Scale UP: An Investment Readiness Masterclass for Ecosystem Actors in Ghana

Accra, October 3, 2024 — As part of the Ghana Digital and Innovation Week 2024 (GDIW), Make-IT in Africa organized an Investment Readiness Masterclass for startups, Entrepreneur Support Organizations (ESOs), and investors. This session was designed to equip participants with the practical tools and knowledge that are essential to scale a business and confidently navigate the often-complex journey of securing investment.

The head of the project, Mr. Benjamin Meier, emphasized that access to funding and the inadequacy of investment knowledge are among the biggest challenges faced by startups and business owners. "Our aim with this masterclass is to ensure that every business represented here today leaves not only with a deeper understanding of how to become investor-ready but also with long-term strategies for raising capital and growing their ventures," he said.

The masterclass was led by Henrik Amstutz and Kyrre Lemvik, associates of Strategy Tools, a global thought leader in strategy and transformation, innovation and simulations helping companies to reimagine their strategic approach to securing investment. The duo offered an in-depth breakdown of key startup strategies, fundraising essentials, and investment cap table math and deal structures. During his opening remarks, Mr. Amstutz stated, “Our goal is to guide you through the investment readiness process, teaching you how to scale up from an idea to a fully operational business.”

One of the most engaging aspects of the session was a practical simulation exercise, where participants were divided into teams to pitch mock business proposals. This hands-on exercise challenged the participants to develop realistic ideas, pitch them for investment, and navigate the intricacies of term sheets and investor expectations. The simulation created a highly competitive yet collaborative atmosphere, helping attendees better understand investor demands and deal structures in real-world scenarios.

Following the simulation, the floor was opened for questions, contributions, and feedback. Participants expressed their excitement and appreciation for the practical approach to the masterclass. One participant shared, "I’ve attended numerous conferences on startup investments, but nothing has been as practical and relatable as this. The session has changed my entire perspective on how to approach investors and secure funding."

In closing, the coordinators acknowledged the energy and enthusiasm of the participants, highlighting how supportive the teams were of each other despite the competitive nature of the simulation. They encouraged attendees to remain resilient in their pursuit of investment, acknowledging that while the journey is challenging, persistence and the right strategy are key to success.

The Investor Readiness Masterclass provided invaluable insights to Ghana’s startup community, offering both knowledge and practical experience to help entrepreneurs build sustainable, investment-ready businesses.