Founders Smith is a startup ecosystem builder that strengthens and scales decentralized
startup ecosystems across cities and states in West Africa, with Enugu as its pilot location.
The organization enables founders to build and grow early-stage, high-growth startups
within their local communities into scalable, sustainable businesses, driving innovation-led
economic development across the region.
01
Our Story
Great founders live in every state, but the support they need does not. Mentors, investors and partners sit in a handful of big cities, and founders everywhere else either move or stall. We started Founders Smith to change that. We build the networks, mentorship, partnerships and investor connections in each state, so talent and capital stay where companies are built.
02
Our Mission
Our Mission: To build and strengthen local startup ecosystems across West Africa by giving founders access to the networks, partnerships and resources they need to build sustainable, impactful startups.
03
Our Vision
To become West Africa’s leading startup ecosystem builder, so the region stops playing catch-up and leads the world in entrepreneurship, innovation and technology.
Udoka Riches otubelu
Co-founder, founders Smith
Joseph O. Ndinefo
Lead FSAP Unit
Chisom S. Obi
Head, Programme Management & Success Team
Israel N. Unya
Head, Partnerships
Chioma (Roshni) Ikpe-Eze
Founders Spotlight Management
Ruth A. Chigbo
Partnerships
Fredrick Progress
Branding
Glory Uchechi Amadife
Technical Assistant Generalist
Faith Oluoma Eneje
Marketing and Communications
Matthew Onuchukwu
Creative Designer
Wilfred Nwodo
Director, Mobilization
Founders Fair 2026
