The 440 Lagos accelerator programme, a joint venture between L5Lab and 88mph, has announced the mentors for its first programme, which will begin in September.
Approximately 10 startups will receive investment of between US$20,000 and US$110,000, and be admitted into a three-month accelerator programme, where they will be mentored.
The mentors include Stanbic IBTC executive director Obinnia Abajue, Mavin Records founder Michael Ajereh aka Don Jazzy, Twinpine/Terragon Group chief executive officer (CEO) Elo Umeh and Obinna Ekezie, co-founder of Wakanow.
Tavia Technologies founder Ayo Olashoju, VAS vice president at Airtel Nigeria Francis Ebuehi, Etisalat head of digital media Adia Sowho, Fundamo founder Hannes Van Resburg, Vanso International managing director Denis O’Brienand CBO Capital managing director Bex Nwawudu complete the list.
Chika Nwobi of L5Lab, said: “We are bringing domain experts from banking, telecommunications, transportation, music and other fields together to help guide entrepreneurs to success.”
Mentors previously announced were Mitchell Elegbe, Founding CEO of Interswitch, Simdul Shagaya, founder and CEO of Konga, Jay Alabraba, co-founder of Paga, Rafael Afaedor, co-founder of Jumia, Afam Edozie of MTN Nigeria, Tomi Hudonu, country manager of Cheki Nigeria, and Deji Adewunmi, CEO and co-founder of Jobberman.
“With our strong set of mentors and network of VCs we hope to be able to help both early stage startups and also those who may have been going for a few years and now want to accelerate their growth through outside investment,” said Kresten Buch of 88mph.
The deadline for startups to apply – which can be done on the 440 website – is July 31, 2014.
