In a significant boost for burgeoning businesses and tech startups in West Africa, MainOne, an industry-leading provider of telecom services and network solutions, has charted a groundbreaking collaboration with Lagos Garage. This alliance promises to provide the necessary high-speed internet infrastructure that 440.ng startups desperately require to create, develop and launch their innovative products.
Esteemed as a high-profile investment fund and accelerator, 440.ng is a joint venture by L5Lab and 88mph. It was established with a prime focus on investing in promising Nigerian mobile and web startups. Since its inception, 440.ng has made nine deft investments. To date, all the startups that received investment are industriously building their companies at the Lagos Garage – an intricate co-working tech space nestled atop the architectural marvel, the Moorhouse Ikoyi.
Addressing the alliance with MainOne, Kresten Buch of 88mph and 440.ng, shared some revealing insights. “Our experience in Nigeria highlighted the stark reality where the initial costs involved in establishing a company posed a formidable hurdle to market penetration with products and services.” He pointed out that while the idea of building a startup in a proverbial garage might sound appealing in locales where utilities such as electricity and internet are affordable, the story is remarkably different in their region.
Buch further elucidated, “Operating from this part of the world, we’ve encountered startups who have had to invest tens of thousands of dollars — even before their product sees the light of day — into bare necessities like internet connectivity, electricity, and office rentals.” This partnership, therefore, seeks to alleviate these initial financial burdens, allowing startups to focus their resources on product development.
The partnership between MainOne and Lagos Garage is a heartening development for tech startups in the region. This collaboration brings a beacon of hope for these young companies aspiring to make their mark in the challenging world of tech industry.
This article was updated in 2025 to reflect modern realities.
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I am Martin Odinuwe, a logo identity designer, Graphic designer, Video editor and a professional videographer based in Abuja, Nigeria with over five years experience. I am currently a consultant with Reachout Multiservice company ltd a multimedia company in Abuja
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