Raising Capital in Nigeria Made Easy with LinkNetwork

Nigeria is a country with a thriving startup ecosystem, but raising capital can be a challenge for many entrepreneurs. 

Despite the vast potential of Nigeria’s startup ecosystem, access to funding remains a significant challenge for many entrepreneurs.

This post explores the challenges and opportunities of raising capital for startups in Nigeria. We will also provide some tips and strategies for startups to navigate the funding landscape in Nigeria and secure the necessary funds for expansion, innovation, and competitiveness.

Challenges of Raising Capital in Nigeria 

One of the main challenges faced by entrepreneurs and businesses in Nigeria when it comes to raising capital is limited access to financing. According to the World Bank, only 31% of Nigerian adults have access to formal financial services, and only 15% have access to credit. This means that many startups struggle to find sources of funding that suit their needs and stage of development.

One of the major challenges faced by startups is the strict collateral requirements imposed by financial institutions. In Nigeria, for instance, collateral requirements range from 100% to 200% of the loan amount, which is higher than the average of 80% in Sub-Saharan Africa, according to the African Development Bank. This high collateral requirement poses a major obstacle for many startups seeking loans, especially for those who lack assets to pledge as security.

A third challenge is the high interest rates that many financial institutions charge on loans. According to the Central Bank of Nigeria, the average lending rate in Nigeria was 27.9% in February 2020, which is higher than the average of 16.8% in Sub-Saharan Africa 6. This makes it expensive for many startups to borrow money, especially if they do not have a proven track record of profitability and cash flow.

A fourth challenge is the unstable economic environment that Nigeria faces. Nigeria has experienced several economic shocks in recent years, such as the fall in oil prices, the devaluation of the Naira, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the recession. These shocks have affected the availability and cost of funding, as well as the demand and growth prospects of many startups.

Opportunities for Raising Capital in Nigeria 

Although Nigeria presents several challenges for startups, there are still opportunities for them to secure funding. These include Government Support: The Nigerian government has launched several initiatives to support startups, such as the National Enterprise Development Programme, the Youth Enterprise with Innovation in Nigeria Programme, the Growth and Employment Project, and the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council 7. These initiatives provide grants, loans, training, mentoring, and policy reforms to startups in various sectors and regions. Investor Interest: Nigeria has attracted significant investor interest in recent years, especially in the tech sector. 

According to Partech Africa, Nigeria received $307 million in venture capital funding in 2019, which was the highest in Africa. Some of the notable investors that have backed Nigerian startups include Y Combinator, 500 Startups, TLcom Capital, EchoVC Partners, and Greycroft Partners. Fintech Sector: Nigeria has a vibrant fintech sector that is providing innovative solutions to the financial inclusion and access challenges that many startups face. 

According to the Global Fintech Index, Nigeria ranked 29th out of 230 countries in terms of fintech ecosystem performance and potential in 2020, which was the highest in Africa. Some of the leading fintech startups in Nigeria include Paystack, Flutterwave, PiggyVest, Carbon, and Kuda

Tips and Strategies for Raising Capital in Nigeria 

To take advantage of these opportunities, startups in Nigeria need to adopt some tips and strategies for raising capital. 

These include: 

• Know Your Funding Options: Startups in Nigeria need to be aware of the different types of funding available, such as grants, venture capital, angel investors, crowdfunding, loans, and credit. They need to understand the pros and cons of each option, such as the amount, duration, cost, terms, and conditions of the funding. They also need to identify the sources and platforms that offer these options, such as organizations, firms, individuals, and websites. 
• Prepare Your Pitch: Startups in Nigeria need to prepare a compelling pitch that showcases their value proposition, market opportunity, competitive advantage, traction, team, and financial projections. They need to tailor their pitch to the specific audience and objective of the funding, such as the stage, sector, and region of the startup. They also need to practice and refine their pitch to make it clear, concise, and convincing. 
• Build Your Network: Startups in Nigeria need to build and leverage their network to access and attract funding. They need to connect and communicate with potential funders, such as organisations, firms, individuals, and platforms. They also need to engage and collaborate with other stakeholders, such as mentors, peers, customers, and partners. They also need to showcase and promote their achievements, such as awards, media coverage, and testimonials.

LinkNetwork could help you on your business journey. It connects you with businesses from various sectors and also provides you with valuable information and access to finance and other resources.

Raising capital for startups in Nigeria can be a challenge, but it can also be an opportunity. With the right funding, Nigeria could become a hub for innovation not only in Africa but also globally. The government and private sector players can play a significant role in providing the necessary support and investment to help these startups grow and succeed.