This Investor Who Has Seen 500M+ in Deals Explains Why Startups Shouldn't Take VC | Nichole Yembra

Nichole Yembra is a force of nature in the African tech ecosystem. As a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree and an Obama Foundation Leader, she has overseen over $500 million in capital raises and fostered the growth of giants like Flutterwave and Max. In this deep-dive interview on Found Connect, Nichole shares the raw, unfiltered reality of what it takes to build, fail, and scale in Nigeria and beyond.Nichole discusses her transition from a high-flying career at EY in Atlanta and Brazil to becoming the "Chief Problem Solver" in Lagos. She opens up about the "Mamba Mentality" she adopted from Kobe Bryant—a relentless, competitive drive that pushed her to leave her comfort zone and redefine success. She explains why she dropped "loyalty" as a top value after facing a betrayal that forced her to start from scratch, and why she now prioritizes authenticity and curiosity above all else.This conversation goes beyond business metrics. Nichole talks about the physiological nature of emotions, the "cognitive loneliness" of leadership, and the power of female friendships. She breaks down why most businesses are actually not "venture-backable" and provides a masterclass for founders on the importance of timing, execution, and customer money over investor funding. Whether you are an aspiring entrepreneur, an investor, or someone looking for the motivation to "craft your life," this episode is packed with gems.From her early days as a "terrible child" jumping gates in Lagos to building 143—a wellness and Pilates sanctuary—Nichole’s story is one of evolution. Learn how she balances being a mother of twins, a managing partner, and a creative spirit while maintaining a deep sense of gratitude and peace in the chaos of Nigeria. Subscribe to Found Connect for more stories of the founders shaping Africa’s future.Timestamps00:00 - Intro03:38 - Growing up as a creative and competitive child in Lagos06:01 - A childhood lesson on earning money and honesty10:51 - Turning 39 and the legacy of her mother12:11 - Why being in Nigeria is more liberating than the US14:42 - Breaking down core values: Freedom and Authenticity20:43 - The Mamba Mentality: How Kobe Bryant influenced her drive22:54 - The mindset of greatness vs. mediocrity33:25 - Moving back to Nigeria36:34 - Building Greenhouse Lab and the Google partnership37:42 - The truth about raising your first $1M in Africa43:55 - Why Venture Capital often "makes no sense"56:29 - What Chrysalis Capital actually does for companies1:07:02 - Transitioning into the wellness industry with 1431:11:15 - Losing everything and starting over from scratch1:20:47 - The Trust Equation: Competence, Reliability, and Authenticity1:26:19 - The importance of ambitious female friendships