How to Prepare, Pitch and Close in With Investors
23rd July, 2025 | 10.00 aM
Venue:
Start Innovation Hub, Plot 6, Unit C, Ewet Housing Estate, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State
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Are You Ready to Transform Your Vision into a Game-Changing Startup?
Join us for this edition of the Founders Series, a specialized program designed to equip startup founders in Akwa Ibom State with the essential knowledge and tools to become investment-ready!
Raising funding is one of the most critical and challenging aspects of building a startup. This edition of the Ibom Innovation Network Founders Series features Odiong Akpan, Founder of Ubulu Africa, as he shares expert strategies on how startups can effectively prepare, pitch, and close deals with investors.
With over two decades of experience building innovation systems and supporting venture growth across Africa, Odiong will offer practical insights on investor readiness, storytelling, and building trust in high-stakes conversations.
If you’re seeking funding or planning to raise soon, this is one session you shouldn’t miss.
What You Will Learn
How to craft and structure a compelling investor pitch
Key elements investors look for before committing to a startup
How to tell your startup story in a way that builds interest and trust
Techniques for managing investor questions and objections
Tips for negotiating terms and closing funding deals
Common mistakes startups make when pitching—and how to avoid them
Who Should Attend?
This event is tailor-made for:
- Startup founders and co-founders looking to raise funds
- Early-stage entrepreneurs preparing for investment rounds
- Business development and fundraising teams
- Innovation managers and startup mentors
- Investors, accelerators, and ecosystem builders
- Students and professionals interested in venture funding and pitching
Speaker
Dr. Odiong Akpan
Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Ubulu Africa
Odiong is the Founder and CEO of Ubulu Africa, an innovation management company focused on venture building and ecosystem support. With over 21 years of experience working with multinational companies like Chevron, Ericsson, Airtel, Huawei, and Schlumberger, he has led digital innovation projects across multiple industries.
He consults for the UNDP timbuktoo Policy Impact Unit, supporting innovation policy and entrepreneurship across Africa. Odiong holds degrees from the University of Nigeria, the University of Warwick, and a DBA from the University of Bradford. His research centers on digital competencies, workforce transformation, and organizational learning.
A member of the Chartered Institute of Directors (CIoD), Odiong is passionate about digital innovation, development, and policy influence. He also enjoys chess and landscape photography.
Why Attend the Founders Series?
The Founders Series is more than just an event; it’s a critical step in your entrepreneurial journey. By attending, you will
- Gain invaluable insights from experienced industry leaders.
- Network with like-minded individuals and potential co-founders.
- Lay a strong foundation for developing an investment-ready startup.
- Become part of a supportive community dedicated to fostering innovation in Akwa Ibom State.