B&B Global Investments, Inc.

Empowering Women in STEM and Entrepreneurship: Introducing the WISE Summit At B&B Global Investments, Inc., we are dedicated to creating a world where innovation and entrepreneurship are accessible to all. In line with this mission, we are proud to introduce the WISE Summit, an innovation platform designed to address Critical Gaps and Challenges faced by Women in STEM and Entrepreneurship, Globally. We believe that by supporting Women in STEM and entrepreneurship, we can create a more inclusive and equitable future for everyone. Join us in this mission and stay tuned for more updates on the WISE Summit. Fill out this form if you are interested in joining our Consortium: https://wkf.ms/3T1RBwo

We're excited to announce the official launch of the 22 On Sloane Cape Town Hub! At 22 On Sloane, our mission has always been to empower entrepreneurs, build thriving ecosystems, and foster innovation across Africa. Today, we proudly marked a new milestone with the official launch of the 22 On Sloane Cape Town Hub, located in the heart of Green Point. The day began with a warm welcome by Kizito Okechukwu, Executive Head of 22 On Sloane, setting the stage for insightful panel discussions and keynote sessions. Entrepreneurs, investors, and ecosystem players came together to exchange ideas, share experiences, and shape the future of African entrepreneurship. This hub is more than just a space; it’s a promise—a commitment to breaking barriers, creating opportunities, and driving inclusive growth. As a legacy project of GEC+Africa 2024, it stands as a beacon of collaboration, innovation, and empowerment for startups and entrepreneurs across the continent. Key moments included: ? Elizabeth Ramashala, Head of Transformation at African Bank, speaking on the bank’s mission to support entrepreneurs. ? Jonathan Ortmans, President of the Global Entrepreneurship Network, officially launching Global Entrepreneurship Week 2024. ? Ilse van Schalkwyk, Acting DDG: Strategic Economic Accelerators and Drivers, Western Cape Provincial Government, speaking on the province’s dedication to supporting startups and small businesses. ? Alderman James Vos, MMC of Economic Growth and Tourism for the City of Cape Town, highlighting the role of entrepreneurship in economic development. With our prime facilities, unparalleled networking opportunities, and a vision rooted in inclusion, the Cape Town Hub is ready to inspire the next generation of innovators. This is just the beginning of a bold new chapter in building Africa’s entrepreneurial legacy. We would like to extend our appreciation to partners once more: African Bank, South African Future Trust, W&RSETA and Allan & Gill Gray Philanthropies #22OnSloaneCPTHub #GEW2024 #EntrepreneursUnite #GlobalEntrepreneurshipWeek #innovationunleashed #entrepreneurship #capetown #22OnSloane

Exciting Opportunity for African Innovators! The?Prosper Africa Tech for Trade Alliance?is thrilled to announce a?Call for Applications?for African companies with innovative, tech-driven solutions to accelerate commerce and trade across the continent! We’re looking for scalable solutions that address key challenges within Africa’s trade ecosystem, fostering economic integration and growth. Whether you're a startup or an established business, if you’re developing solutions that streamline trade processes, expand market reach, and connect African businesses to the world, we want to hear from you! What We’re Looking For: Solutions with demonstrable impact and scalability Clear pathways toward future financing and investment ? Why Apply? Selected applicants will gain access to vital resources to drive trade efficiencies, expand their solutions, and help position Africa as a global digital economy leader. ?To apply, start by reading the full solicitation here: https://lnkd.in/e6EBUF9Z Once you’ve reviewed the solicitation, submit your concept note application via this link: https://lnkd.in/gvpY2y3Q ?Applications are open until?December 20th. Don’t miss your chance to shape the future of trade in Africa and beyond! #AfricaInnovation #TradeForAfrica #DigitalTransformation #ProsperAfrica #AfricanEntrepreneurs #TechForGood

? Founders, let’s chat timing. ? First things first, you can want VCs to invest when it makes sense for your business all you want—but reality check—there’s a rhythm to this game, and right now, we’re heading into the slow zone. ?? Heads up: Venture deal negotiations are about to cool way down. ?? Sure, December might look busy on paper—it’s historically the peak month for signed deals—but don’t get it twisted. Most of those deals were cooking in October and November. Let me break it down: ?? Thanksgiving hits, and trying to launch a full-blown fundraising process after that? Not it. January? Crickets. February? A soft echo. But March? That’s when things heat up again, as those New Year negotiations come to life. So what’s a savvy founder to do when the venture waters turn icy? ?? Game Plan for the Slow Season ?? 1?? Prep like the pro you are. Dust off that investor list, tighten up your email game, and start lining up warm intros. Fundraising is a full-contact sport, so get your roster ready. 2?? Build like you mean it. Fundraising may slow, but your growth shouldn’t. Keep executing on your product and business goals—that progress will speak volumes when it’s time to pitch. 3?? Learn and strategize. Use this time to get smarter about the fundraising landscape. What does your next round look like? How will you structure it? Don’t forget to tap into resources and experts to sharpen your strategy. Fundraising isn’t just about the money—it’s about timing, strategy, and relationships. Play the long game, and you’ll come out stronger. Let’s make 2025 a year of better deals and better outcomes for founders.

It’s a pleasure to announce the second edition of our proprietary event, Africa Prosperity Summit, happening in November in Lagos, Nigeria. In its second edition, the invite-only summit themed “Funding the Next Billion: Africa’s VC Investment Landscape in a Post-ZIRP Era”, will emphasise the need for informed investment strategies, exploring the historical context of economic development and its relevance to Africa today, and redefining risk assessment in the post-ZIRP era. The summit will bring together over 160 ecosystem players, including Fund of Funds, DFIs, family offices, fund managers, corporates, and top African entrepreneurs, for three days of engaging activities, including the main summit on November 15th. We are officially counting down and we are excited about the brilliance to be experienced. #AfricaProsperitySummit2024 #APS2024 #VenturesPlatform #VPFund Kola A. Dr. Dotun Olowoporoku

Congratulations to President Duma Boko on his historic election as Botswana's new leader. This could be a truly pivotal moment that presents a unique opportunity to elevate Botswana's innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem. Looking forward to seeing what's to come!

Recently, I had the honor of being invited to a roundtable hosted by His Excellency Ambassador Andrei Muraru and Consul General Lucia Sava in Los Angeles, highlighting Romania’s immense potential for collaboration with the U.S. across IT, defense, automotive, and energy. Special thanks to the amazing Simona Filip Racek, CGBP for bringing together such a dynamic platform for exchange and for your exceptional work in #moderating #organizing this impactful discussion. My journey with Romania’s innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem began during the pandemic in 2021 at the Global Consortium of Entrepreneurship Centers assembly in Baltimore Maryland, where I met my dear friend Catalina Crisan, Associate Professor of Entrepreneurship at and Executive Coordinator of the UBB Student i-Lab at Babes-Bolyai University. Her commitment to Romania’s growth ignited my own passion and put my expertise to work and all we have been doing is building strategic partnerships that drive innovation and opportunity. Now is the time to expand our efforts and collaborate with more builders and leaders. Stay tuned for more updates as we forge new paths for growth and global impact! As always I invite anyone in my network interested in supporting Romania’s journey in innovation and trade to reach out. We can only make a meaningful difference if we do it together not alone! Amazing photos taken by Cristian Coldea. Check him out if you need a top production company! Photo Credits (c) Cristian Coldea - https://lnkd.in/gdAfPsz8 - https://lnkd.in/gaKRGbub #BBGlobal #GlobalTradeAccelerator #RomaniaUSPartnership #CapacityBuilding #VentureBuilding #EcosystemBuilding #InnovationAndEntrepreneurship #TradeAndInvestment Santosh Paragond, O'Maxwell Gad, Florin Diumea, Snigdha Ganesh, Nelly Yusupova, Donnell Layne

It is undeniable that startups, including those in Africa, require more than just funding to succeed. Despite the significant funding flowing into the continent, startup failure rates remain high, which is a challenge that cannot be completely eliminated but can certainly be improved. Challenges such as complex regulations, limited market access, and a shortage of skilled talent persist. Providing support in navigating regulatory frameworks, improving market access, and building capacity through training and mentorship is crucial. Furthermore, access to networks and localized investment can significantly enhance their chances of success. A holistic approach that encompasses these elements can create an enabling environment for startups to thrive and contribute to economic growth. Thank you FSD Africa for sharing this insightful document ??Repost to reach more entrepreneurs out there

In 2014, the African Innovation Outlook (AIO) set the stage for a transformative decade in science, technology, and innovation (STI) across Africa. Fast forward to 2024, and the progress is remarkable. Key Highlights: ??1. Increased R&D Investment: Public and private sectors have significantly boosted R&D funding, with countries like South Africa, Kenya, and Nigeria leading the charge. International collaborations have also flourished, addressing critical issues like health and climate change. ??2. Innovation Hubs and Startups: The rise of innovation hubs in cities like Nairobi, Lagos, and Cape Town has fueled a vibrant startup ecosystem. Access to venture capital and initiatives like the Innovation Prize for Africa have supported groundbreaking solutions. ??3. Digital Transformation: Investments in digital infrastructure have enhanced internet connectivity, driving innovations in fintech, e-commerce, and e-health. Mobile technology, particularly mobile money services like M-Pesa, has revolutionized financial inclusion. ??4. Supportive Policies: Governments have implemented policies to foster innovation, including tax incentives for R&D and startup-friendly regulations. Regional integration efforts have further facilitated cross-border collaborations. >>> Challenges and Opportunities: While progress is evident, challenges such as funding gaps and the need for capacity building persist. Ensuring inclusive innovation that benefits all segments of society remains a priority. As we look ahead, sustaining this momentum and addressing these challenges will be crucial for driving inclusive and sustainable development across the continent. #Innovation #Africa #STI #Entrepreneurship #DigitalTransformation #SustainableDevelopment What are your thoughts on the progress made in the past decade? Are there specific areas you believe need more attention? (Here's a link to the full article on my Newsletter The EcoImpact Review : https://lnkd.in/dfdScpsc) Let's discuss!

Africa is on the brink of a transformative era. By 2040, the continent is projected to host 25% of the global workforce. This demographic shift presents both a challenge and an unprecedented opportunity for economic growth and innovation. To harness this potential, we must strategically prepare our workforce and entrepreneurial ecosystem. __________________________________________________ The Current Landscape Africa boasts the highest rates of entrepreneurship globally, with over 20% of working-age individuals starting new businesses. This entrepreneurial spirit is driven by necessity and opportunity, as many young Africans turn to entrepreneurship due to limited formal employment options. However, the landscape is not without its challenges: - High Youth Unemployment: Despite the entrepreneurial drive, youth unemployment remains a significant issue. - Skills Mismatch: There is a gap between the skills possessed by the workforce and those demanded by the job market. - Informal Sector Dominance: A large portion of economic activity occurs in the informal sector, which lacks the stability and growth potential of formal employment. __________________________________________________ Preparing for the Future To fully leverage the potential of our future workforce, we must focus on several key areas: 1. Education and Skills Development: - Tech and Digital Skills: Emphasize training in digital literacy, coding, and other tech-related skills to prepare the workforce for the digital economy. - Vocational Training: equip young people with practical skills that are in demand in various industries. 2. Entrepreneurial Support: - Access to Funding - Mentorship and Networks 3. Policy and Infrastructure: - Supportive Policies - Infrastructure Development: including reliable internet access, transportation, and energy, to create a conducive environment for business operations. 4. Social Protection: - Safety Nets: Develop social protection programs to support workers in the informal sector and those transitioning between jobs. - Healthcare and Benefits __________________________________________________ Our future workforce holds immense potential to drive economic growth and innovation. By investing in education, supporting entrepreneurship, implementing conducive policies, and developing robust infrastructure, we can harness this potential and position ourself as a global leader in the 21st century. Let's embrace this opportunity and work together to build a prosperous future for Africa and our people.