Would the Startup Ecosystem Really Benefit from Aso Villa Demo Day (AVDD)?

Aso Villa Demo Day (AVDD) 2016 has come and gone, one key question on my mind is, would the startup ecosystem really benefit from this and if yes, how? Would it be because that three of them will reportedly get three million Naira each or is it because the finalists got to pitch before the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osibanjo, Mark Zuckerberg along with other top dignatries?

Looking at the goal of the project as stated on the AVDD website: "Aso Villa Demo Day is aimed at promoting entrepreneurship, innovation, job creation and economic growth through the use of new and emerging technologies. This event will celebrate some of the best Nigerians in technology innovation and creativity and also feature inspiring talks from thought leaders and experts from different economic sectors in Nigeria." It is possibly intended to add value but whether it achieved that or not in this maiden edition is a different ball game.

The intention of this piece is to contribute to the conversations because I am not only a stakeholder, I am also on the streets with the startups. Sometimes I go with my Tech Trends crew to very unbelievable places where some of these startups are trying to make a difference from. So I have no choice but to look beyond the blitz and excitement and analyze if a project like this would truly add value.

At this point, may I ask again, beyond the media hype, PR and Glitz of the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo gracing the grand finale and it being held in the seat of power, what really is the value of Aso Villa Demo Day (AVDD) to this ecosystem that is still very much in struggle mode? Is the Silicon valley model which we all refer to built on this sort of grandiose national event?

I would imagine that this event must have cost a few millions to put together. Yes, I know it is likely fully sponsored by the private sector but then assuming the event cost say Fifty Million Naira to organise (which I doubt), would you say this event would eventually add commensurate value to the ecosystem after doling out a massive 3 million Naira each to the three finalists?

In today's Nigeria, three Million Naira translates to 7,500 USD if you use a conservative black market rate of N400 to $1 as at today. I honestly wonder what startups who got a chance to pitch before the number two man in the country, the 5th richest man in the world and other top dignitaries would achieve with $7,500?

As far as I know, Facebook and Google will swallow this amount in no time if used for PPC advert same would be the case if they opt for traditional media. Ok, maybe I don't have all the facts, this prize might be all the startups need to grow but then would we have achieved better results if these "sponsored" funds were spent organising smaller events through already established pipelines (hubs and similar initiatives) in various states rather than a massive event like AVDD?

At the end of the day, it is important that we all look beyond the media hype and come up with projects that will make a difference. It is also important for those in leadership positions to listen when trying to implement stuff that they assume will add value because at the end of the day it may just be another jamboree. Let me therefore remind the organisers and everyone reading that "the road to hell is paved with good intentions."

Finally, Congrats to Shuttlers NG, Tracology and RecyclePoints for pitching and winning on the national stage, I wish you guys all the very best.