To Raise or Not to Raise: Understanding Investor Criteria and Expectations
Is fundraising the right next step for your startup?
Deciding when, how, and if to seek investment is one of the most critical decisions for a founder. Get perspectives from both sides of the table!
Kick off BongoHive's new fortnightly mini-series, "Founders’ Guide to Fundraising: Fundraising 101," with this essential first session focused on "To Raise or Not to Raise: Understanding Investor Criteria and Expectations."
Join us for an insightful fireside chat designed specifically for early-stage startup founders in Zambia to hear directly from experienced investors and successful founders who've navigated this exact question.
Meet Our Expert Speakers for Session 1:
Michael Tarney (ZBAN): Gain insights from the Investment Committee Lead of the Zambia Business Angels Network (ZBAN). Michael brings extensive experience evaluating early-stage ventures. As an active angel investor and mentor, he offers direct knowledge of what angel investors look for.
Lelemba Phiri (ATG Samata): Learn from a leading Venture Capital investor active across SADC. As Co-Founder of ATG Samata and Operating Partner for Enygma Ventures, Lelemba provides the VC perspective on funding criteria, scaling businesses, and strategic investment decisions.
Chilufya Mutale-Mwila (Co-Founder & CVO, eShandi): Hear the founder perspective! Chilufya co-founded and scaled eShandi (formerly PremierCredit), a pan-African neobank now operating in 4 countries.Drawing from deep microfinance and fintech experience, she offers invaluable insights into the capital needs of growing businesses and navigating the crucial decisions.
Njavwa Mutambo (Co-Founder & CEO, Caantin): Gain insights from a Zambian serial tech entrepreneur. Njavwa is CEO of Caantin (AI communications) and previously founded TopUp Mama (foodtech) & Musanga Logistics.His journey building and pivoting ventures across multiple sectors provides a unique founder's view on tackling African challenges, achieving scale, and the strategic considerations around funding different growth stages.
Why You Need to Attend This Session:
Hear directly from both investors and seasoned founders. Understand:
What different types of investors look for vs. the founder's experience meeting criteria.
Key factors influencing the critical "raise or not to raise" decision from both perspectives.
Real-world experiences navigating investor expectations in the Zambian context.
How to align your startup's stage and goals with appropriate funding strategies.
Demystify the investment landscape and get your questions answered during the live Q&A!
About the Series:
The "Founders’ Guide to Fundraising" is a fortnightly series by BongoHive aimed at equipping Zambian founders with practical knowledge and direct insights from investors and experienced entrepreneurs.
Register Now!