Venture capitalist Kola Aina appointed chairman of Lagos Angel Network

Ishioma Emi -

The Lagos Angel Network (LAN) has announced the appointment of Kola Aina as the chairman of its new board of governors, starting Oct. 1.

Aina is a Nigerian investor and a general partner at Ventures Platform, a leading early-stage African venture capital fund that provides founder-friendly capital and support to startups.

Over the past 10 years, the outgoing LAN board has successfully mentored, advised and invested in more than 100 Nigerian startups, while birthing several angel groups. They include Rising Tide Africa, South South-East Angels Network, Abuja Angels Network and Diaspora Angels Network.

The new board has been mandated to strategically reposition LAN to recruit and educate local angel investors and champion advocacy for early-stage investing in Nigeria.

Aina, who will be deputized by Biola Alabi Media Founder Biola Alabi, is expected to lead the board and spearhead the design and execution of strategies over the next decade.

“I want to thank the founding LAN Board whose achievements cannot be overstated, and their legacy visible for all to see,” Aina said. “Our appointment to serve the LAN community in this capacity is humbling. We believe we have a great team, and our passion, commitment, and experiences will stand us in good stead as we embark on this journey.”

Other new board members include Yemi Keri, co-founder of Rising Tide Africa, Olumide Soyombo, co-founder of Voltron Capital, Iyin Aboyeji, founder of Future Africa and Gerrad Olisa-Ashar, co-founder of Diaspora Angel Network.

Lagos Angel Network

LAN is a Nigeria-based venture capital network created to facilitate investments for entrepreneurs in Lagos State. It grants them access to its business networks, while mentoring and nurturing their them to build a sustainable and impactful economic ecosystem.

The company was co-founded in 2012 by Tomi Davies and Dotun Sulaiman.

Since its launch, LAN members have invested their time, funds, knowledge and networks to support Nigerian startup founders as they have built innovative, enterprising and sustainable ventures.