A United States technology expert and co-founder of the United States Market Access Centre (US MAC), MChris Burry, has called on Nigerian tech innovators to position themselves for global relevance by developing competitive ideas and mastering how to present them to international investors.
He said many startups in the country fail to attract global funds because they don’t convincingly project their innovations.
Burry, who spoke during a hybrid media engagement in Abuja, said global venture capitalists are actively searching for promising talents around the world but expect innovators to demonstrate why their ideas are worth backing.
He identified poor investor readiness and weak storytelling as major barriers preventing many Nigerian startups from securing foreign funding, especially from Silicon Valley.
This came amidst efforts by the Nigerian government to position the country as a leading tech hub on the continent.
Late ex-President Muhammadu Buhari signed the Nigeria Startup Act into law to enhance access to funding, streamline regulations, and foster innovation among young tech entrepreneurs.
Burry advised founders to focus on building sustainable, problem-solving products and to learn how to pitch their ideas in a way that aligns with global market expectations.
“Global funds chase talents. However, you first have to prove to the global capital community why investing in Nigeria is a great idea,” Burry said.
He also announced that US MAC is currently partnering with the Imo State Government to support startup development in the region.
The expert commended Governor Hope Uzodimma for his political will and commitment to tech innovation.
“It is due to the political vision and will. The government has to be involved and support technological innovation.
“Imo, the state government has this vision. We believed that the vision shown by the government showed it is serious about tech startup growth. Of course, we are interested in other parts of Nigeria,” he stated.
