modester inawedi

Investment Analyst @Seedstars Africa Ventures | Fintech | Africa VC

[modester inawedi @ModesterInawedi]

Thanks for having me! 🥳

[Kenya AI Challenge @KenyaAIHack]

📢 Judge Announcement! 🚀

Excited to welcome Modester Inawedi to the judging panel!

As an Analyst at Seedstars Africa Ventures , she brings rich experience in VC and fintech startup building across Africa.

Welcome, Modester! 🇰🇪🤖

@DirectEdDev @AiKenya1 @MC_AgriFin

[modester inawedi @ModesterInawedi]

Excited to join Venture Institute Cohort 5!

I support the Mensarius Oath for ethical investing by @govclab.

https://t.co/P0DjMorcNN #VentureCapital #MensariusOath

[modester inawedi @ModesterInawedi]

@NyawiraMsguided @KenyaPower_Care We should pick better next time.

[modester inawedi @ModesterInawedi]

Founders often make the mistake of creating a product they *think* customers want, instead of what they *actually* want.

Listening to customers is key. Otherwise, you'll have this beautiful product that no one will pay for.

[modester inawedi @ModesterInawedi]

The introduction of new taxes, weakening shilling, and high energy bills are making it tough for businesses in Kenya to turn a profit and multinationals are now pulling out.

This will only worsen unemployment.

The hustler nation is in for a ride! 😅
https://t.co/9qUtA112r5

[Jasiel Martin-Odoom @Jasielinvests]

In Africa's tech investing scene, there's a silent reality nobody mentions:

many founders are building the exact same thing.

I see the same companies, with the same decks, with MAYBE different brand colors.

My guess: building unique solutions is harrder than the podcasts say.

[modester inawedi @ModesterInawedi]

A must-read!

Considering quitting your day job to start a fintech company? Before you do, here's a quick reality check.

Building a successful fintech isn't easy. Thin margins, rampant fraud, and resilient traditional banks make it a challenging journey.
https://t.co/4sTdnXhusf

[modester inawedi @ModesterInawedi]

Newfound hope for African founders! ✨

As established accelerators like YC retreat from Africa, VC veterans Aboyeji and Koschitzky-Kimani have teamed up to launch the YC of Africa.

We love to see it.
https://t.co/G5krzoRHhP

[modester inawedi @ModesterInawedi]

Got a notification about 10 new followers on Threads.

What even is Threads? Created an account during the hype, but never really went back.

I guess it's true – if your product doesn't solve a problem, you'll lose customer interest as fast as you gain it.

[modester inawedi @ModesterInawedi]

In 2023, 15 African startups shut down, and it's expected that this trend will accelerate in 2024.

But, is this enough to conclude that the "sky is falling"?
https://t.co/BNMCPjoBON

[modester inawedi @ModesterInawedi]

Happy New Year! 🥳

Took me a while to get back. I was busy dealing with power outages in our hustler country. But at least I had time to work on my New Year's resolutions.

It's not the ideal start, but we move.😅

[modester inawedi @ModesterInawedi]

This message can't be emphasized enough!

Create a product that addresses a genuine need and that customers are eager to pay for.

I recall my mentor asking, "Is your product a sweet treat or a remedy?"

There's a limit to how far you can go with just a sweet treat.

[Eunice Ajim @euniceajim]

My 2-step startup strategy:

1. Launch fast
2. Iterate quickly

Don't waste your time or money building something nobody wants.

Put it out there as soon as possible and get feedback from real users.

[modester inawedi @ModesterInawedi]

Opay's lax registration processes are under fire following rising concerns over financial fraud in Nigeria.

Checks by @TechCabal uncovered serious flaws in the verification system, making it easy for bad actors to gain access.
https://t.co/5vzW1bgGbE

[modester inawedi @ModesterInawedi]

Bolt is stepping up support for its drivers in Lagos & Abuja with a new fuel subsidy bonus campaign.

Drivers will receive N10,000 weekly to help ease the impact of fuel price hikes.
https://t.co/E77YgzB4cI

[modester inawedi @ModesterInawedi]

"Culture is an outcome of what you reward, punish, and tolerate. And it’s established through actions — visible, clear, and costly actions."

@eajene's piece dives into how these actions shape a thriving company culture.
https://t.co/YoVxfHa14A

[modester inawedi @ModesterInawedi]

Jumia Technologies shutting down Jumia Food in 7 countries highlights the tough nature of Africa's food delivery market.

By prioritizing core e-commerce, the move aims for profitability in the face of fierce competition and economic difficulty.
https://t.co/2XFzOluRcb

[modester inawedi @ModesterInawedi]

With $20 million in new Series C extension funding, Ex-Metaswitch CEO John Lazar joins Copia Global's board, driving the push toward profitability.

https://t.co/Pv5HCJ7OGe

[modester inawedi @ModesterInawedi]

The @UN predicts that about 50 million people in West and Central Africa will face hunger next year due to conflict, climate change, and soaring food prices.

Tough times ahead!
https://t.co/pzVb1pQhrH

[modester inawedi @ModesterInawedi]

Flutterwave is on a hiring spree, bringing in 6 new executives from big financial players like Cash App, Paypal, and Western Union, just a month after 3 high-level exits.
https://t.co/1qtj4j3jwl

[modester inawedi @ModesterInawedi]

Starting January 2024, travelers can visit Kenya visa-free.

I'm not sure this is a good thing but let's wait.
https://t.co/w4KIBx9oFx