Building Through Crises

The Flip

As we continue to weather the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic, and its second order effects on the economy, hat lessons can we learn from those who have lived, survived or even thrived through somewhat similar circumstances in the past? In this episode, we hear stories from three entrepreneurs whose past experiences may be useful for the entrepreneurs of today.

2:07 - 'Tokunboh Ishmael, Co-founder and Managing Partner of Alitheia Capital, shares her experience attempting to fundraise during the 2008 Global Financial Crisis. Her firm wound up pivoting to a partnership-centric approach - a strategy which has endured for the past 13 years.
8:38 - We hear Appfrica's origin story from its founder, Jon Gosier. Through Tech for Good and other client-based work around the continent, Jon was able to bootstrap Appfrica and ultimately make investments out of the company's balance sheet.
14:25 - Much like Jon funded his business and investment activity through cashflow, Craig McLeod, the CEO of BoxCommerce, has bootstrapped his business through service-based revenue. Craig shares how he's built his business to service his clients, while leveraging that revenue to build their main business. The Business Insider article referenced is here: https://www.businessinsider.com/how-long-companies-can-survive-without-bringing-in-money-2020-3?IR=T
17:34 - We hear again from 'Tokunboh Ishmael on the resiliency and diversification of one of her firm's portfolio companies, MAX.NG, and the advice she is presently giving her entrepreneurs.
20:38 - My b-mic, Sayo Folawiyo, and I discuss this episode, and the way in which Sayo is approaching the situation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.