In November of 2022, after the FTX crash
I decided to start Yuki: a B2B startup focused on building critical custody and compliance infrastructure for Web3 in Africa. One of my resolutions before starting this mission was to avoid any Web3 events: to literally escape the groupthink trap. My plan was simple: talk to users, ignore the noise.
Well, I broke character. On September 22, I made an exception and attended the Techcircle Web3 Meetup, powered by Akiverse.
What changed? Two things:
The organizer – Oo Nwoye, someone I deeply respect.
Curiosity – I wanted to take the temperature of the Web3 ecosystem, promote my podcast, and reconnect with the builder community.
Why Do I Say Builders Are Still Here?
The event reminded me that the spirit of building hasn’t left the room. I met a diverse group of attendees (entrepreneurs, developers, investors, and journalists), each working on fascinating ideas and products. It was refreshing to hear raw, honest perspectives about the journey so far and what lies ahead.
Standout Speakers and Insights
Michael Ugwu, Chief Community Officer at Metaphrase
Spoke about NFTs and their evolving role as an asset class.
Ruth Iseleme, CEO of Bitmama
Talked about promoting Web3 education and financial inclusion across Africa.
Akimune Kawa, Founder of VeryLongAnimals
Shared one of the most authentic founder journeys I’ve ever heard.
Ikuma Ueno, Chief Strategy Officer at Akiverse
Broke down the Metaverse in a way the average user could genuinely understand.
Key Takeaways
Africa is already a major player in Web3, with exciting startups emerging from across the continent.
Real challenges remain: scalability, security, and user experience are top of mind.
The Nigerian Web3 community is still 10,000 strong and growing, filled with optimism and builder energy.
The Techcircle Web3 Meetup was more than just a networking opportunity; it was a reaffirmation.
A reminder that even in a bear market, builders are still here, pushing through uncertainty with creativity, drive, and intention. Africa has what it takes to shape the future of Web3. We’re not just participating in the next internet; we’re helping build it.