Building a Strong Startup Community in Akure: Insights from The Hive’s Community Manager Image showing the winners of a trivia conducted at an attended event–Futasu@40 Akure, Nigeria
A thriving startup ecosystem isn’t just about funding or infrastructure it’s about people. The Hive Incubator has been at the forefront of building a dynamic and inclusive startup community in Akure, ensuring that every group of individuals have the support, connections, and resources they need to grow.
In this exclusive interview, we sit down with Ololade Lois Daniel, the Community Manager at The Hive Incubator, to discuss the initiatives, challenges, and future of community-building efforts at The Hive.
Why is community-building so essential for startups?
Lois: Startups don’t grow in isolation; they thrive in a supportive ecosystem where founders can learn from one another, collaborate, and access resources. A strong community fosters innovation, provides emotional and professional support, and creates an environment where knowledge is shared. At The Hive, we are intentional about building a connected network of individuals in various areas who support each other’s growth.
How does The Hive create a sense of belonging among young individuals?
Lois: We take a multi-layered approach. Our Community is one of our core strategies, bringing together individuals with shared interests—whether in tech, social impact, or the creative industries. This community provides a space for knowledge-sharing, skill-building, and collaboration. Additionally, we have a number of events and activities in the pipeline as well as numerous clubs we’re starting up that would engage individuals with similar interests in an informal setting. I guess everyone would just have to stay tuned to our socials to find out.
What are some of the most impactful community-driven events at The Hive?
Lois: We have several events that bring individuals together. Some of the most impactful are and aren’t limited to: Founders’ Breakfast – A monthly gathering where startup founders network, share experiences, and learn from guest speakers. Art Showcase & Tell – A live art showcase currently in the works where artists create in real time, offering a unique blend of creativity and engagement for both participants and spectators. Virtual Training Sessions- We’re setting up a number of virtual training and knowledge sharing sessions across some niches like Virtual Reality, Art, Artificial Intelligence and so on. After the virtual sessions, physical sessions will be curated where these individuals would be able to actively practice what was learnt here at the hub. Skill-Sharing Sessions – Sessions where members with expertise in different areas (e.g., branding, digital marketing, fundraising will teach and mentor others in the community. These programs will create a structured way for people to engage while also leaving room for organic networking and collaboration.
What challenges have you faced in growing the startup community in Akure?
Lois: One of the biggest challenges is engagement and retention. Many entrepreneurs and individuals alike attend events but don’t always stay actively involved. Others aren’t even conscious of the many events that happen in the ecosystem. We tackle this by ensuring that every interaction—whether online or in-person—adds real value and we do our best, as much as possible, to bring these events to the faces of the entrepreneurial stack. Like one of our hub thesis states: “The start-up community MUST be inclusive of anyone who wants to participate in it”. How can we encourage participation when they aren’t even aware? Many people believe that success is only possible in Lagos, Port-Harcourt, Ibadan or Abuja just to mention a few cities, and part of our work is proving that Akure has the potential to be a thriving startup city.
How does The Hive foster collaboration within the community?
Lois: Collaboration is at the heart of what we do. We actively introduce members to potential partners, co-founders, or mentors within the community. Through our community, people can work together on projects, form business alliances, or even access new clients. We also encourage peer-to-peer mentorship, where experienced founders support newer entrepreneurs.
The Hive is designed as an open, collaborative space where ideas can be exchanged freely. Q: How does
The Hive leverage online platforms to engage the community?
Lois: While physical events are important, we also recognize the need for constant engagement beyond our hub. Our WhatsApp groups serve as daily hubs for discussion, networking, and sharing opportunities. We also run active social media campaigns: Instagram Lives, Twitter & Tiktok Spaces to keep the conversation going on key topics in the startup space. This hybrid approach ensures that even those who can’t always attend physical events still feel connected and involved. What are the future plans for community development at The Hive? Lois: We are looking to widen our community by introducing more specialized groups, such as the Improv, Open Mic, Glee clubs and a few others for actors and music interested individuals respectively.
What advice do you have for individuals who want to be part of this community?
Lois: Get involved! Show up for events, contribute to discussions, and seek ways to collaborate with others. The Hive is built for individuals who want to grow and support each other, so don’t hesitate to reach out and take advantage of the resources available. The Hive Incubator continues to foster a strong entrepreneurial network in Akure, ensuring that founders have the support, mentorship, and opportunities they need to thrive. With structured programs, digital engagement, and a strong focus on collaboration, the future of Akure’s startup community looks brighter than ever.