The interview with Toyosi Ogedengbe, Principal at Ascension Ventures, delves into his insights and experiences as a venture capitalist, particularly in the realm of marketplace business models and the emerging tech ecosystem in Africa. In this engaging conversation, Toyosi shares his perspective on various aspects of venture capital, entrepreneurship, diversity, and leveraging relationships.

Kicking off the discussion, Toyosi introduces himself and his background in the venture capital landscape. His expertise lies in marketplace business models, a domain he is deeply passionate about. He highlights the unique dynamics and challenges of marketplaces, emphasizing the delicate balance between growth and retention that entrepreneurs must navigate.

A significant portion of the conversation revolves around the tech scene in Africa, which Toyosi finds particularly exciting. He points to Africa’s young population and the emergence of a middle class as key drivers of growth in the tech ecosystem. His observations shed light on the potential of African talent and innovation to impact the global tech industry.

The interview delves into the growth of fund managers and venture capital in Africa, shedding light on the evolving landscape of investment in the region. Toyosi emphasizes the increasing quality of talent in Africa and its potential to shape the industry’s trajectory. He shares his perspective on the challenges and opportunities faced by underrepresented founders in the venture space, providing valuable insights for those seeking to break into entrepreneurship or venture capital.

One of the highlights of the interview is Toyosi’s personal experience as a minority in the venture capital world. He discusses the cultural dynamics and sheds light on the lived experiences of individuals from underrepresented communities. Toyosi provides advice and guidance for aspiring venture capitalists and entrepreneurs from similar backgrounds, emphasizing the importance of persistence, networking, and learning from setbacks.

Drawing from his own journey, Toyosi shares his path into venture capital and the strategies he employed to secure roles in the industry. He discusses the challenges that underrepresented founders encounter and offers practical advice to overcome these barriers.

Throughout the conversation, Toyosi stresses the significance of leveraging relationships and doing thorough homework. He provides actionable insights on how founders can approach investors, establish trust, and create opportunities through meaningful connections. He offers a real-life example of how relationships can open doors and lead to valuable partnerships.

The interview concludes with Toyosi’s advice for individuals aspiring to break into the venture capital arena or entrepreneurship. He underscores the importance of resilience, continuous learning, and embracing challenges as opportunities for growth. Toyosi’s final remarks touch on the power of networks and his optimism about the future of venture capital and innovation.

For those looking to learn from a seasoned venture capitalist with a deep understanding of marketplace dynamics and a keen awareness of diversity and inclusion issues, this interview with Toyosi Ogedengbe provides a wealth of valuable insights and actionable advice. With his wealth of experience and unique perspective, Toyosi offers guidance that can empower aspiring entrepreneurs and venture capitalists on their journey toward success.