Lion’s Den Event returns to celebrate Afro-Irish Entrepreneurs

Lion’s Den returns to celebrate the entrepreneurial talent of the Afro-Irish community and African diaspora. Wood Quay Venue in Dublin will host the competition organised by the African Professional Network of Ireland (APNI).The competition sponsors are Dublin City Council, Dogpatch Labs, META and HoaQ.

Lion’s Den Event for Afro-Irish Entrepreneurs

Six businesses are vying for the 2022 prize. The companies offer services in healthcare, fintech, commercial model management, fashion and food.

The public can vote until 16th May to select three finalists from the six company shortlist. The three finalists will pitch on the 25th of May in front of Ireland’s tech and investment communities.

The Lion’s Den is not only a competition but a unique networking opportunity. Representatives from Enterprise Ireland and the Irish VC community will be in attendance. The pitch finale will be one of the largest events celebrating Africa Day in Ireland. Africa Day is a global event which has been running since 1963.

Against the historic background of the Viking city wall dating from 1100 AD – the future game-changers in the Afro-Irish community get a chance to storytell about how they have built thriving businesses in the COVID era.

Lion’s Den is a platform that can contribute to building the first Irish unicorn with an Afro-Irish founder.

The shortlisted companies gain access to sponsor led workshops on brand building and expansion.

Previous winners include Wellahealth and the Jungle Food Company. Wellahealth has received seed investment from AXA Mansard (one of the largest insurers globally). Jungle Food Company is now listed with national retailer SuperValu.

Ayo Olabimtan, investment manager and president of the APNI spoke about the contest:

“It is the only business pitch competition in Ireland focused on entrepreneurs of African descent. It provides the companies access to an invaluable support network and access to capital. It is a unique springboard for growing businesses to connect with investors from the growing startup scene in Ireland.”

The public can vote for their top business until the 16th of May. They can also register for their free ticket to attend the grand finale on the 25th of May at the link below

https://linktr.ee/apnireland

Lion’s Den is an APNI event. APNI is a non-profit organisation with over 1,700 members connecting African and Afro-Irish professionals and business owners through webinars, workshops, competitions and mentorship schemes.