UrbanGeekz CEO Kunbi Tinuoye Highlights African Startup Potential at Inaugural Forum
In an inspiring appearance at the inaugural Africa Gate to Growth Forum, held at the prestigious UC Berkeley Haas School of Business, UrbanGeekz founder and CEO Kunbi Tinuoye delivered a powerful message about the extraordinary potential of African startups. The forum gathered industry leaders, policymakers, and entrepreneurs focused on catalyzing growth in the tech ecosystem, particularly within French-speaking Africa.
Tinuoye shared her insights during a dynamic panel discussion titled 'Unlocking Funding Opportunities for African Tech Companies.' She was joined by notable figures, including multinational executive Salim Ben Hassim Soumbounou, who contributed to the rich dialogue around the diverse funding landscapes available to African entrepreneurs.
The discussion emphasized various funding avenues that could help elevate African startups, from traditional venture capital to innovative methods like crowdfunding and strategic partnerships. One of the standout points raised was the immense potential of the African diaspora, whose annual remittances surpass $100 billion, representing a largely untapped resource for developing innovative businesses across the continent.
"At UrbanGeekz, we are deeply committed to showcasing technology and innovation in Africa," said Tinuoye. In her reflections, she commended the AGG Forum for its efforts to shine a light on the often-overlooked potential of the Francophone African startup environment. Her involvement reiterates UrbanGeekz's mission to amplify diverse narratives and contribute meaningfully to the advancement of the African tech landscape in the global market.
The forum attracted a wide array of influential speakers, including H.E. Inza Camara, the Consul General of Côte d'Ivoire in New York, and Me Lassiney-Kathann Camara, the President of Africa Gate to Growth 2025. The collective wisdom shared during the event aimed to connect the dots between Africa's innovation ecosystem and global investment opportunities, marking a significant step toward systemic growth.
Hosted by the Ivorian Ministry of Digital Transition and Digitalization, the Africa Gate to Growth initiative is a pioneering effort designed to position West Africa as a competitive global tech hub. The collaborative nature of the forum brought together dignitaries and industry leaders, all focused on accelerating the growth of tech startups in the region.
Participants enjoyed a vibrant day filled with expert discussions, exhibitor demonstrations, and keynote speeches, exploring the regulatory frameworks and growth prospects unique to African markets. The day served as a precursor to an intensive immersive program, where ten Ivorian startups participated in an eight-day learning experience in Silicon Valley. This program included valuable networking opportunities, pitch practices, workshops, and investment meetings, aimed at equipping these startups with the knowledge and tools necessary to thrive.
UrbanGeekz stands as a leading voice in promoting the narratives of underrepresented groups, particularly in technology and innovation. The platform, which is rooted in the African American and Latinx communities, strives to make tech accessible and appealing to a broader audience, focusing on elevating themes that represent diverse career paths within STEM fields.
The Africa Gate to Growth initiative reinforces the significance of cross-border collaboration in advancing finance, technology, and innovation between markets in Africa and the United States. By uniting a diverse range of stakeholders, the initiative seeks to unlock new opportunities and spark digital transformation across critical sectors in the region.
In conclusion, Kunbi Tinuoye's engagement at the Africa Gate to Growth Forum marks a vital contribution to the discourse surrounding African startups and funding possibilities. By spotlighting the importance of a united African tech ecosystem, she advocates for a future where innovative solutions flourish, empowering the next generation of tech entrepreneurs in Africa and beyond.