In Nigeria’s fast-changing world of creativity and technology, many young people have great ideas but don’t always have the money, tools, or support to make them happen. That’s where Clef Collective comes in. It’s a growing company that helps creative minds in media, marketing, and tech turn their ideas into real businesses and grow successfully.
Founded in 2024 by Babajide Esho, a seasoned professional in media and tech since 2015, Clef Collective was born out of a desire to connect creativity with commerce. What started as a lean media and marketing collective has quickly evolved into a multi-billion-naira enterprise with a footprint that now spans across media, GreenTech, and artificial intelligence (AI).
Jide reflects on their journey: “We began in media and marketing, but we quickly realized the power of tech and sustainability in shaping global industries. That insight drove us to expand into GreenTech and AI to offer smarter, sustainable solutions for both creatives and companies.”
This foresight led to Clef Collective’s acquisition of a majority stake in Procyon Energy, a move aimed at transforming the company into an AI-powered sustainability pioneer. They also launched Agorra AI, an ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) platform designed to promote responsible and sustainable business practices.
Unlike many startup incubators, Clef Collective doesn’t just offer support—it builds full-fledged ecosystems. According to Jide, their secret lies in blending creativity with technology, underpinned by a strong data-driven approach and a clear focus on sustainability. “We don’t just support entrepreneurs; we build structures that let them thrive and scale,” he explains.
Their model of growth—fueled by bootstrapping, strategic reinvestments, and partnerships—has helped them scale quickly. But it hasn’t been without challenges. Navigating multiple industries while maintaining focus was a steep learning curve. Jide credits their structured roadmaps and specialized leadership teams with helping them manage the complexity.
Looking ahead, the company plans to raise pre-seed funding to scale its AI-powered sustainability solutions across Africa, Europe, and North America. They’re also eyeing expansion into entertainment and fashion, working with new talents and innovative brands to deepen their impact.
Their partnership strategy is central to this mission. From collaborating with 360CreativeHub to support fashion entrepreneurs, Art Monnk for arts and culture, and TheWeb3Hangout for blockchain innovation, to alliances with Playsmith (music), Starboy BMX (urban sports), and Mobkilishi (agro-processing), Clef Collective is building a vast network of opportunity.
While Nigeria’s entrepreneurial ecosystem has improved—thanks to digital access and global funding—Jide stresses that policy instability, infrastructure gaps, and limited access to capital still hinder many startups. Yet, he remains optimistic: “Young people are creating, building, and scaling like never before. The key is to stay adaptive, leverage technology, and build long-term.”
In a time when innovation is essential, Clef Collective stands out as a forward-thinking powerhouse helping Nigeria’s creatives build a future where commerce and creativity thrive side by side.
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