Knowvate Hub, Scotland’s leading entrepreneurship support organisation for underrepresented founders, has announced a strategic partnership with FirstFounders Venture Studio. This collaboration is set to significantly expand the Scottish entrepreneurial ecosystem by unlocking international connections, investment opportunities, and business development resources.
The newly formed alliance between Edinburgh-based Knowvate Hub and FirstFounders Venture Studio which operates in Lagos and New York — aims to build robust cross-continental pathways for Scottish entrepreneurs, especially those from minority ethnic backgrounds, while reinforcing Scotland’s status as an inclusive innovation hub.
“I am excited about the partnership between Knowvate Hub and FirstFounders Venture Studio, as it represents a powerful step towards empowering Black and minority entrepreneurs globally,” said Onyinye Igbokwe, Co-founder and Program Director at Knowvate Hub.
“I see this partnership as a strategy to democratise entrepreneurship through venture building and community support. Founders will be equipped with the resources and funding needed to create solutions that transform economies and improve lives. More importantly, it enables an inclusive global community for underrepresented founders,” added David-Lanre Messan, Founder and CEO of FirstFounders Venture Studio.
Formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding, the collaboration will provide Scottish businesses with:
- Access to new markets across Africa through FirstFounders’ established network
- Enhanced mentorship opportunities by connecting Scottish entrepreneurs with international experts
- Increased visibility to international investors and venture capital firms
- Joint advocacy initiatives to improve funding access for underrepresented Scottish founders
- Research-driven insights into the barriers facing minority entrepreneurs in Scotland
“Our Include and Inspire event series and Ideation Bootcamps have already highlighted the immense talent within Scotland’s minority communities. This partnership allows us to amplify that impact by building global connections and sharing best practices across ecosystems. Together, we can break down more barriers to inclusion in business,” said Emeka Ebeniro, Growth Manager at Knowvate Hub.
David Lanre Messan, CEO/Co-Founder Firstfounders Onyinye Igbokwe, Co-Founder Knowvate Hub
Backed by Scottish Enterprise, Knowvate Hub has already engaged over 300 ethnic minority entrepreneurs across Scotland. This new international partnership builds on that momentum, tapping into FirstFounders’ venture-building expertise to create sustainable innovation pathways for Scottish founders.
Founded in 2023 as a spinout from Black Professionals United Kingdom, Knowvate Hub continues to strengthen Scotland’s entrepreneurial landscape by bridging ecosystem partners across sectors and addressing the systemic challenges faced by underrepresented founders.
The partnership will officially launch at the African Ecosystem Mixer in Lagos on May 2, 2025. The inaugural event will convene entrepreneurs, investors, government agencies, academics, and other stakeholders to network, exchange insights, and explore collaborative opportunities under the new framework. This creates immediate openings for Scottish businesses to connect with counterparts across the African continent.
The collaboration will focus on specific joint projects, to be developed and implemented through mutual agreement. Knowvate Hub will offer access to UK entrepreneurial networks, while FirstFounders contributes venture-building expertise and connections across Africa’s startup ecosystems.
This partnership represents a bold step toward building more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystems and fostering cross-continental collaboration in innovation and enterprise.
