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Venture Law Firm TLP Advisory Goes Global To Support Africa’s Growing Tech Ecosystem

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TLP Advisory, a Nigeria-headquartered legal firm focused on Africa’s tech industry, today announced its expansion into the UK, US and Canada. Having worked with many of the continent’s rising technology companies, including Flutterwave and PiggyVest, TLP Advisory’s expansion will position the law firm as a key conduit between the continent’s technology companies and leading investor markets, enabling smoother capital flows between the regions and providing African entities with dedicated advisory around international fundraising and regulation in Lagos, London, New York and Toronto.

Established in 2014, originally under the name The Longe Practice, TLP Advisory has widened its capabilities to include the tech, media and entertainment industries, specialising in intellectual property, fundraising, and corporate structuring. Strengthened by its merger with US-based law firm, Ollis Law and registration with the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) in the UK, the team now expertly guides African companies through navigating complex international regulatory hurdles and complying with corporate governance laws in global markets. TLP Advisory’s niche market experience and multi-territory expertise makes this journey far easier for founders embarking on expansion. 

Africa’s tech industry is projected to be worth $180bn by 2025. During 2020 there was 44% year-on-year growth in African startup fundraising, with 359 equity raises totalling over $1.4bn. TLP Advisory has been central to this progress and has advised some of Africa’s groundbreaking startups along with VC funds such as Ventures Platform. As the first startup and venture law firm in Nigeria, TLP Advisory has seen 300% year-on-year growth and supports angel investors, VC funds, corporates and investment banks across additional markets such as South Africa, Ghana and Kenya, and now the UK, US and Canada.

To support the growing and varying needs of its clients, TLP Advisory launched DIYLaw, its self-service legal tech platform, in 2015. DIYLaw recently introduced a digitized, B2B dashboard which is a first of its kind in Nigeria, simplifying many of the processes required by Africa-focused entrepreneurs to set up and operate smoothly. The platform makes access to legal services simple and affordable through bulk functionality and smart API integrations with partners such as Prospa and Access Bank. DIYLaw automates over 20 activities such as company registration, employee documentation and non-disclosure agreements based on location and sector, reducing the legal administrative burden for growing startups.

“It is truly an exciting time in the African tech space, with some of the startups we worked with just a few years ago now on course for immense growth in and outside the continent”, said Odunoluwa Longe, Co-founder and Lead Counsel at TLP Advisory and Co-founder at DIYLaw.  “We are thrilled to continue to offer a purpose-built legal services infrastructure to sustain the incredible trajectory of African startups through our on-ground expert services. We want to be the partner of choice for innovative African companies expanding overseas and international companies looking to protect and commercialise their intellectual property on the continent.”

“We’ve really evolved alongside the continent’s accelerating tech ecosystem and as a firm we’ve facilitated $400m of investments over the past five years,” added Funkola Odeleye, Corporate-Commercial Lead at TLP Advisory and Co-founder at DIYLaw. “We’re expanding and scaling but retain our personalised and tailored approach to giving clients the best guidance in often difficult regulatory environments. This takes into account how innovation moves faster than regulation, and by creating a robust services sector we can ensure that clients operate without being in breach of existing regulations and are able to comply during complex cross-border operations.”

Demonstrating further commitment to the sector, TLP Advisory were engaged as one of the two legal firms to draft the Nigerian Startup Bill, intended to become a one-stop shop for laws and regulations affecting entrepreneurs in the market. Their international expansion signals the continued growth of the African tech space, demonstrating the firm is well-positioned to support companies and investors in new markets.

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Kingsley Adonu’s Journey: A Tale of Hard Work and Dedication in the Telecom Industry

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In the fast-paced world of telecommunications, success is often attributed to those who demonstrate exceptional dedication and hard work. Kingsley Adonu’s remarkable journey stands as a testament to these qualities, paving the way for him to become a valuable partner with MTN, a leading global telecommunications company.

Adonu’s story begins with a humble background, where he cultivated a strong work ethic from an early age. His relentless pursuit of excellence caught the attention of industry leaders, setting the stage for a career marked by determination and resilience.

One of the key factors that propelled Adonu to success was his unwavering commitment to learning and staying ahead of industry trends. He immersed himself in the dynamic world of telecommunications, acquiring the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the rapidly evolving landscape. Adonu’s continuous pursuit of knowledge not only enhanced his expertise but also positioned him as a visionary in the field.

As he climbed the career ladder, Adonu faced numerous challenges, but his tenacity and commitment to overcoming obstacles set him apart. His ability to adapt to changing market dynamics and capitalize on emerging opportunities made him a standout professional in the telecom sector.

Adonu’s pivotal moment came when he aligned his efforts with MTN, a global telecom giant known for innovation and cutting-edge technology. Recognizing Adonu’s track record of hard work and dedication, MTN saw a valuable partner in him. The partnership marked a significant milestone in Adonu’s career, opening doors to new possibilities and avenues for growth.

The success of Adonu’s collaboration with MTN can be attributed to his strategic vision and innovative thinking. As a partner, he played a crucial role in steering the company toward continued success, contributing to its expansion and influence in the telecommunications market.

Kingsley Adonu’s journey serves as an inspiration for aspiring professionals in the telecom industry. His story underscores the importance of hard work, dedication, and a passion for continuous improvement. Adonu’s ascent to becoming an MTN partner is a testament to the transformative power of perseverance and a relentless pursuit of excellence in the dynamic world of telecommunications.

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Meet Kingsley Adonu

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In the dynamic world of entrepreneurship, there are visionaries who not only navigate the business landscape but redefine it. Meet Kingsley Adonu, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the SMobile Group, a conglomerate that stands as a beacon of excellence and diversity in the global business arena.

Kingsley Adonu is a visionary entrepreneur and the Founder of the SMobile Group, a conglomerate synonymous with excellence and diversity. As the Chief Executive Officer, he has steered the group to remarkable heights, overseeing a spectrum of businesses that span across Telecommunications, Oil and Gas, Real Estate, Hospitality, Water Production, Agriculture, Technology, E-commerce, Energy, Sports, Entertainment, Education, Health, Logistics and Financial Services, with branches extending globally to UK, USA, China, South Africa, and Canada.

Under Kingsley’s astute leadership, SMobile Group has emerged as a major partner for MTN, evident in the impactful presence of the SMobile brand in the telecommunications landscape. His strategic insights and forward-thinking approach have positioned the group as a dynamic player in multiple industries.

Beyond the boardroom, Kingsley Adonu is a dedicated philanthropist, committed to making a positive impact in communities. His philanthropic efforts extend beyond business, reflecting a deep-seated belief in the responsibility of successful individuals to contribute meaningfully to society.

Kingsley’s influence is not confined to national borders; he has actively participated in numerous international telecom conferences, further enriching his understanding of global industry trends and fostering valuable connections with industry leaders worldwide.

With an unwavering commitment to excellence, Kingsley Adonu continues to inspire and lead the SMobile Group towards new horizons, blending business acumen with a passion for positive societal change.

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MyShopLauncher (MSL) Launches to Empower African SMEs with Revolutionary E-Commerce Platform, Unparalleled Support

Reporter: SANDRA ANI

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MyShopLauncher
MyShopLauncher team at the launch of the eCommerce platform for startups and SMEs in Nigeria.

Today marks a significant milestone as MyShopLauncher proudly announces its official launch, bringing forth a groundbreaking e-commerce platform designed to redefine the landscape for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Africa. 

According to statista, the revenue in the E-commerce market in Africa was forecast to continuously increase between 2024 and 2028 by in total 15 billion U.S. dollars (+48.88 percent).  

After the sixth consecutive increasing year, the indicator is estimated to reach 45.72 billion U.S. dollars and therefore a new peak in 2028. 

MyShopLauncher
L-r: Akintunde Opawole, head of Product; Tochukwu Udunwa, Product Marketing Manager, and Susan Agbor, Head of Marketing, all from MyShopLauncher, during the launch of eCommerce platform for startups and SMEs in Nigeria.

A Vision Fueled by Empathy 

Founded two years ago, MSL’s inception was rooted in the recognition of the struggles faced by African merchants managing their businesses manually.  

The MSL team embarked on a journey that involved extensive conversations with entrepreneurs, surveys, and rigorous testing of theories.  

This painstaking process led to the development of a product that not only offers a no-code e-commerce storefront free of charge but also reflects a genuine commitment to the welfare and growth of SMEs. 

More Than a Platform: A Caring Community 

At the heart of MSL’s mission is a desire to forge connections that extend beyond business transactions. Beyond providing no-cost storefronts, MSL is dedicated to creating real bonds with business owners, offering support, guidance, and the tools needed for success.  

This commitment goes beyond the conventional, embodying a genuine care and concern for the thriving of SMEs in Africa. 

MSL’s Unique Selling Propositions (USPs) – A Platform with Heart: 

  • No-Cost Storefront: MSL offers a no-code e-commerce storefront, empowering merchants without any upfront charges. 
  • Customer Centricity: Beyond transactions, MSL is driven by a deep commitment to understanding and meeting the unique needs of each business owner. 
  • Educational Support: MSL provides free access to educational resources and coaching to accelerate the growth and development of SMEs. 
  • Real Connections: MSL fosters genuine connections, creating a community where business owners are not just clients but valued partners on the path to success. 

In an era where commerce often feels transactional, MSL stands apart as a platform with heart, a platform driven by the vision to uplift, empower, and support African SMEs. As we launch, we invite entrepreneurs to experience not just a product but a community—a community that cares deeply about their success. 

“At MSL, we believe that the success of SMEs is not just about transactions; it’s about building relationships, understanding aspirations, and providing unwavering support. Our platform is not just a tool; it’s an extension of our commitment to the dreams and growth of African business owners.” — Akintunde Opawole , Head of Product of MyShopLauncher. 

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