FREE FOUNDERS EQUITY
I’d rather have 10% of a £10m company than 100% of a £1m company…
Sound strange?? Same thing you think?? Well not really.
- How much more value in the context of creating jobs in Africa would 10m’s make as opposed to 1m?
- How much more value would I create in exporting Portuguese fabrics?
- How much better would my Bankers and professional advisers treat me…how bigger would the rooms we sit in be.
- How much more avocado could I squeeze onto one slice (both sides please)
No — they are not the same. The value and good will created are far different.
“I’m on a mission this year — I want to give as much equity as possible”
I want to reward board members and new team mates with enough incentive to help turn Walls of Benin into the global trademark it will can be — faster.
With the right people and resources we can get into the 10m’s space in 3 years!
The way i’m thinking is: I see Walls of Benin as a platform- I envisage an African LVMH, OTB , or maybe even Iconix.
So who am I looking for — what do I need…?
Investors:
- Have worked in fashion industry, either built a business in analog world or the digital world- you know exactly what we need to level up
- Work in private equity — a focus on consumer or retail would be great, however, as long as your in the business of buying companies — I can learn a lot from you and you can add a lot of value…
- Care about African development and recognise fashion as a good way to have impact and make a profit / thinking about your legacy / a family foundation….
- A fabric Portuguese textile company (ceda — estamparia) interested in US market, African Market and/or in taking a stake in a trademark
(etc etc…..lots of permutations- the only stipulation is it has to be more than money)
Board Director’s:
- Ready to roll up your sleeves and get your contact book out
- Have been on a rocket ship before and know how to do it- preferably closer to the driving wheel
- Directors from other companies in the same industry with experience and contacts who could help me build practically blindfolded
- I think incubation by a bigger fashion player would be interesting…
Team mates:
- A burning desire to win and make a mark on the world
- Money is important of course — but you’re equally chasing a legacy
- Savages - ‘Victory or nothing else….’
- You fully recognise where this market is going and that these are the early days- flags are being put in the sand
- You believe what happened in China in going to happen across Africa (even if your not planning on staying that long you know this bodes well for your (vested) holding)
Interested in seeing a one pager, my vision document- or having a conversation…??
chi@wallsofbenin.com
UK +44 7788 239 517
PT +351 91 508 3441
