Founder’s Rant X 2.0: Lagos Founders Get Real About the Tough Business of Building in Nigeria
Forget the polished pitch decks and picture-perfect success stories. At Founder’s Rant X 2.0 in Lagos, entrepreneurs came together to talk about what building a business in Nigeria really looks like—fear, fatigue, uncertainty, setbacks, resilience and all.
Organised by YellowLyfe, the second edition of Founder’s Rant created an open platform for founders, entrepreneurs and business leaders to have the conversations that often happen away from the spotlight.
The event brought together some of Nigeria’s leading business minds, with a panel featuring Dare Aliu, Group Managing Director of TDA Group Africa; Ashley Emmanuel, Co-Founder and COO of Semicolon; and Dr. Chinonso Egemba, Founder of Aproko Doctor Global and Awadoc. The discussion was moderated by Esohe Igbinobah, Director of Programs & Partnerships at Businessfront.
Networking Is About Giving, Not Collecting Contacts
One of the strongest messages from the event centred on networking.
Panelists challenged the conventional idea that networking is simply about collecting contacts or reaching out when you need something. Instead, they encouraged founders to build genuine relationships by creating value and giving before asking.
The audience took the conversation further, asking tough questions and relating the discussions to the realities of their own businesses. What followed was less of a traditional panel and more of a candid exchange between people navigating the same entrepreneurial terrain.
The Real Battle Begins After the Idea
Beyond the excitement of launching a business lies the difficult work of keeping it alive.
That reality was central to Founder’s Rant X 2.0, which opened up conversations around the struggles that rarely make it into success stories.
The speakers highlighted that a great idea is only the beginning. Building the right team, adapting to changing circumstances, making difficult decisions and maintaining the discipline to keep going when results are uncertain are the real tests of entrepreneurship.
For many attendees, the event offered more than inspiration. It provided practical perspectives on leadership, risk-taking, team building, long-term decision-making and the importance of cultivating relationships before they become transactional.
A Night for the Builders
Founder’s Rant X 2.0 ultimately became a celebration of people who continue to build despite the odds.
In an environment where entrepreneurs constantly contend with uncertainty and challenges, the event reinforced a simple message: meaningful businesses are built by people willing to keep showing up, adapting and pushing forward—even when success is far from guaranteed.
Founder’s Rant X Heads to Abuja
The Lagos conversation may be over, but Founder’s Rant X is not slowing down.
The initiative is heading to Abuja on September 27, 2026, where another community of founders, entrepreneurs and business leaders will gather for more honest conversations about the realities of building businesses in Nigeria.
The Abuja edition is expected to continue the Lagos event’s emphasis on authenticity, practical insights, meaningful connections and unfiltered conversations.
Partners Behind Founder’s Rant X 2.0
The second edition was made possible with the support of YellowLyfe, Dexta, MyMuute, Consonance, in60, Nairametrics, Vic’ary TV, Dear Founder, and AADUN.
About Founder’s Rant X and YellowLyfe
Founder’s Rant X is a YellowLyfe initiative created to give founders, builders and business leaders a platform for honest, unfiltered conversations about entrepreneurship and the realities of building businesses in Nigeria.
YellowLyfe is an experience and events company specialising in team bonding, corporate experiences, event production, games and corporate gifting. The company helps organisations create memorable experiences that strengthen connection, culture and engagement.
Beyond Founder’s Rant X, YellowLyfe is also building a growing community through initiatives such as UnwindFest, TechUnwind After Hours and SMEUnwind.