In this powerful and engaging talk from The Builders Summit 2025, Seye Bandele breaks down one of the most underrated yet absolutely essential skills every founder must master: sales. Titled “The Best Founders Are Salespeople – How to Sell Anything,” this session isn’t just a presentation, it’s a wake-up call for every startup founder, builder, and visionary who thinks product alone will carry them to success.Seye opens the session with an unexpected but effective icebreaker, asking the audience to turn to their neighbors and sell them a pretend laptop. He shows how every conversation, pitch, or meeting is an opportunity to sell: your idea, your product, your team, your vision.At the heart of Seye’s message is this truth: a founder who can’t sell won’t survive. The early days of any startup demand traction, validation, and most importantly paying customers. As Seye puts it, “You need someone to give you money in exchange for the value you bring. And no one else can sell that better than you.” Founders must learn to translate abstract ideas into emotionally compelling stories that build trust. It’s not enough to talk about features or markets. You have to connect at a human level, and that means mastering the art of selling.Throughout his talk, Seye unpacks the key skills every founder must develop to become a great salesperson: storytelling, active listening, building rapport, having thick skin, and deal closure. These aren’t just techniques—they’re mindsets. Sales is more than persuasion. It’s about understanding needs, navigating objections, and moving people from awareness to action.He emphasizes that great salespeople get conversion rates of about 20%, which is excellent in real-world terms. So founders must get comfortable with rejection, learn from it, and keep showing up. In selling, You must start with your "why". It’s not enough to lead with product specs or competitive advantages. What do you believe? What future are you inviting people into? That’s where trust begins.Seye also introduces the SELL Framework, a practical mental model for approaching sales. While the full breakdown is best experienced in the video, the core idea is that sales isn’t about manipulation, it’s about belief. You first have to believe deeply in the thing you’re selling before anyone else will. He even challenges founders to start with their own team: “If you’re not actively selling to your social media marketer, you’re missing a big opportunity.” Getting your team to truly buy in is the first layer of external persuasion.This talk is a must-watch for anyone building something from scratch. Whether you’re a solo founder, a startup operator, or just someone trying to get better at persuasion, this video will reshape how you think about sales—not as a dirty word, but as your most powerful tool.If you’ve ever felt stuck at the early stage, unsure of how to get people to pay attention, trust you, or convert—this is the talk you need to watch.Timestamps:00:00 - Intro00:30 - Icebreaker activity02:45 - Why Founders Must Be Salespeople07:50 - Key skills you need to be a great sales person11:47 - How to sell anything15:00 - The SELL Framework15:40 - Q&AsDon’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more insightful talks from The Builders Summit 2025.#SeyeBandele #StartupSales #Founders #HowToSellAnything #BuildersSummit2025 #StartupTips #SalesFramework #Storytelling #Entrepreneurship #FoundersMindset #StartupGrowth #EarlyStageFounder #Leadership #SalesForFounders #BuildSellGrow
How do you build a startup that survives over a decade in Africa's tough tech terrain? In this interview, Dennis Ondeng, the CEO of Kopo Kopo, shares his remarkable journey of building and sustaining a fintech company for over 14 years in Kenya and across Africa. This episode is more than a founder story; it's a deep dive into what it means to lead with resilience, vision, and empathy.Kopo Kopo is a fintech platform that enables small and medium-sized businesses to accept digital payments and access credit. Since launching in 2011, it has weathered some of the most difficult startup challenges—including a near-fatal funding drought, market resistance, and the ever-changing demands of scaling in emerging markets. Dennis has been at the heart of this journey, first as the company’s CTO and later transitioning to CEO, where he’s led the team through pivotal shifts in strategy, structure, and regional expansion.In this interview, Dennis talks openly about the struggles that tested him and the business. He recounts the dark days of 2015, when Kopo Kopo’s Series B funding nearly fell apart and the company faced existential questions. Rather than give up, Dennis and the team used that moment as a turning point. It forced them to reassess how they were building, who they were building for, and how to better lead with people in mind. That period forged a deeper sense of purpose and built a foundation for longevity.Dennis also shares his perspective on scaling into new markets. Kopo Kopo experimented with expansion into Ghana, Uganda, and other African countries. What they learned was that timing and market readiness are just as important as the product itself. He discusses the value of experimentation, failing fast, and building systems that allow you to iterate without losing focus. The company’s decision to work with partners instead of going in alone helped reduce risk and improve market fit. These strategies alongside a disciplined focus on the needs of merchants enabled Kopo Kopo to evolve and remain relevant in a competitive space.Beyond the business tactics, Dennis offers rare insights into leadership evolution. Moving from CTO to CEO was not just a change in title, it was a shift in mindset. As CEO, he had to balance engineering precision with people management, investor relations, long-term vision, and operational execution. He shares his greatest lesson which was to build what people truly need, not what seems impressive on paper.He also reflects on how the tech landscape in Kenya has influenced Kopo Kopo’s growth. Watching the ecosystem evolve, from limited infrastructure and investor hesitancy to a vibrant, innovation-driven environment, has given him a unique vantage point. He’s not just been a participant; he’s been part of the story. And he believes there’s still more to come.This episode is packed with value for aspiring founders, operators, and anyone interested in building for the long term in emerging markets. Dennis shares how resilience, experimentation, clarity of purpose, and a willingness to adapt have been key to Kopo Kopo’s survival and growth. He also speaks on what he’s most proud of after 14 years: not just the product, but the impact the company has had on merchants across Kenya and beyond.If you're looking to understand what long-term startup success really looks like in Africa, this conversation is essential. It’s raw, practical, and deeply inspiring.Subscribe for more real stories from African founders and operators. Leave a comment below to let us know what part of Dennis’ journey stood out to you the most. And if you found value in this conversation, don’t forget to like, share, and turn on notifications.
What would you do if the most profitable part of your business was the hardest part to scale?In this exclusive Founders Connect episode, we sat down with Paul Kimani, the CEO and co-founder of Workpay, to dive into his unconventional entrepreneurial journey, the bold decisions that shaped Workpay, and the hard lessons learned along the way.From studying electrical engineering to working as a mechanical engineer, and eventually founding one of Africa’s most innovative payroll and HR tech platforms based in Kenya but used across Africa. Paul’s story is one of clarity, risk-taking, and strategic thinking.Paul shares how he made the difficult decision to shut down the most profitable part of his business — and how it paid off. Instead of chasing traction, he chose scalability and competitive advantage. That decision changed everything.Whether you're a founder, aspiring entrepreneur, tech enthusiast, or investor interested in African startups, Paul's journey will give you fresh insight into what it means to build and scale intentionally.🎯 Timestamps00:00 - Intro03:13 - Paul's Background05:23 - Why He Shut Down His Consultancy Business06:35 - Pivotal Moments That Influenced Him10:40 - How Workpay Started17:13 - Rebranding Workpay: Name Change17:58 - Most Challenging Decisions19:56 - Raising Money and the Funding Rounds27:40 - Risks and Mistakes He Regrets30:16 - What Global Expansion Looks Like for Workpay37:44 - Final Lessons for Entrepreneurs🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications so you don’t miss more incredible founder stories from across Africa.Get your tickets to The Builders Summit 2025 here: https://tix.africa/discover/momentumConnect with Us:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foundersconnect_Twitter/X: https://www.x.com/theFCshow_LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/foundersconnectshow
In this exclusive interview, we sit down with Tobi Asu-Johnson, the founder of Zap Africa, to discuss his vision for building Africa's biggest crypto wallet.
With the rise of crypto adoption in Africa, Tobi shares his insights on the opportunities and challenges of creating a blockchain solution that caters to the unique needs of the African market. He also shares some valuable crypto tips and his thoughts on the future of the crypto market in Africa.
Zap technology is revolutionising the way Africans interact with cryptocurrency, and Tobi's innovative approach is putting Africa on the global crypto map. If you're interested in African startups, blockchain solutions, and the growth of crypto in Africa, then this video is for you. Tune in to learn more about Zap Africa and how it's changing the game for crypto enthusiasts across the continent.
In this inspiring and deeply insightful conversation, we take you on a journey through the eyes of someone who’s been building in the Nigerian tech space for over a decade.Tunde Ajibawo is the current Head of Engineering at SystemSpecs Deelaa. With over a decade of experience in building software and leading teams, Tunde has contributed to the success of several tech-driven companies in Nigeria. He’s a big believer in structure, learning the fundamentals, and growing people.In this video, he shares:- how he got into tech before it became mainstream in Nigeria, - what the tech landscape looked like in Nigeria in the early 2000s, - the companies he’s worked with and how he’s navigated roles from Junior Developer to now, Head of Engineering, - what he did to stand out and grow quickly in a fast-paced ecosystem- his take on startups, remote working and also scaling fast- and most importantly—why mastering the fundamentals has been key to his growthTunde doesn’t just talk about his career growth, he shares his doubts, his unfinished ideas, and how he’s grown through constant learning. This is one of those videos where you’ll want to pause and take notes.For founders, it’s a reminder that not everyone has to start a company to make impact.For engineers, it’s a masterclass on growth and leadership.For students, it’s proof that consistency and curiosity go a long way.For tech operators, it’s a peek into the minds of the people building Africa’s digital backbone.Whether you're a tech founder, tech professional, a student just starting out, or a career professional navigating your next role, this video is packed with real talk, practical advice, and a lot of personal stories that will leave you motivated and informed.Let’s hear from you!Drop a comment to share your biggest takeaway from Tunde’s story. Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more tech stories from across Africa .📌 Follow us on other social media platforms:Instagram: https://instagram.com/foundersconnect_ X(Twitter): https://instagram.com/theFCshow_ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/foundersconnectshow 🎟️ Get your tickets to The Builders Summit: https://www.foundersconnect.xyz/tbs2025
In this video, we dive into Antler, a global early-stage investor that's backing the world's most ambitious founders and building the fastest-growing portfolio of venture-backed startups across the globe.
This video is specifically for founders looking to scale or anyone just curious about how top VCs help startups grow from idea to impact, this video breaks down how Antler supports early-stage startups with funding, resources, and expert guidance to accelerate their journey.
This episode is a must-watch for content creators, aspiring creators, and entrepreneurs looking to grow their audience and build a sustainable content business. In this episode of Creators Jam, Peace Itimi and Caleb Maru dive into the process of building a loyal audience—sharing their experiences, strategies, and insights on what really works.Don't forget to subscribe, leave a comment and share.
In this exclusive interview, Dr. Abasi Ene-Obong shares his journey from his love for science to founding 54gene, a company that set out to revolutionize Africa’s genomics industry. He opens up about the company’s mission, key milestones, impact during COVID-19, and the shocking truth behind the hostile takeover that led to its downfall. Now, he’s building again with Syndicate Bio. This is a founder’s story of grit, resilience,, and lessons every entrepreneur should know.
In this Ask Me Anything (AMA) session, Iyin Aboyeji takes on some of the most pressing questions from attendees at the Builders Summit in Lagos. He dives into topics like navigating government policies, balancing a 9-5 job while building a startup, key considerations when choosing a co-founder, and much more. This session is filled with valuable insights you won't want to miss. If you enjoy the video, be sure to like, leave a comment, subscribe, and share with others.
In this #FoundersConnect Live in London segment with Olugbeminiyi Idowu, Founder and Managing Director of Talking Drum Communications, talks to us about the importance of effective storytelling for your brand. Olugbeminiyi is a technology PR and comms specialist, with vast experience in leading and delivering successful media campaigns for a wide range of companies - from established global players to Africa-focused start-ups.
In this power-packed panel session, Bunmi Akinyemiju of Greenhouse Capital Africa and Lexi Novitske of Norrsken22, share insights on everything founders need to know about securing funding, pitching with confidence, and avoiding costly mistakes. They shared key factors investors look for before writing that check, the red flags that instantly turn investors away (and how to avoid them), strategies to stand out from the crowd and make investors see your potential and many more. Whether you’re gearing up for a seed round, Series A, or just want to sharpen your fundraising skills, this session is packed with invaluable insights to help you secure the capital you need to grow. Knowing what to avoid can be just as powerful as knowing what to do. Listen and learn the do’s AND don’ts of successful fundraising.
In this episode, we sit down with Caleb Maru, the visionary founder of Tech Safari, to uncover how he transformed his media startup into a thriving company generating $49,000 in monthly revenue in just 18months. Caleb shares some of the strategies that fueled Tech Safari's rapid growth. Don’t miss this inspiring story of innovation and determination! Read more about Tech Safari here: https://www.techsafari.io/ 🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe to this channel and click the notification bell to catch future episodes of How I
In this episode, Oiza Sadiq shares her inspiring corporate career journey, detailing how she progressed from a local role to a regional position and ultimately a global role at Google, all within just four years. Oiza walks us through the exact steps she took, the strategies that helped her stand out, and the critical skills she had to learn to succeed at each stage. Whether you're early in your career, transitioning between roles, or aiming to go global, there’s a lot to learn from her experiences. Don't forget to like this podcast, leave a comment, share and most importantly, subscribe. Follow How I on Instagram for more updates: https://www.instagram.com/howitheseries
In this latest Founders Connect episode, we dive into the inspiring journey of Jessica Hope, the "Queen of African Tech." In this engaging conversation, Jessica shares her personal and professional experiences, from her upbringing in the UK to her entrepreneurial journey with Wimbart. Discover how she transitioned from a temporary role at the Natural History Museum in the UK to leading PR efforts at the Iroko and ultimately co-founding her own agency focused on African tech. Jessica reflects on the challenges of balancing family and business, the importance of celebrating team successes, and the lessons learned along the way. Whether you're interested in PR, entrepreneurship, or the vibrant African tech scene, this video is packed with valuable insights and inspiration!
In this episode, Nimmy Mathews (Head of EMEA Sales, Startups at AWS) and Yvonne Bajela (Partner at LocalGlobe and Latitude) discuss investing in African startups and supporting black female founders and underrepresented founders. They share insights on funding challenges and their vision for improving the ecosystem. Mathews has led diverse organizations at Amazon, focusing on helping startups and small businesses scale globally. Bajela, a founding member of Impact X Capital LLP, has invested in companies like Wise and Flutterwave. She's been recognized on Forbes' 30 Under 30 Europe Finance List and 25 Leading Black British People.
In this Founders Connect episode, we sit down with Tommie Edwards, the CEO and Co-founder of Tech1M, a cutting-edge tech company dedicated to bridging the gap between businesses and top-tier tech talent. Tommie shares her inspiring journey, from her early days in Nigeria to dropping out of the University of Lagos and making a bold move to the UK. Here, she shares how she navigated her early days in a new country, found her first job, and balanced multiple side hustles while working 9-5. Tommie also recounts starting a courier company, building a mobile app for event planners, and eventually founding Tech1M. Throughout the interview, she opens up about the challenges she faced, the lessons learned, and what she would do differently if given the chance. Tech1M is revolutionizing the way companies access skilled tech professionals, providing a seamless platform for connecting businesses with the right talent. This episode is packed with valuable insights and personal anecdotes that will motivate and inspire you. Enjoy!
In this Founders Connect episode, we sit down with the team behind Norrsken Foundation and Norrsken 22: Niklas Adalberth, Hans Otterling, and Lexi Novitske. Niklas opens up about his upbringing and shares why he decided to leave Klarna, offering a unique perspective on the balance between money and happiness. Hans reflects on his own early years and provides his vision for the African tech ecosystem over the next 5-10 years, including his experience investing in Spotify. Lexi gives us an inside look at the collaborative efforts of the Norrsken 22 team. We also discuss the types of companies in Africa that Norrsken 22 is keen to invest in, offering valuable insights into the future of tech and entrepreneurship on the continent. This episode is for anyone interested in the future of African tech
id you know Chowdeck, the green and yellow app everyone's using these days, started with a frustrating late-night craving? Chowdeck is an on-demand food delivery service and marketplace where people can purchase their favourite meals from a wide range of restaurants. Whether local or continental, customers can buy food in a few short steps and have it delivered to their doorstep in under 30 minutes. In this Founders Connect interview, we sat down with Femi Aluko, the CEO of Chowdeck, along with other top leaders from the company - Including his co-founders, Olumide Ojo and Lanre Yusuf - to discuss the inception, growth and challenges they've faced so far. So, if you've ever wondered how Chowdeck became a leading food delivery platform, this interview is a must-watch! Subscribe for more inspiring Founders Connect stories, and let us know what YOU think in the comments below!
In this video, Adia Sowho, Chief Marketing Officer at MTN Nigeria, delivers a keynote address titled, "So You Want to Be a Great Operator?" live at The Builders Summit by Founders Connect. With a career spanning roles at Etisalat, MTN Nigeria, Thrive Agric and more, Adia brings a wealth of experience in telecommunications, marketing, and technology. She has a proven track record of driving growth and innovation across different organizations. In her keynote, Adia shares key insights, tips, and tricks on how to excel as an operator. Her practical advice, drawn from years of leading high-performing teams and managing complex projects, is invaluable for both aspiring and seasoned operators. This is a must-watch. As always, don't forget to like, share, subscribe AND leave a comment if you found this insightful.
In this episode, Sim Shagaya, one of Nigeria’s leading entrepreneurs, takes us through his remarkable journey in building some of Africa’s most recognized businesses across multiple industries. From his decision to leave the U.S. and move back to Nigeria, to founding groundbreaking ventures like E-Motion, Konga, uLesson and many others, Sim shares invaluable insights from each stage of his entrepreneurial career.
This episode is filled with lessons on resilience, foresight, and making bold decisions that can define your legacy. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a comment and share with someone.
