Takeaways from the 20th CFA’s Startups Hangout: Inlaks Boss Femi Adeoti’s Rare Insights on Entrepreneurship
The 20th CFA’s startups hangout was held yesterday at GoDo.ng Hub, Lagos. The event featured an important personality in the industry, Femi Adeoti, Chief Executive Officer, Inlaks Computers. And as expected the session was loaded.
The hangout experienced a huge turnout from entrepreneurs and enthusiasts of the tech ecosystem to keen followers of the invited guest. And they were not all disappointed as he shared thoughts on what an entrepreneur should do to sustain his business.
Mr Femi’s presentation was filled with practical ‘walk the talk’ insights, which did not come off as a surprise considering his impressive work résumé and extensive industry experience spanning over 29 years. Of his numerous thoughts, the most sublime was his advice to participants to have a dream/vision no matter how crazy it sounds and work towards it.
In his words, “Vision is key, it will attract the right funding you need. You don’t plan the future when your get there. The planning starts now.”
Another advice that stood out was that of entrepreneurs needing mentors. This, he said , would help a mentee avoid mistakes made by their chosen mentor. This way, a path that took the mentor 20 years to achieve will require a shorter time for the new entrepreneur.
On his own part he mentioned the likes of Austin Okere, the founder, CWG Plc and a certain Mr Iyke as mentors that shaped who he has become.
Mr. Femi shared loads of other time tested tips, including the fact that entrepreneurs need to carve a unique niche for themselves. He cited an example of Inlaks that operates in an ecosystem where they are only few players, allowing it make more impact.
He urged entrepreneurs to see problems as opportunities, get a strong team and read expansively.
At the end of the presentation, Mr. Femi enagaged in a question and answer session with participants where he answered diverse questions based on his personal life, professional experience, and what-to-do scenarios. In response to a particular call for help from the big guns in the industry to startups, Mr. Femi announced Inlaks’ innovation hub, theHatch. The programme is designed to help startups by providing them with hands on funding, space and resources.
Indeed, the 20th edition of the CFA event really lived up to its billing. Kudos to the team for being consistent with putting together such an insightful event.
