Can venture studios crack Africa’s startup puzzle? FirstFounders thinks so
- In July 2025, PocketLawyers announced funding from Nubia Capital to expand its operations in Africa.
- PocketLawyers pivoted from a user-lawyer connection service to offering connectivity tools for lawyers.
- FirstFounders, founded by David Lanre Messan, is a venture studio that supports startups in Nigeria.
The venture studio model, as exemplified by FirstFounders, presents a promising approach to nurturing startups in Africa. By focusing on sustainable business practices and character-driven founder selection, it addresses some of the common pitfalls faced by new entrepreneurs. However, the challenges of capital access and talent retention must be strategically managed to ensure long-term success.
