Ighodalo Labs, a venture studio, is set to bring 10 startup founders before investors and industry professionals at The Founders Buffet, scheduled for November 7, 2026, in Ibadan, Oyo State.
This event provides selected founders with the opportunity to pitch their businesses and receive valuable feedback on various aspects, including unit economics, product development, and distribution.
Unlike traditional pitch competitions that focus on monetary prizes, this session will prioritise practical insights from experienced individuals in startup building and investing. The names of the 10 participating startups have not yet been announced, as Ighodalo Labs’ screening team is still finalising the selection.
The gathering is expected to accommodate 80 founders, investors, and ecosystem delegates, with the format described by the organisers as an intimate networking session.
Investors and ecosystem leaders to join the panel
The confirmed panel includes investment professionals from VestedWorld, Microtraction, and Lagos Angel Venture Associates (LAVA), as well as representatives from Odu’a Investment Company, SWIT, She Leads Africa, and other organisations within the startup ecosystem.
Among the panel members are Overcomer Fasan and Chinenye Nwigwe, investment associates at VestedWorld; Ryan K. Uche-Tasie, an intelligence analyst at LAVA; and Taiwo Lawal, an investment and legal analyst at Microtraction.
Other notable participants include David Adeleke, founder of Zeeh Africa and convener of The ISF Forum, and Yemi Ajao, the group chief investment officer at Odu’a Investment Company.
Desmond Aghughu, studio lead at Ighodalo Labs, stated that the initiative aims to help early-stage founders demonstrate traction and connect with potential partners within the ecosystem.
“Building venture infrastructure requires deliberate collaboration. Our focus is helping early-stage builders prove real traction and connecting them with high-conviction ecosystem partners.” Desmond Aghughu, Studio Lead at Ighodalo Labs, said.
Similar read: SEC urges startups to look beyond bank loans to crowdfunding, commercial papers
The event is supported by various organisations, including VestedWorld, Microtraction, LAVA, Odu’a Investment Company, She Leads Africa, Nesta Co-Workspace, and L.E.G.I.T Innovation Hub. Technext serves as the exclusive technology media partner for the event.
The Founders Buffet will take place from 1:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at a private venue in Ibadan, with the address provided to confirmed guests. More information can be found on the event’s website.
Read also: Madica raises $6m to back early-stage African startups overlooked by traditional investors
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