What is your full name?
Kayode Omosebi
What is your age range?
31-40
Where were you born and raised?
Lagos, Nigeria
What countries/states did you school in?
Nigeria & United Kingdom
Did you go to university? If so, where did you go and what did you study?
1. B.Sc Economics, Crawford University, Ogun State, Nigeria.
2. M.B.A, London School of Business & Finance, London, UK.
3. M.B.A Risk Management, University of Wales, Wales
In what countries are you based?
Nigeria
What do you do to earn a living and when did you start?
I am an Investor, Investment Banker and an Entrepreneur. I combine the 3 skills in building and growing businesses that makes a positive impact for all stakeholders.
What did you used to do before you did this?
I was an Investment Banker and a Research Analyst. I was the Head of Corporate Finance at Rensource Energy. I used to Head the Financial Advisory division of ARM Group. I once headed the Investment Research Unit of ARM Group and Leadway Pensure PFA.
What inspired you to start your business?
I love to build & invest in high-potential SMEs, bringing strategic capital, expertise, and networks, to support their development into key players across their value chain. I love to support companies where I can play a catalytic role in growing the business.
Why should anyone use your service/product?
We are building the future businesses that are suited for Africa. We support, drive and build large scale businesses that make a positive, significant, and sustainable impact in Africa whilst at the same time delivering value for all stakeholders (Investors, Communities, Employers and Entrepreneurs).
Tell us about your team.
I have a dynamic team of vibrant, creative and innovative professionals with the same passion and commitment as me. We operate as partners and most of them are interpreneurs. It’s a lean team but the impact we make is amazing.
What is something you wish you knew before starting your business?
1. Suitable Human Capital is a really rare in this part of the world, it’s quite hard to find people with the right skills who are willing to build and grow.
2. Regulatory and Government Relationship is one of the most important factor when doing business this side.
3. It’s not about how much you make but how much you retain from what you make.
2. Regulatory and Government Relationship is one of the most important factor when doing business this side.
3. It’s not about how much you make but how much you retain from what you make.
Would you advise other people to start businesses or invest in Africa? Please also share the drawbacks.
Yes, I will advise people to start businesses and invest in Africa, it’s filled with opportunities that are impactful. However, the big issue in Africa is risk across the value chain (Supply Chain, Inputs, Trade, Energy, Infrastructure, etc).
What’s the biggest piece of advice you can give to other Africans looking to start-up?
Focus on your value chain in the area you want to play. Make sure you’re fully integrated across your value chain and ensure your business model is aligned with the macro factors that are beyond your control (Exchange rate, Inflation, Interest Rate, etc)
What’s the biggest piece of advice you can give to other Africans in the diaspora?
Ignore the headlines, there’s an attractive and budding consumer and middle-class market in Africa. Across critical sectors, there are massive opportunities, and with the access to capital and other resources you have, you can do better in terms of investing in Africa than those in Africa. If you cannot operate, you can invest. What’s interesting about investing in Africa is the social impact you make while creating wealth for yourself
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2 Comments
Kayode is a very inspiring young man. A few minutes with him and you start thinking differently. One thing I know is that, the moment you discover what you are destined to do, all you need is alignment with like minds and positive attitude. The sky will just be starting point you.
Thanks for your comment, Terrence. I agree with what you said. We should aim to guide the youth, especially to discover what they are destined to do! You grow faster, and you’re more fulfilled in life and work when you find it.