Ep #10: From Vision to Reality: Redefining Investment Opportunities in Africa with Mitchan Adams

 

In this episode, guest Mitchan Adams, an investor and venture builder who co-founded Ozow, shares his inspiring journey, his goal of transforming the startup ecosystem in South Africa through his venture builder model, and how his initial plan to leave the country led him to recognize the need for change within South Africa's business landscape.

Listen as Mitchan talks about his vision for a venture builder that focuses on incubating and accelerating startups to address unemployment and lack of support for entrepreneurs, and his approach to bridge this gap. Find out how Mitchan aims to empower individuals to participate in the growth of South Africa's startup ecosystem, including the concept of an end-to-end pipeline as part of his strategy.

Listen to the Full Episode:

What You'll Learn In Today's Episode:

  • How Mitchan got into entrepreneurship. (01:41)

  • How a trip to Europe expanded Mitchan’s horizons. (07:41)

  • Mitchan’s business partnership with Thomas, and dealing with debt. (11:06)

  • How Ozow was developed. (16:49)

  • The fundraising journey for Ozow. (18:52)

  • How the Tencent deal came about. (24:47)

  • What made Mitchan exit the business during the Tencent deal. (27:49)

  • How Mitchan got into venture building. (39:13)

  • Why Mitchan thinks the execution of B-BBEE policies is flawed. (45:01)

  • The idea behind Aions Exchange. (51:42)

Ideas Worth Sharing:

  • “I don't want to be sitting around waiting to die. I want to add value.” - Mitchan Adams

  • “I was just somebody that was willing to listen to somebody that wanted to improve the system." - Mitchan Adams

  • “I believe Africa right now is in a great space. There's so much need. people are desperate that out of that desperation [comes] this innovation. which is why it's a great space to invest At this point.” - Mitchan Adams

Resources In Today's Episode:

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Ep #11: Risk, Resilience, and Innovation in the African Venture Landscape with Daniel Novitzkas

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Ep #09: Challenges and Opportunities in African VC