US Silicon Valley: Strategic Ways Nigerian Tech Talents Can Secure Global Funding — Chris Burry

In a recent hybrid media session hosted in Abuja, Chris Burry, the Co-founder of the United States Market Access Centre (US MAC) and a globally respected technology strategist, shared valuable insights on how Nigerian tech innovators can attract funding from international capital hubs, especially Silicon Valley in the United States.

According to Burry, the ability of Nigerian startups to attract global venture capital heavily depends on how well they can pitch their ideas and present their ventures to global investors. He emphasized that international investors actively pursue talent, but Nigerian founders must demonstrate why their local innovations deserve international funding.

“Global investment follows talent. But first, you must convince the international venture capital community that Nigeria is a worthy investment destination,” Burry advised.

He made this known during the interactive tech engagement while addressing the prevalent funding gap affecting tech startups in Nigeria. Burry also stressed that the key to bridging this gap lies in the strategic positioning and pitching skills of Nigerian innovators.

Imo State: A Case Study of Political Will in Tech Innovation

Highlighting a practical example, Burry revealed that US MAC is already collaborating with the Imo State government in a bid to develop the local tech startup landscape. He credited this partnership to the strong political commitment shown by the state governor, Hope Uzodinma, towards tech-driven economic growth.

“What we’ve seen in Imo State is a political vision backed by action. When governments align themselves with technology and innovation, it sends a powerful message to global investors,” Burry remarked.

He further explained that although US MAC has started with Imo State, their interest spans across various regions in Nigeria — provided the necessary institutional support and political will are present.

Startup Act and Legal Support for Innovation in Nigeria

It’s worth recalling that in October 2022, former President Muhammadu Buhari signed into law Nigeria’s Startup Act, a pivotal framework aimed at boosting access to funding and creating a supportive legal environment for innovators and startup founders.

The law is designed to foster partnerships between public institutions and private tech innovators, making Nigeria more attractive to global funds and investors who often seek environments where innovation is both protected and nurtured.

As Nigeria’s tech ecosystem continues to grow and attract attention, stakeholders believe that a combination of global investor outreach, local government backing, and legal innovation frameworks will be key to unlocking the country’s tech potential.