The fundraising book I wish I read last year

I just finished my first book of the year, even though I started it at the beginning of my holidays.

It is called Ideas, Cheques and Capital by Solomon King.

I met Solomon late last year in Lagos. He is the Executive Director at Lagos Angel Network, and we had crossed paths a few times in the ecosystem, but I had no idea he had written a book. At the ABAN conference, he handed me a copy, and I threw it into my backpack, where it stayed for months.

When my holidays started, I picked it up casually to read a few chapters. I did not expect much. But a few pages in, I couldn’t put it down.

I ended up finishing the whole thing. The book talks about capital the way it actually works, not the way we wish it worked. The power dynamics. The mistakes founders make when they are desperate for funding. The difference between money that helps you grow and money that holds you back. The emotional side of fundraising that nobody really prepares you for.

Halfway through, I caught myself thinking, I really wish I had read this before my fundraise last year. One thing I really like about the book is that it covers funding for both businesses and non-profits, which is rare and incredibly relevant for many founders building in and around Africa.

Solomon clearly knows his stuff, and more importantly, he has lived it.

If you are thinking about raising capital in the next 12 months, I would genuinely recommend this book. You can grab a copy here (I don’t profit from any sale that Solomon makes).

I’m also hosting a session with him this Monday, and we will go into the book and fundraising as well. You can register by clicking the link below:

A couple of updates from me

I’m heading to Davos this coming week, and I’m looking forward to it. I will be joining a panel on Unlocking Africa’s Growth. If you are around, do join us. You can register here. What advice do you have for someone who’s going to Davos for the first time? I’d really appreciate any tips to make the most of the event. Will you be there? Let’s have coffee! I’m a flat white type of guy!

Finally, remember that private group chat that I launched? Well, we posted our first two deals. One spacetech company and one AI company, with A16z leading the round. If you want to join, you can join the private group below:

I’m focused on enablement and education this year. I’m also excited to host in-person events globally. Please sign up for this newsletter, and let’s catch up soon.

See ya