Angel Adelaja’s Fresh Direct has been announced as the Nigerian startup that will be join 26 other startups to share in “The Venture” $1 million fund.
The Venture’s global search to discover and reward the world’s most promising social entrepreneurs was whittled down to 27 exceptional startups on Monday 14th March.
Now in its second year, The Venture received over 2,500 applications from startups across six continents tackling a range of social and environmental issues with scalable and sustainable business solutions.
Fresh Direct Produce and Agro-Allied Services is an agricultural production and processing company that brings together communities and advanced technology to improve agricultural yields for sustainable and profitable agricultural enterprises. As an indigenous social enterprise, it is the pioneer producer of hydroponic farming technology in Nigeria.
Each business showcases the creativity and ingenuity within the startup community and the increasing passion of new business leaders to create a positive change in the world.
In preparation for The Venture Final, the 27 finalists have travelled to Oxford to take part in a transformational Accelerator Week programme created by the Skoll Centre for Social Entrepreneurship, embedded within the world-renowned Saïd Business School at the University of Oxford. During this intensive five days of learning, finalists will be receiving leadership coaching and support in preparation for the high stakes pitch in July. The week will involve expert trainers and inspirational mentors recruited by the Skoll Centre.
From the 9th May to the 13th June, the public will be able to have their say on their favourite finalist. Over the course of five weeks, the public’s vote will determine how the first $250,000 in funding is split among the finalists. The remaining $750,000 in funding will be awarded at The Venture Final in July in New York City, after a high stakes pitch in front of The Venture judges.
Meet The Venture’s 27 global finalists, by clicking here.
