In the earliest stages of a startup, team decisions often carry more weight than product decisions. This episode explores what founders need to know about building early teams when resources are limited and uncertainty is high.

We discuss why early hires are a strategic choice, how to recruit without large budgets, what investors look for in founding teams, and how culture begins forming long before it is named.

This episode is for early-stage founders and builders navigating the realities of building from the ground up.

Being a founder isn’t just hard work—it’s emotional labor.

In this episode of The African Hive, we open up a conversation we don’t have enough: mental health as a founder. From the daily emotional weight of leadership to the added pressure of raising capital, we’re talking about what it actually feels like to build a company when the world expects you to hold it all together.

But this isn’t just a venting session, it’s a practical guide.
You’ll learn:
- Why mental health matters in every season, not just during crisis
- What gets worse during a fundraise (and why)
- Steps you can take to stay grounded, even under pressure
- How to be honest with yourself and why it’s your greatest leadership tool

This is the episode I wish every founder heard before the burnout. Because your peace is part of the mission too.

🎧 Hit play. And share this with a founder who might be carrying more than they show.

No one tells you just how heavy it gets when you're building a business and raising at the same time.

You're pitching investors by day, managing your team by night, chasing growth targets in between—and somehow expected to keep all the wheels turning.

In this episode of The African Hive, we get real about what it takes to balance operations and fundraising. From splitting roles with your co-founder, to structuring your team, to keeping your traction strong while you raise—this is the guide I wish I had before my first fundraising sprint.

You’ll learn:
⚖️ How to know when you're ready to raise
🛠️ How to build systems that keep your ops moving
💡 How to stay sane when your energy is pulled in 10 directions
📂 Tools (like Capboard) to streamline your investor process

Whether you’re deep in the raise or just gearing up, this episode is packed with practical, honest insight for African founders navigating the juggle.

🎧 Hit play. Then share it with a founder who needs to hear it.

#KeepBuilding #TheAfricanHive #StartupAfrica #FundraisingAndFocus #FounderJourney #OperationsAndCapital #Capboard #LeadershipInStartups #AfricanFounders

Due diligence isn’t just paperwork—it’s power.

In this episode of The African Hive, we unpack what due diligence really means for African founders. From investor expectations to the perception gap, we explore why the process often feels more like de-risking than discovery. We get into the real differences between VCs and impact investors, and why your data room isn't just a folder—it’s your credibility in motion.

You'll learn:

-The core elements every data room should have
- Tools to keep you organized and investor-ready (hello, Capboard!)
- How to prepare for the scrutiny—and use it to your advantage
- Why founders, especially women, face overdue diligence—and how to flip the script

Knowledge is the great equalizer. Let’s use it.

🎧 Hit play and share this with a founder who needs to hear it. You’re building something powerful—let’s make sure you’re prepared to protect it.

Did you know that startup founders in Africa are often evaluated differently from those in the U.S. or Europe? While global startups can raise capital based on potential, African founders are frequently expected to prove significant traction before investors take a bet.

In this episode of The Hive, we unpack the reality behind these different expectations—why investors approach African markets with a unique lens, how intense due diligence shapes funding decisions, and what founders can do to navigate this process successfully. We also explore the additional challenges women founders face and the strategies to overcome them.

It’s not about obstacles—it’s about understanding the landscape and playing to win.

🎧 Tune in now! 🚀

You hear it all the time—"Is your startup growing like a hockey stick?" 🚀

The pressure to scale fast is real. Investors want explosive growth, VCs push for big exits, and founders feel like if they’re not doubling revenue every few months, they’re failing.

But here’s the question: Is hockey stick growth actually for everyone? And more importantly—is it for you?

In this episode, we break it all down:
📈 What hockey stick growth really means (beyond the buzzwords)
💰 Why VCs are obsessed with it (hint: their business depends on it)
⚠️ The hidden costs of chasing rapid scale
🎯 How to know if hypergrowth actually fits your business

Because not every company needs to be a unicorn, and not every founder wants to play the VC game. Let’s talk about what growth on your terms really looks like.

🎧 Listen now & share this with a founder who needs to hear it! 🚀

So, you’re out here trying to raise capital? Before you jump in, let’s get one thing straight—venture capital is a business. It’s not free money, and VCs aren’t just handing out checks for fun. They have their own investors, targets, and expectations. Understanding how VCs operate will completely change how you approach fundraising.

In this episode, we break down:
💰 How venture capital firms actually make money (spoiler: it’s not just from exits)
📊 Why fund managers have their own targets—and how that affects your funding chances
🎯 What founders need to know about VC expectations so you don’t raise on the wrong terms
🤝 The human side of VCs—yes, they’re people too, with pressures and career goals

If you're thinking about raising, already pitching, or just want to play the game strategically, this episode is a must-listen. Let’s demystify the business of VC and help you raise smarter, not harder.

🎧 Listen now & share with a founder who needs this! 🚀

Raising capital? Negotiating equity? Wondering what the hell a cap table actually does? You're not alone! In this episode, we’re breaking down the must-know startup finance basics—without the boring jargon.

💡 What you’ll learn:
✅ Cap Tables 101—Why they’re more than just a spreadsheet and how they shape your startup’s future.
✅ Preferred vs. Common Shares—Why investors love ‘preferred’ stock and how it affects your control.
✅ Startup Valuations—How to calculate yours, avoid over-inflation, and dodge costly mistakes.
✅ Waterfall Theory—How money flows when you exit (and why some founders walk away with nothing).
✅ Equity Survival Guide—How much ownership founders should hold onto at every round.

💸 If you're serious about raising capital and keeping control of your company, this episode is non-negotiable.

🚀 Tune in now & share with a fellow founder!
💾 Bonus: Check out Carta to model your cap table the right way!