In an exclusive interview with Business Insider Africa, Olumide Soyombo, one of Africa's most recognized angel investors, shared his unique perspective on what makes a tech startup successful, the importance of founder-market fit, and the evolving opportunities in Africa's tech landscape.

Soyombo, known for his active role in shaping the tech startup ecosystem across the continent, has been a driving force behind some of Nigeria's most successful startups, including the Stripe-owned Paystack, PiggyVest, and TeamApt. His commitment to supporting innovation led to the founding of Voltron, a fund dedicated to addressing the critical gap in early-stage funding for African tech companies.

When asked about the key factors he considers when deciding to invest in a tech startup in Africa, Soyombo emphasized the importance of the founder and their team. "It's always about the founder and their team. They are the ones who build the product, take it to market, and make it work. At the heart of it all is the founder. That's where it starts for me, founder first," he stated. Soyombo also highlighted the significance of the market, questioning whether the business can scale and attract venture-level interest, and what the exit looks like.

In terms of mentorship, Soyombo approaches it as a partnership, working closely with founders to navigate challenges and figure out product-market fit. "When it comes to mentoring startups, it's not just about giving advice, it's about being deeply involved, especially at the early stage. As an early-stage investor, you're more than just a backer, you're almost a co-founder," he explained.

Managing risk in investments, particularly in a volatile market like Africa's, is a crucial aspect of Soyombo's strategy. He emphasized the importance of learning from experience, adapting to local nuances, and staying flexible and open to change. "Risk is part of the game, and honestly, if we could model everything perfectly, we'd all be geniuses. What we do instead is learn from experience," he said.

Looking ahead to the future of the tech industry in Africa over the next decade, Soyombo expressed optimism, citing the continent's huge population boom and the potential for a young, digital-first generation to drive innovation. "We're seeing a huge population boom, a young, digital-first generation that's ready to embrace technology. This is a massive opportunity to improve lives and boost business efficiency," he predicted.

Finally, Soyombo offered advice to aspiring tech entrepreneurs in Africa, urging them to invest in themselves, build their skills, and create solutions that serve the world while staying true to Africa. "Africa has the potential to become the global hub for knowledge workers, especially as other parts of the world age. So, skill up, dream big, and create solutions that serve the world while staying true to Africa," he concluded.

This exclusive interview provides valuable insights into the mind of a seasoned investor and sheds light on the opportunities and challenges facing Africa's tech startup ecosystem. As the continent continues to evolve and grow, Soyombo's words of wisdom are sure to resonate with entrepreneurs and investors alike.