aligning with accelerators that match your startup’s goals to leveraging their networks and resources for growth. Henry’s candid reflections and expert advice make this a must-listen for anyone navigating the startup ecosystem. Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review! Resources and Links Henry's Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/azubuikeojuorh/ Explore Startup Bootcamp’s global programs: https://www.startupbootcamp.org/ Learn More About The Afritech Fund: https://www.startupbootcamp.org/accelerator/afritech