Oxford foundry partners FMDQ to grow Nigerian start-ups

The Oxford Foundry, the University of Oxford's prestigious entrepreneurship center, has recently announced a groundbreaking partnership with Nigeria's FMDQ Group through its private markets arm. This initiative is set to provide invaluable skills and networking opportunities to Nigerian start-ups and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), marking a significant step towards fostering entrepreneurship and innovation in the region. The collaboration aims to leverage the vast entrepreneurial talent in Nigeria and the extensive resources and networks offered by the University of Oxford, particularly the Oxford Foundry, with the ultimate goal of catalyzing the growth and success of local businesses. Ana Bakshi, Executive Director of Oxford Foundry, highlighted the strategic importance of expanding their global reach through such partnerships, emphasizing the thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in Africa. Bakshi underscored the immense potential in Nigeria, a country poised to surpass the United States in population by 2050, making it a prime location for investment in entrepreneurial ventures. The track record of successful start-ups like Flutterwave and Paystack further solidifies the promise of Nigeria as a hub of innovation. Bakshi expressed optimism about the collaboration with FMDQ and anticipated significant positive impacts on the Nigerian entrepreneurial landscape. Kaodi Ugoji, Group Chief Operating Officer of FMDQ Group, shed light on the establishment of FMDQ Private Markets, the group's latest venture dedicated to facilitating access to private capital for companies. Ugoji emphasized the critical role of private markets in bridging the gap for private companies seeking capital infusion. FMDQ Private Markets offers a comprehensive platform catering to diverse private enterprises, from small start-ups to established growth companies, providing them with opportunities to access the capital market and attract investments. The partnership with Oxford Foundry aligns with FMDQ's core mission of fostering prosperity and economic growth in Nigeria by supporting and nurturing young entrepreneurial talent. The synergy between Oxford Foundry and FMDQ emerges from a shared commitment to driving prosperity and empowerment in Nigeria. Ugoji emphasized the significance of empowering young Nigerian entrepreneurs to become future business leaders, contributing substantially to the economy and creating employment opportunities. The partnership with Oxford Foundry, with its proven track record of supporting over 32 venture companies and generating 170 jobs through its accelerator program, symbolizes a potent collaboration that blends expertise and experience. The credibility and expertise of Oxford Foundry, coupled with the esteemed reputation of the University of Oxford, position the partnership as a transformative force in the Nigerian entrepreneurial landscape. In conclusion, the partnership between Oxford Foundry and FMDQ Group heralds a new era of collaboration and innovation in Nigeria's entrepreneurial sphere. The fusion of academic excellence with financial expertise holds immense promise for nurturing and scaling up budding start-ups and SMEs, driving economic growth and employment opportunities in the country. As the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Nigeria continues to evolve and expand, such strategic alliances are poised to catalyze a wave of innovation and success, propelling the country towards a prosperous future.