DAMILARE DOSUNMU
Venture & Ecosystem Strategist | Journalist
Lagos, NG.About
Highly accomplished Venture and Ecosystem Strategist with over 6 years of expertise in analyzing technology markets, fostering cross-regional communities, and advising on strategic partnerships across Africa and the Middle East. Proven ability to translate complex market trends into actionable intelligence, driving innovation and growth strategies for startups, investors, and corporates in emerging markets. Adept at leveraging deep regional knowledge and strategic communication to build high-impact collaborations and position organizations as thought leaders.
Work
Rest of World
|Africa Reporter
New York, New York, US
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Summary
Provided in-depth market intelligence and expanded journalistic coverage of Africa's tech ecosystem for Rest of World, driving brand growth and event initiatives.
Highlights
Produced critical market intelligence reports on Africa's tech ecosystem, focusing on big tech, venture capital, and grassroots innovation to inform global audiences.
Expanded journalistic coverage into 5+ new markets by strategically sourcing local partners and building a robust network of journalists.
Drove significant brand growth through the development of compelling explainer content, targeted audience acquisition strategies, and impactful market entry campaigns.
Managed key African event initiatives, including orchestrating partnerships, negotiating vendor contracts, and curating investor-focused guest lists to enhance engagement.
Dubai World Trade Centre
|Ecosystem Engagement Consultant, Africa
Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
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Summary
Led strategic ecosystem development and stakeholder engagement across Africa for the Dubai World Trade Centre, driving community growth and high-impact partnerships.
Highlights
Cultivated and expanded robust communities of investors and tech founders across Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa, fostering regional collaboration and innovation.
Advised on comprehensive conference strategies, including topic development, speaker curation, and regional market mapping, successfully attracting top-tier venture capitalists and corporate partners.
Designed and executed targeted engagement strategies that enhanced client retention and facilitated high-impact cross-border partnerships within the African tech ecosystem.
Served as a key liaison between diverse stakeholders, effectively aligning business objectives with evolving ecosystem needs to unlock strategic opportunities.
Al-Monitor
|Contributing Reporter
Washington, District of Columbia, US
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Summary
Delivered cross-regional analysis of tech and venture activity in North Africa for Al-Monitor, building critical networks for exclusive insights.
Highlights
Provided comprehensive cross-regional analysis of tech and venture capital activity in North Africa, connecting key trends in Morocco and Tunisia to the broader MENA market.
Strategically built and nurtured networks with investors, founders, and regulators to secure exclusive insights and enhance reporting depth.
Africa Practice
|Freelance Consultant, Editorial
Gaborone, Gaborone, Botswana
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Summary
Provided strategic editorial consulting to pan-African clients for Africa Practice, crafting high-impact communications to position them as thought leaders.
Highlights
Supported pan-African clients with strategic communications, ensuring alignment with their venture and policy agendas to enhance visibility and influence.
Crafted compelling investor-facing op-eds, speeches, and targeted messaging that successfully positioned clients as industry thought leaders.
TechCabal
|Senior Reporter
Lagos, Lagos State, Nigeria
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Summary
Conducted extensive research and reporting on over 50 African startups and VC operators for TechCabal, while leading editorial series and moderating high-profile tech events.
Highlights
Researched and reported on over 50 startups and VC operators across Africa, delivering in-depth analysis of venture dynamics and startup ethics to a broad audience.
Produced and launched impactful editorial series, spotlighting emerging sectors and underrepresented markets, significantly increasing content engagement.
Moderated and spoke at leading tech events, facilitating critical discussions among founders, investors, and policymakers, enhancing industry dialogue.
Collaborated with management to develop and execute digital growth strategies and industry engagement initiatives, contributing to audience expansion and market presence.
Risevest & Quickcheck
|Communication Specialist
Lagos, Lagos State, Nigeria
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Summary
Managed investor communications and brand presence for Risevest & Quickcheck, supporting fundraising and partnership initiatives in the fintech sector.
Highlights
Drafted impactful investor updates, pitch decks, and presentations, directly supporting successful fundraising and partnership initiatives.
Significantly grew brand presence and facilitated active participation in key fintech and venture-focused events, enhancing market visibility.
Education
University of Ilorin
Bachelor of Science (BSc)
Computer Science
Languages
English
Skills
Venture & Ecosystem Analysis
Market Mapping, Due Diligence Research, Investment Theses Development, Technology Market Analysis, Startup Ecosystems, VC Ecosystems, Cross-Market Networks, Trend Analysis.
Partnerships & Stakeholder Engagement
Corporate Liaison, Investor Relations, Regulatory Affairs, Founder Engagement, Collaboration, Cross-Border Partnerships, Business Development.
Strategic Communication
Data-Driven Insights, Narrative Development, Executive Communication, Investor Communication, Content Creation, Explainer Content, Messaging, Thought Leadership.
Event & Community Building
Event Design, Event Leadership, Community Management, Investor Outreach, Founder Networking, Ecosystem Operator Engagement, Vendor Negotiation, Guest Curation.
Regional Expertise
African Tech Ecosystem, Middle Eastern Tech Ecosystem, MENA Market, Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, North Africa, Morocco, Tunisia.
Journalism & Reporting
Market Intelligence, Editorial Series Production, Interviewing, Moderation, Public Speaking, Research, Media Relations, Content Strategy, Audience Acquisition.
Project Management
Initiative Leadership, Strategy Execution, Stakeholder Alignment, Campaign Management.
Digital Growth
Digital Growth Strategies, Brand Development, Market Entry Campaigns.