Unlock the secrets to successful fundraising

In this episode Henry Ojuor, Program Lead for Startup Bootcamp’s Afritech fund, shares invaluable insights into the transformative role of accelerators in driving startup success. Henry recounts his entrepreneurial journey, including challenges with angel investors and a pivotal dinner with Mark Zuckerberg. He discusses Startup Bootcamp’s innovative model, blending corporate partnerships with a venture studio approach to compress two years of startup progress into just three months. With impressive metrics like a 92% survival rate and a 1.4x return to investors, Henry offers actionable advice for startups to leverage mentorship, funding, and networks for sustainable growth.

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This episode explores how accelerators and incubators drive startup success through the "Three Cs": Capital, Capacity Building, and Connections. Learn how these programs provide funding, tailored mentorship, and invaluable networks to empower entrepreneurs. From global initiatives to corporate partnerships, discover how to navigate and leverage these resources for growth and scalability.

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In this episode of Crown Castê, we sit down with Victoria, Head of Finance and Portfolio at Wayra UK, to uncover the unique ways that corporate venture capital (CVC) can drive strategic growth and innovation. Victoria shares her journey and reveals why Wayra, Telefonica’s venture arm, goes far beyond traditional VC approaches to build partnerships that truly impact startups.

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Key Takeaways

• CVC Goes Beyond Capital – Wayra UK prioritizes strategic partnerships, not just financial returns.
• Scouting Sprints Drive Investments – Wayra actively seeks startups that align with Telefonica’s goals.
• Support Extends Beyond Funding – Startups get mentorship, market access, and corporate integration.
• Founders Must Engage Investors – Leveraging investor networks and resources is key to growth.

In this episode of Crown Castê, we chat with Nick Button-Brown, award-winning angel investor and gaming industry veteran, about how building a community-centred approach to investing can transform the startup experience. Nick, recently named UKBAA Angel Investor of the Year, shares insights into his journey from game development to creating Games Angels—a network of industry veterans supporting early-stage startups in gaming

Key Takeaways

• Community-Driven Investing Matters  – Strong investor communities provide mentorship, emotional support, and industry connections, not just capital.
• Money Alone Won’t Build a Startup  – The best investors offer strategic insights and hands-on support, not just funding.
• Relationships Drive Long-Term Success  – Trust-based investor-founder relationships lead to sustainable growth and innovation.
• Understanding Market Trends is Key  – Staying ahead of industry shifts and emerging technologies helps investors make smarter decisions.

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In this episode, Nzube sits down with Eghosa Omoigui, founder of Echo VC, to explore his unique journey from law to venture capital and his pivotal role in African investment. Eghosa shares valuable insights from his career, including his non-traditional entry into VC, Echo VC’s distinct four-pillar framework for investing in sub-Saharan Africa, and the lessons learned from Echo VC’s decade in the ecosystem. The discussion covers the need for a tailored approach to African markets, the impact of increased funding on the investment landscape, and Echo VC’s focus on founders with deep, often unconventional insights into underserved markets. Eghosa also shares his thoughts on agriculture, financing challenges, and what it takes to build lasting businesses in Africa.

Key Takeaways

• The African venture landscape has evolved, with both challenges and opportunities arising from increased funding.
• A “small vehicle format” is essential for early-stage investing in Africa, allowing for flexible, sector-focused funding.
• Echo VC looks for “oddly conflicted” teams with unique insights into non-consensus markets.
• Agriculture requires innovative approaches in Africa, with specific attention to financing structures, input quality, and trust in transactions.
• Echo VC seeks founders with resilience, grit, and the ability to thrive in challenging environments, willing to invest pre-product market fit.
• Building sustainable African businesses requires a willingness to adapt, recognize the need for local solutions, and sometimes deselect customers for a healthier business.

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In our first-ever masterclass instalment, we explore the pros and cons of two different growth strategies: fundraising and bootstrapping. Through relatable examples and practical insights, Nzube provides entrepreneurs and business owners with a clear understanding of each approach, helping them identify which path aligns best with their business goals

Key Takeaways

• • Bootstrapping allows founders to retain control and grow at their own pace, focusing on cash flow management but with slower growth potential.
  • Fundraising offers faster expansion and access to networks and resources but requires giving up some control and actively managing investor relationships.

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In this episode, our host Nzube Ufodike speaks with Léna-Lou Simon-Virolle, a venture capital expert and founding member of Ryad, a firm dedicated to investing in African founders. Léna-Lou shares her unique journey from France to the UK, Asia, and finally to Africa, highlighting the importance of innovation and addressing the funding gap for African entrepreneurs. Léna-Lou shares how Ryad VC envisions investment opportunities in the African market and what they look for in startups. She explains how VCs and other investors can feel confident about emerging market investments through a focus on good practices, trust and connectivity.

Key Takeaways

• The African VC ecosystem is still developing and requires local understanding.
• Unicorns should be defined by their impact and connectivity, not just valuation.
• Investing in Africa requires a hands-on approach to support founders.   Building purposeful businesses is key to long-term success.  
• Founders should have a realistic plan and understand resource allocation.
• Networking and global awareness are crucial for success in venture capital.

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In this episode, we sit down with Ken Thomas, partner at BackFuture Ventures, who shares insights from the frontlines of venture capital and investment. From the bustling tech scene in New York to his experiences in London, Ken offers a behind-the-scenes look at the world of early-stage investing and what it takes to spot the next big thing. He also dives deep into what sets great founders apart, how storytelling plays a crucial role in winning investors, and the trends shaping the future of tech, including the rise of AI.

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In this episode of Crowncast, host Nzube Ufodike interviews Amadeep, an angel investor and founder of the British Asian entrepreneur platform, Bae HQ. They discuss Amadeep's journey from working at the Bank of England to becoming an angel investor, his angel investment thesis, and his investment strategy. Amadeep also shares tips for founders on how to stand out when reaching out to investors and the importance of building relationships before raising funds. They also talk about Bae HQ and its mission to support and empower British Asian Entrepreneurs.

Key Takeaways

• Angel investors should have a clear investment thesis and consider factors such as the potential for good in the world, founder-product fit, and the founder's resilience and ability to build a team.
• When reaching out to investors, founders should personalize their messages and highlight why they believe the investor would be a good fit for their startup.
• Building relationships with investors before raising funds is important, as it allows for a more authentic connection and understanding of each other's perspectives.
• Amardeep also discusses Bay HQ, a platform he founded to support and empower British Asian entrepreneurs through media, events, mentorship, and investment opportunities.

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In this episode, we invite you behind the scene. For the first time, our Co-founder, Joshua, steps out from behind the camera to share the untold story of how Crown Castê came to be. Alongside our host, Nzube, we reflect on the journey so far, the challenges, the wins, and what’s inspired us to create a platform that brings the voices of capital allocators to the forefront.

This prologue sets the stage for what’s to come in Season 2—fresh insights, deeper conversations, and the stories behind the investments that shape industries. If you’ve been with us from the start, you’ll hear new perspectives, and if you’re just joining the community, welcome—you’re in for something special.

Join us as we pull back the curtain on capital raising, one conversation at a time.

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