080 Africa and Tech

Paul Kallmes is an independent technology professional with a focus on foreign start-ups coming to the US, with a specialty in the strategic management of intellectual property. His nearly 20 years of IP and technology licensing and management have given him a broad base in the nuance and complexities of developing and deploying intangible assets to the benefit of IP owners and users alike. He has extensive experience in various industries in IP management and manufacturing. He has extensive international experience working with companies in the US, Europe and Asia on patent portfolio development, market entry strategies, product development and roll-out, and early-stage fund-raising activities. Intangible assets and intellectual property are becoming ever more important in today's economy, and every company in a technology space needs to take their IP issues seriously or risk being left behind by their competitors. His current focus on assisting start-ups from various European and Asian countries allows him to see a wide range of opportunities that will make positive contributions to various markets in the US and around the world.    Sam Floy After living in East Africa for 3+ years he is now based in Copenhagen where he runs a business setting up and running podcasts for companies around the world. While in East Africa he started the The East Africa Business Podcast which is a podcast about the business environment in East Africa based around interviews with entrepreneurs, investors and organizations looking to help the region grow.   Tehlma Ekiyor is an Impact Investor, Development Expert, Social Entrepreneur, Fundraising Expert, Senior Public Sector Project Advisor. Implemented projects in 22 African countries Served as Senior Consultant to the Africa Union, ECA, IGAD, ECOWAS Co-founded SME.NG - Nigeria's impact investment platform for women. pioneered the establishment of national and international non-profit and philanthropic organizations Passionate about equipping women to participate in decision making - co-founded women's organizations.   Nichole Yembra. Nichole is the Founder and Managing Director of The Chrysalis Co which houses The Chrysalis Capital, a new $15M Africa and Diaspora early stage tech fund and The Chrysalis Advisors, a strategy and investment advisory firm. In addition to this work, Nichole is deeply committed to making gender diversity a priority within the financial-technology 'fintech' space in Nigeria and enhancing opportunities for women in leadership. She founded the Garden Women's Network, a group dedicated to the development and retention of high-performing women in the Nigerian tech ecosystem.