Interswitch Group has kicked off the inaugural edition of its Startup Innovation Mixer, held at the Interswitch Innovation Hub, right at the heart of its Lagos headquarters.
With the theme “Unlocking Synergies between Startups and Established Corporates,” the event pulled in key players from the tech, fintech, and payments industries, alongside Interswitch alumni. Interswitch birthed this first-of-its-kind mixer as a way to bridge the gap between emerging startups and well-established companies. The goal? To create a sustainable platform where tech enthusiasts, innovators, investors, and industry leaders can connect, collaborate, and spark transformative ideas.
Adaobi Okerekeocha, Chief Innovation Officer at Interswitch, stressed the importance of partnerships in pushing Africa’s tech landscape forward. Sharing her excitement about the mixer’s potential, she said:
“At Interswitch, we believe that collaboration is the foundation of true innovation. As Nigeria’s and Africa’s tech spaces continue to grow and evolve, platforms like this are key to unlocking fresh opportunities and realizing untapped potential.”
She went on to explain that the Startup Mixer series is a significant step toward building a thriving ecosystem where startups and corporates can come together to exchange ideas, discover opportunities, and form powerful partnerships that lead to real, impactful solutions.
The event featured lively panel discussions, including one moderated by Akeem Hassan, Technical Adviser to the Honourable Commissioner of the Lagos State Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology. Panelists like Ireayo Oladunjoye, Managing Director of Endeavor Nigeria (represented by Esther Otusanya, Selection and Growth Manager, Endeavor Nigeria); Linda Ochugbua, Digital Sales Manager at BusinessDay; and Olapeju Nwanganga, Founder of Pepcode, dove deep into practical strategies to strengthen ties between startups and established businesses.
Attendees engaged in thought-provoking conversations and enjoyed networking opportunities that could lead to future collaborations. The event also offered an exclusive tour of Interswitch’s newly unveiled Innovation and Ventures Labs, along with co-working spaces designed for startups and Interswitch partners.
A highlight of the evening was a session led by the Interswitch Innovation Team, where they shared inspiring success stories and showcased transformative partnerships that have solidified Interswitch’s reputation as Africa’s pioneering tech and payments unicorn. These stories underscored how such collaborations are shaping the future of Nigeria’s tech industry and driving innovation across the continent.
With this event, Interswitch has once again proven its dedication to nurturing innovation and fostering partnerships that contribute to the growth and sustainability of Nigeria’s tech ecosystem and beyond.