Tuesday, January 09, 2007

Minority Startup Powering The World

USA Today writes about Kase Lawal of CAMAC International:

This particular entrepreneur's story has become even more relevant for me today as I think about what model of entrepreneurship I plan to pursue. It is evident that one has to find a way to develop a unique competitive advantage. A melding of the unique knowledge and understanding of the US and Africa Markets. Kase was able to leverage both worlds to build a global business. The US gave him access to low cost financing and technical expertise. Africa gave him access to rich resources. He couldn't do one without the other. I know everyone's story is different and things may have changed but this model is definitely worth considering.

It's also useful to consider whether one needs to leverage one more world - China. Today, as an African entrepreneur, China offers the lowest cost of financing and technical expertise. Africa is also considered important. No one is laughing when you cold call to pitch an African investment idea.