The Partner at Prime Startups, Olumide Olayinka has disclosed the journey over the last ten years was beyond just finding promising startups; but about moulding them into resilient and market-leading companies.

Addressing journalists at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Innovation Centre in Ikoyi, Lagos, Olayinka said: “We get excited about the innovative idea, but we are passionate about the commercial success that follows because that’s where true, sustainable impact lies. Every job created, every market expanded, every dollar raised, is a testament to the sheer potential of African entrepreneurship and our unwavering commitment to helping it thrive.”

This philosophy, deeply embedded in Prime Startups’ DNA, drives founder support, cross-border partnerships, and strategic policy engagement. Specifically, their focus is on building robust operations, facilitating access to wider markets, and ensuring financial viability to attract serious investment and create lasting value.

Member of the Board of Trustees, Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), Sinari Daranijo revealed the state government’s crucial role in this growth, highlighting how the ripple effect of scaled companies across different verticals profoundly impacts job creation. These businesses foster sustainable careers—from customer service to operations—empowering thousands of young Africans and significantly contributing to national and regional GDPs, embodying inclusive growth.

On her part, Head of Marketing at Carbon, Nnenna Onyewuchi spoke on Carbon’s strategic partnership and commitment to empowering African businesses.

Other key stakeholders who lent their voices include, Country Manager for Indrive, Dimeji Timothy, who stressed the imperative of collaboration in building an inclusive and sustainable startup ecosystem.

Member of Lagos Startup Week and founder, the Performance Upgrade Lab, Isioma Utomi said there is need to bridge gender inequality gaps and encourage more women entrepreneurs.

Prime Startups’ distinction ultimately lies in its emphasis on commercial outcomes and market expansion. They guide ventures beyond local success to thrive globally, providing strategic guidance, network access, and market intelligence for confident cross-border growth. This deliberate push directly correlates to increased revenue, larger market share, and greater investor appeal, demonstrating the scalability and global competitiveness of African innovation by translating African brilliance into economic dividends.

As Lagos Startup Week 2025, themed “DND – Disrupting the Next Decade,” takes centre stage this week at the Civic Centre, Lagos, it serves as a timely moment to reflect on this powerful story. Prime Startups continues to lead the charge, ensuring that African innovation not only gets discovered but also grows into a formidable global force, building the future of Africa, one scaled company at a time.