IN THE VALLEY

Welcome back to IN THE VALLEY Season 3!We're sitting down in this episode with a true powerhouse, Ashley Lewis, Managing Partner DPI Venture Capital. Ashley's journey is one of abundance and limitlessness, taking her from Goldman Sachs and Vanguard to the heart of African tech with a fascinating detour through the Peace Corps in Togo.In this must-watch episode, Ashley shares how her competitive sports background with family members in the College Football Hall of Fame and playing professional football in the NFL and CFL fuelled her drive as she moved into finance and ultimately to Africa. You'll hear how her passion led her to co-found the successful Lagos Rebels flag football team and partner with Silverbacks Holdings to invest in the Cape Town Tigers basketball franchise, a true blend of sport and investment across the continent.Ashley unpacks the bold move by Development Partners International (DPI) from private equity into the venture capital space, creating a rare seed to sale platform for Africa. Learn about the firm's significant activity, including their investment in leading companies like MNT-Halan, Kazyon, and Sylndr (via the Nclude Fund). Ashley reveals the hard numbers behind their strategy: DPI Venture Capital has deployed $25M in the last 12 months, and the Nclude Fund has deployed approximately $50M since its launch.This conversation is a masterclass in global perspective, purpose-driven investing, and finding home in Africa. Don't miss Ashley's advice for anyone considering a move to the continent and her vision for a diverse, collaborative African tech ecosystem.🔔 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring stories from founders and funders shaping the future of tech, sports, entertainment, and fashion from Africa to the rest of the world.Enjoy the episode!

Welcome back to IN THE VALLEY. Today's guest is Omar El Defrawy, the visionary Founder & CEO of Sylndr, Egypt's leading automotive e-commerce marketplace for used cars.In this conversation, Omar shares his journey from finance and tech into the world of automotive innovation, the toughest lessons he's faced scaling a fast-moving startup, and the values that drive Sylndr's culture. From pioneering services to building trust in a market that needed it most, Omar reveals what it takes to disrupt an industry while keeping people at the center of the mission.Launched in 2021, Sylndr is on a mission to bring transparency, trust, and convenience to one of Egypt's most fragmented industries. Under Omar's leadership, the company has introduced services like Sylndr Swift, Sylndr Plus, and Al-Ajans, making car ownership more accessible than ever.Recently, Sylndr raised a landmark $15.7 million Series A round, led by Development Partners International (DPI) and Nclude Fund, cementing its role as a key player in Egypt's mobility sector.Whether you're an entrepreneur, investor, or just someone passionate about innovation, this conversation gives a rare inside look at the future of mobility in Egypt and beyond.🔔 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring stories from founders and funders shaping the future of tech, sports, entertainment, and fashion from Africa to the rest of the world.Special thanks to our sponsor, the Saudi Africa Society (SAS), for the support in amplifying stories of culture, creativity, and innovation.Enjoy the show and come back for more!

Just in time for back to school season, this all-new, compelling episode hosted by Ibrahim Sagna of IN THE VALLEY, will unpack the many facets of Dina H. Sherif, Executive Director of the MIT Kuo-Sharper Center for Prosperity and Entrepreneurship, formerly named The Legatum Center for Development and Entrepreneurship.Dina's career spans over two decades at the intersection of economic inclusion, social entrepreneurship, and impact investing. From her academic roots at the American University in Cairo, Harvard and ‪MIT in Boston, she shares how her journey from the U.S. and Egypt shaped her mission to redefine global development and challenge traditional narratives.As a pioneer in promoting conscious capitalism, Dina reveals what it truly means in practice, especially within African economies. She reflects on launching Entrepreneurship with Impact Ventures (EwIV), building inclusive entrepreneurship ecosystems in Egypt, and supporting over 600 global innovators through MIT.Under her leadership, the Kuo-Sharper Center, has raised over $40M to advance its mission and, in its first 15 years, provided more than $10M in tuition support for 326 fellows from 57 countries. Collectively, fellows have launched 286 ventures, creating 17,000+ direct jobs, raising $932M+ in capital, and generating over $660M in annual revenue.In this conversation, Dina delves into the importance of words choices, the edge of impact investing and sustainable business models and explores how innovation and technology can drive inclusive economic growth across Africa and the Arabian Peninsula.🔔 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring stories from founders and funders shaping the future of tech, sports, entertainment, and fashion from Africa to the rest of the world.This episode is brought to you in partnership with Soil Spaces and the Saudi Africa Society (SAS), supporting the voices and stories shaping culture and business across the region.Enjoy the show and come back for more.

Welcome to season 3 of IN THE VALLEY Podcast. We have the great privilege to start the season with a legend. Azza Fahmy is more than a phenomenal jewellery designer and business leader of the fashion industry. She's a global icon writing the blueprint of exporting culture and gems across many oceans. Recognized by Forbes Middle East on the "50 Women Behind Middle Eastern Brands" list, she has spent over five decades preserving heritage through luxury. As the Creative Director & Chairwoman of Azza Fahmy Jewellery, her designs are radiating across spaces in many continents. Few brands bring civilization, art, and tradition to life in such breathtaking, modern forms.In this episode of IN THE VALLEY, Azza tells all about her journey from breaking into a male-dominated industry in Egypt, to collaborating with global fashion houses like Balmain, Matthew Williamson, and BOKJA, Azza has redefined what it means to tell stories through jewellery and her work has become more than designs; they're a celebration of art. Today, the brand proudly operates 14 stores across Egypt and 6 internationally; Dubai, Qatar, London, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan, while producing over 18,000 pieces this year alone and training 80 artisans over the last decade. Few brands bring civilization, art, and tradition to life in such breathtaking, modern forms.In this conversation, Azza shares amazing wisdom pieces and divulges how she discovered the designer within, the challenges of balancing artistry with business, and the inspirations that have fuelled her journey for over 55 years. Whether you're an artist, entrepreneur, or someone passionate about culture and design, this episode will give you a rare glimpse into the mind of a visionary who turned passion into timeless pieces and established a legacy that continues to inspire across the globe.00:00 : 00:59 Trailer02:00 : 03:45 What inspired Azza's memoir?03:45 : 06:00 How would Azza define herself?06:00 : 11:00 How did Azza's childhood and family shape her artistic path?11:00 : 20:00 What moment led to discovering jewellery as Azza's life's calling?21:00 : 23:00 What was Azza's favorite partnership?22:25 : 26:00 What is Azza's favorite thing about her job?26:16 : 27:27 What is the biggest challenge of being a woman in her industry?27:57 : 29:03 What are Azza's hopes for Africa's creative industries?29:05 : 30:34 What are Azza's favorite films or books?31:00 : 32:07 What legacy does Azza Fahmy want to leave for Egypt?

In this special episode of IN THE VALLEY, we delve into the intersection of music, technology, and venture capital, spotlighting how these forces shape Africa's cultural exports. Featuring insights from Mavin Records  COO and early VC backers, we discuss Rema's global hit "Calm Down" and its implications following Mavin's sale to Universal Music Group. Join industry leaders as they explore the evolving VC landscape and its vital role in promoting African culture.YouTube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oWBBJsXvTYMWe extend a special thanks to the National Association of Securities Professionals (NASP) for enabling these powerful discussions in Atlanta, creating a platform where critical conversations about Africa's investment landscape can thrive.Disclaimer : This episode is for informational and entertainment purposes only, no content of the conversation should be considered as investment advice. 🔔 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring stories from founders and funders shaping the future of sports, tech, entertainment, and fashion across Africa and beyond.If you want to know more about our guests click here:Abi Mustapha-Maduakor, CEO of AVCA https://www.linkedin.com/in/abi-mustapha-maduakor-ca-mba-7867532a/?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_detail_base%3B09hOBBQ2RSuPfynvN7RwWQ%3D%3DLinda Oramasionwu-Leverette, Founding Partner of Kupanda Capitalhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/linda-oramasionwu-leverette-6a034217/?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_detail_base%3B09hOBBQ2RSuPfynvN7RwWQ%3D%3DWale Ayeni, Managing Director at Helios Digital Ventureshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/wale-ayeni-53648113/?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_detail_base%3B09hOBBQ2RSuPfynvN7RwWQ%3D%3DPeter Tega Oghenejobo, COO of Mavin Recordshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-tega-oghenejobo-680a3044/?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_detail_base%3B09hOBBQ2RSuPfynvN7RwWQ%3D%3DSubscribe to our newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/in-the-valley-7087065335408828416/ Find us on social media: LinkedIn : https://bit.ly/silverbacks-linkedinInstagram : https://www.instagram.com/in.the_valley/TikTok : https://www.tiktok.com/@in_thevalleyTwitter : https://twitter.com/In_TheValleyFacebook : https://bit.ly/silverbacks-facebookYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbXkwzgr47QNAfStmAoGwJQ/

🎙️Welcome back to "IN THE VALLEY" Season 2. This channel brings you special interviews with founders or funders changing the narrative about Africa.⚡ As we gear up for the upcoming #olympics Games Paris 2024, Get ready for an exclusive interview with Lydia Monyepao, a true trailblazer in the world of women's football in Africa. From her days as a Banyana Banyana star to her current role as CEO of SAFA, Lydia's story is one of dedication and impact. Don't miss out on this inspiring look at her journey as an African global female leader in sports!#olympics #football #women #sports #southafrica #2024 #africa #soccer #safa🚨 Just a quick reminder, the information shared in this episode is for informational and entertainment purposes only. It's not investment advice. So, keep that in mind.💬 After watching the episode, share your feedback in the comments - we look forward to hearing from you!🖱️ If you want to know more about Lydia click on:https://www.linkedin.com/in/lydia-monyepao-yele-b9762927/?originalSubdomain=zaSubscribe Now! and keep up with the latest episodes of IN THE VALLEY, where people across sports, tech, entertainment, and the creative economy get it done from #Africa to the rest of the world.Subscribe to Ibrahim Sagna's newsletter:https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/in-the-valley-7087065335408828416/Find us on social media:Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/in.the_valley/TikTok : https://www.tiktok.com/@in_thevalleyFacebook : https://bit.ly/silverbacks-facebookTwitter : https://twitter.com/In_TheValleyLinkedIn: https://bit.ly/silverbacks-linkedint

Discover the journey of Amal Enan, Chief Investment Officer at the American University in Cairo, and Partner at 500 Global for Egypt, in this riveting episode of IN THE VALLEY.Amal shares her path to success, shedding light on the investment landscape and offering invaluable advice on overcoming professional challenges. Her rich career not only includes roles not only in leading financial services groups but also in government-related institutions. From an investor's standpoint, Egypt remains the largest total addressable market across the entire Middle East and this phenomenal country provides the largest talent pool across the tech ecosystem. Amal dives into the realities faced by founders and investors active in Egypt given her leadership position at the renowned global venture capital firm with $2.3B i. She also divulges how the mix of her international and local experience impacts her business approaches.🔎Key Questions Answered:00:00 : 00:059 Trailer03:00 : 14:00 How did Amal's diverse background and experiences lead her to 500 Global?14:03 : 19:30 What were the key factors that attracted Amal to 500 Global, and how does the organization's culture and values align with her own?20:33 : 29:06 What programs or initiatives at 500 Global have been most meaningful or impactful for Amal during the recent market conditions?29:30 : 31:10 Who has been the most influential person in Amal's life, and how has that shaped her outlook and approach?37:58 : 39:54 What gives Amal hope for the future, both for herself, her family, and for Egypt?40:00 : 41:12 What is the kindest thing someone has ever done for her?Tune in to hear her compelling stories and expert insights that will inspire and motivate you. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated with more transformative content! 🎧If you want to know more about Amal Enan, click here https://www.linkedin.com/in/amalenan/Subscribe to IN THE VALLEY's newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/in-the-valley-7087065335408828416/Watch it on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CDKx7WMNGpgFind us on social media:Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/in.the_valley/TikTok : https://www.tiktok.com/@in_thevalleyFacebook : https://bit.ly/silverbacks-facebookTwitter : https://twitter.com/In_TheValleyLinkedIn: https://bit.ly/silverbacks-linkedin#podcast #africa #vc #tech #egypt #500Global #silverbacks #inthevalley #enterprenuership #investments #Funders #founders

🎙️ Join us for an enlightening episode of IN THE VALLEY as Ibrahim Sagna sits down with Daniel Yu, the visionary Founder, and CEO of Wasoko, the fastest-growing company in Africa as recognized by the Financial Times in 2022. Daniel's journey is nothing short of extraordinary, and he's here to share it with you in his first-ever live interview since the groundbreaking merger with MaxAB, a move set to redefine the landscape of African B2B e-commerce.This episode is a must- listen & watch on our YouTube channel for entrepreneurs, tech enthusiasts, and anyone fascinated by the intersection of culture, business, and innovation. Daniel Yu's story is not just about building a successful company or forming the largest merger in Africa; it's about the adventures, challenges, and relentless curiosity that have driven him to transform retail on this continent.Episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-WcllXrUzJ4🔎 Key Questions Answered: 00:00 : 00:47 Trailer 1:14 : 16:42 What inspired Daniel to explore the Middle East and eventually launch Wasoko?16:43 : 23:37 How did Daniel's upbringing and education lead him to entrepreneurship?23:28 : 43:34 What challenges and lessons were learned from merging Wasoko with Maxab?51:55 : 54:09 How does Daniel see AI impacting the future of his business and African tech?🔔 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring stories from founders and funders shaping the future of sports, tech, entertainment, and fashion across Africa and beyond.If you want to know more about Daniel Yu, click here https://www.linkedin.com/in/dcyu526?originalSubdomain=egSubscribe to IN THE VALLEY's newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/in-the-valley-7087065335408828416/Find us on social media:Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/in.the_valley/TikTok : https://www.tiktok.com/@in_thevalleyFacebook : https://bit.ly/silverbacks-facebookTwitter : https://twitter.com/In_TheValleyLinkedIn: https://bit.ly/silverbacks-linkedin

🎙️Welcome back to "IN THE VALLEY" Season 2. This channel brings you special interviews with founders or funders changing the narrative about Africa.Celebrate with us today a new milestone with dropping our 30th episode and recording two million views in less than two years ⚡Get the inside scoop from Rebecca Eliot Founder of ProTouch Africa and Chief Impact Officer for the Pan African Chamber of Commerce's sports and entertainment division. Discover how she transformed ProTouch Africa from a road cycling team into a leading strategic advisory and digital solutions provider for sports teams, clubs, and federations. Plus, learn about her latest project, Podium Pursuit, aiming to revolutionize African sports through fan engagement and impact investment. #SportsEntrepreneur #PodiumPursuit #AfricanAthletes #Fanengagement #ProTouch #SouthAfrica #AfricanSports #FanEngagement #PodiumPursuit🚨 Just a quick reminder, the information shared in this episode is for informational and entertainment purposes only. It's not investment advice. So, keep that in mind. 💬 After watching the episode, share your feedback in the comments - we look forward to hearing from you! 🖱️ If you want to know more about Rebecca and ProTouch Africa click on:https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-eliot-b6934063https://www.linkedin.com/company/protouchsports/Subscribe Now! and keep up with the latest episodes of IN THE VALLEY, where people across sports, tech, entertainment, and the creative economy get it done from #Africa to the rest of the world. Subscribe to Ibrahim Sagna's newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/in-the-valley-7087065335408828416/Find us on social media: Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/in.the_valley/TikTok : https://www.tiktok.com/@in_thevalleyFacebook : https://bit.ly/silverbacks-facebookTwitter : https://twitter.com/In_TheValleyLinkedIn : https://bit.ly/silverbacks-linkedin

🎙️Welcome back to "IN THE VALLEY" Season 2. This channel brings you special interviews with founders or funders changing the narrative about Africa. ⚡️In this episode, we sit down with Iain Banner, Co-founder and Chairman of e-Movement, to discuss the fascinating intersection of climate finance and sports business. With over 35 years of experience in successfully launching businesses and charitable ventures worldwide, Iain shares insights from his latest projects including 🏎️Formula E Cape Town and 'Africa's Green Economy Summit' 🍀. Learn how he is using sports as a tool for social change in the lives of children through the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation. #climatefinance #sportsbusiness #socialimpact 🚨 Just a quick reminder, the information shared in this episode is for informational and entertainment purposes only. It's not investment advice. So, keep that in mind. 💬 After watching the episode, share your feedback in the comments - we look forward to hearing from you!🖱️ If you want to learn about his latest venture then click on www.NERGII.com and to know more about Iain Banner click on: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iain-banner-446214177/ Keep up with the latest episodes of IN THE VALLEY, where people across sports, tech, entertainment, and the creative economy get it done from Africa to the rest of the world. Join us every other week for a new episode by subscribing to our channel! - subscribe now!Subscribe to Ibrahim Sagna's newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/in-the-valley-7087065335408828416/ Find us on social media: Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/in.the_valley/ TikTok : https://www.tiktok.com/@in_thevalley Facebook : https://bit.ly/silverbacks-facebook Twitter : https://twitter.com/In_TheValley LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/silverbacks-linkedin