The Challenge

After informally investing in tech entrepreneurs for years, Emerging Platforms – a Nigerian tech solutions company, realized there weren’t any innovation hubs in the administrative capital - Abuja dedicated to serving technology entrepreneurs. They decided to build Ventures Platform – an innovation hub that would serve the greater Abuja market but also attract entrepreneurs from across the African continent. The challenge was to design and build a sustainable hub that could stand side by side with contemporaries around the world. We were also tasked with designing an innovative program that would attract the best and brightest entrepreneurs and investors. All under a tight budget and a 4-week schedule that meant all materials and furnishing had to be sourced locally.

Our Solution

Our solution was to design an innovation hub that incorporated a co-working facility and a tech incubator and a restaurant/cafe using a mix of permanent, semi permanent structures, and glasswork. Once we landed in Abuja, we got straight to work building Ventures Platform, alongside the Architect and the amazing team of brilliant young minds they had assembled to work with us on the project. Our concept was based on three components:  Design - to foster creativity, Programs and Events – creating unique experiences that money alone can’t buy, and People – amazing people you want to work with and be around. We envisioned creating a space that was vibrant yet minimalist in design with the comfort, service and amenities of a boutique hotel, and the functionality of a fully serviced office. Ventures Platform perfectly encapsulates these elements. From the Victor Ehikhamenor art installation that blankets the space to the full service residence for out of town incubates, the campus has everything to get you creating your best work. Airy well lit workspace, gym with weekend yoga classes, a cafe and restaurant in the works, ample lounge spaces, lush greens, high speed internet, meeting rooms and event space. We designed an innovative 16-week hybrid tech incubation — accelerator program which is designed to build the best and brightest tech minds on the continent. A model designed to start creating value from the moment one applies so that even unsuccessful applicants would still have learnt valuable lessons to propel them to success. We created the staff structure and worked to design a company culture to help deliver on our vision.

The Results

The result of our dedicated work is a landmark in the Capital city that gained instant recognizance around the country, with the launch event attracting several dignitaries including Nigeria’s Minister of Communications who cut the tape.

Our obsession with getting the right mix of people to work at and out of VP is evident from the moment you walk in and stays with you throughout your time on the campus. Curated events designed to foster creativity and engender the spirit of collaboration have made Ventures Platform the premiere destination for creative events like Photo exhibits and events that serve the tech ecosystem like the Microsoft Developers Hangout. With members like Uber Nigeria and Jumia Foods the co-working space continues to attract the most innovative companies and individuals. The incubator – accelerator program has gotten the attention of Silicon Valley, with the CEO of the worlds renowned Y-Combinator Michael Seibel visiting and participating in a fireside chat.