Maximize Your Conference Success

SDS 071: Maximize Your Conference Success

Hey! thank you for reading issue 071 of Startup Definition Sunday (SDS). You can read past issues here.

SDS is the only newsletter that is redefining support for Africa's emerging founders. Every other Sunday, we cut through the fundraising and ecosystem noise to bring actionable insights to 2,326 emerging founders.

Now to Today’s Issue

I’m writing to you from Lagos, and I couldn’t be more excited! Tomorrow, I’ll be attending the Moonshot Conference 2025, and the energy of Lagos is absolutely unmatched. This event brings together some of the brightest founders from across Africa, and I can’t wait to connect with them. As a fintech investor, I’m especially eager to meet founders whose visions align with our mission to invest in companies leveraging technology to expand access to financial services for SMEs and underserved consumers. Last year, I met our most recent investment (see the tweet below). But I’m just as excited to soak in the diversity of ideas and innovation that this conference always delivers.

If you’re also attending Moonshot, or any other tech conference in Africa, this issue is for you. Here are 3 actionable tips to help you make the most of your time, maximize opportunities, and leave a lasting impression.

1. Research Investors Beforehand

Today is the perfect day to roll up your sleeves and dive into investor research. Conferences like Moonshot are packed with investors, but not all of them will be the right fit for your startup. Take the time to understand the focus areas of those you’re targeting. For instance, as a fintech investor myself, I’m always on the lookout for founders solving big problems in payments, lending, and financial inclusion. If you’re building in, say, healthtech or edtech, I might not be the best fit for your pitch and that’s okay. By identifying the right investors ahead of time, you’ll ensure your pitch lands with someone who’s truly interested.

Action Step: Review the conference’s list of speakers and attendees. Look up their areas of focus and prioritize those who match your vision.

2. Perfect Your 5-Minute Pitch

Time is limited at conferences, so you’ll need a sharp, compelling pitch to grab attention. Practice delivering a clear message that covers these key points:

• What your company does and the problem you’re solving.

• Your vision for the future and what you’re building.

• Why you and your team are uniquely positioned to succeed.

• How you make money (your business model).

• What sets you apart from competitors.

Rehearse your pitch until it feels natural but not robotic. You want to sound confident and engaging. And don’t stop at just pitching investors. Practice with peers, mentors, and even friends to see how well your message resonates with different audiences.

3. Be Visible and Talk to Everyone

Whether you’re an introvert like me or a natural extrovert, now is the time to put yourself out there. Conferences like Moonshot aren’t just about scheduled meetings. They’re about unexpected, serendipitous connections.

Wear your startup’s merch (it’s like being a walking billboard for your brand!) and make an effort to chat with everyone, fellow founders, investors, speakers, and even event organizers. Some of the most valuable connections happen in hallway conversations or over coffee breaks.

My Two Pesewas

As you step into tomorrow’s conference (or any tech event), remember: this is your chance to do more than just pitch your product. You’re building a network, learning from others, and gathering insights that could shape your journey. Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. You might walk away with something truly transformative.

Good luck, and see you at Moonshot or the next conference.

If you found these tips helpful, share this with a fellow founder who might be attending Moonshot or another tech conference soon.

That's all for today. As always, thank you for being an engaged reader. Let me know your thoughts on this issue.

Until next time,

Jasiel

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