Over 1,000 people spurred to be resilient and innovative at The Builders Summit

The time is 5 pm and Oji Udezue, a product visionary and tech luminary with an impressive track record in Silicon Valley and Africa, steps on the stage to give a talk. The youthful audience at the Builders Summit by Founders Connect is keen to learn from Udezue's vast experience including influential roles such as Chief Product Officer at Typeform,  Calendly, and Product Lead at Twitter, among others.

Udezue, who was largely unknown to many in the audience before then didn’t disappoint. He shared insights punctuated by real-world examples and anecdotes from his illustrious career, making his advice resonant and actionable for attendees. His unique perspective blended the best of both Silicon Valley and Africa. 

Udezue's insightful talk at The Builders Summit exemplifies the invaluable role that tech events play in fostering knowledge-sharing, cross-pollination of ideas, and the advancement of entrepreneurial ecosystems.

Hosted by Founders Connect on May 25 at the Queens Park Event Center in Lagos, the Builders Summit was a transformative gathering. This flagship event brought together over 1,000 members of Nigeria's tech ecosystem, serving as a platform for developers, entrepreneurs, investors, and thought leaders to converge, exchange ideas, forge partnerships, and stay at the forefront of emerging trends.

Beyond networking opportunities, The Builders Summit offered invaluable learning experiences through insightful keynotes, panel discussions, and workshops, enabling attendees to upskill and gain practical insights from industry pioneers like CMO of MTN Nigeria, Adia Sowho; CEO of Money Africa Tosin Olaseinde; CEO of Herconomy Ife Durosinmi Ett; and Group CEO of uLesson and Chancellor at Miva Open University Sim Shagaya. 

One of the major highlights of The Builders Summit was a live interview session with Sim Shagaya, a renowned figure in Nigeria's entrepreneurial landscape. Shagaya, the Founder & Group CEO of uLesson, an edtech platform, and the Chancellor at Miva Open University captivated the audience as he shared his inspiring journey as a serial entrepreneur.

With a career spanning over two decades, Shagaya has been at the forefront of several groundbreaking ventures, each serving as a testament to his unwavering determination and innovative spirit. During the insightful session, he candidly recounted the challenges and triumphs he encountered along his entrepreneurial path, offering attendees a rare glimpse into the mind of a seasoned business builder.

He emphasised the importance of perseverance, adaptability, and a relentless pursuit of excellence in overcoming obstacles and seizing opportunities. His insights on fostering a strong company culture, attracting and retaining top talent, and navigating the ever-evolving technological landscape resonated deeply with the audience, many of whom were aspiring entrepreneurs themselves.

As Shagaya shared his profound insights, the audience was captivated, hanging on to his every word. His vulnerability in discussing failures and setbacks, coupled with his unwavering optimism and passion for entrepreneurship, left an indelible mark on those in attendance. The session was a powerful reminder that behind every successful venture lies a journey of perseverance, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to learning and growth.

The Builders Summit featured a diverse array of notable speakers including Lexi Novitske, Bunmi Akinyemiju, Adebowale Banjo, Babajide Duroshola, and Oji Udezue, each bringing their unique perspectives and insights to the stage. 

The event's Startup Innovation Challenge provided a launchpad for startups to showcase their innovative solutions, attract investment, and connect with potential customers or partners, as evidenced by the participation of four other semi-finalists. 

After a tense deliberation process, API Sentry, a comprehensive API security solutions company, emerged victorious. Represented by co-founder and CEO Emmanuel Ezehiwele, API Sentry's pitch resonated deeply with the judges, showcasing the company's innovative approach to addressing the critical issue of API security in an increasingly connected world. API Sentry received $1,000 in cash, a coveted golden ticket to the prestigious Wema Bank Hackaholics event, where they would have the opportunity to pitch for an astounding 30 Million Naira investment and other perks.

The Builders Summit provided attendees with an unparalleled opportunity to engage directly with industry leaders through engaging Ask Me Anything (AMA) sessions. One such session featured Iyin Aboyeji, the Founding Partner of Future Africa, a platform dedicated to supporting African entrepreneurs.

Aboyeji's candid responses touched on various aspects of entrepreneurship, from cultivating a strong team culture to navigating the challenges of scaling a venture. He emphasised the importance of adaptability, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of learning, traits that have underpinned his entrepreneurial journey. 

Following Aboyeji's session, the AMA spotlight shifted to the realm of content creation, with Feyikemi Abudu, the co-host of the popular ISWIS Podcast, and Steven Ndukwu, a renowned travel content creator, taking centre stage. This dynamic duo offered a unique perspective on building a successful career as a creator in the digital age.

Abudu's insights delved into the art of storytelling, audience engagement, and the strategic use of platforms to amplify one's voice and reach. Her experiences as a podcast host provided attendees with a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process, from ideation to execution, and the challenges of cultivating a loyal following.

Ndukwu, on the other hand, shared his journey as a travel content creator, highlighting the importance of authenticity, consistency, and leveraging the power of visual storytelling. His advice on navigating the ever-evolving landscape of social media and leveraging emerging technologies resonated deeply with aspiring creators seeking to carve out their niche.

The event ended with the organiser Peace Itimi appreciating the volunteers, sponsors and attendees – group pictures were taken on stage. Attendees departed with renewed enthusiasm, forged connections, and a wealth of practical insights to propel them to new heights.