This year, the Annual TMT Business Series hosted by Duale, Ovia & Alex-Adedipe proudly unveils the maiden edition of its Pitch Competition, titled “The Next Big Bet – Solve, Scale, Sustain.” We are calling on daring founders and innovative startups with real solutions for real problems. If that’s you, click button below!

The Next Big Bet (TNBB) is a high-impact platform designed to spotlight bold startups and forward-thinking innovators who are tackling real-world challenges across the Technology, Media, and Digital sectors.

We are looking to showcase a daring breed of entrepreneurs who are building avant-garde, thoughtful, and scalable solutions to a carefully selected audience of investors and industry professionals.

We are paving a pathway to mentorship, equity-free funding, and collaboration to empower daring founders to scale their solutions from concept to market, and from local relevance to global impact.

We invite applications from entrepreneurs, innovators, and founders who bring practical, forward-thinking solutions to the table. More than a chance to showcase ideas, you will gain access to a rare opportunity to present your solutions to seasoned investors, industry leaders, and influential stakeholders who are actively seeking transformative ideas. Selected participants will also stand a chance to win cash prizes.

Innovation is currency, and this is your moment to define the digital future of the world. Are you the Next Big Bet?

Why Apply?

Selected participants will have the opportunity to:

• Win 10,000,000 (Ten Million Naira) equity-free funding.
• Pitch before a panel of top-tier investors, industry veterans and decision-makers.
• Receive valuable feedback and strategic exposure to accelerate growth.
• Compete for mentorship and potential partnership opportunities.
• Gain visibility and credibility across the broader innovation and investor landscape.
• Connect with peers, potential backers and ecosystem enablers in a curated space.

Who Can Apply?

Ambitious and passionate startups or early-stage ventures operating within the following sectors:

• AI & Emerging Tech (AI-powered solutions, automation, machine learning, etc.)
• Fintech & Digital Payments
• Infrastructure & Connectivity (broadband, cloud services, digital infrastructure)
• Media, Content & Digital Creativity
• Other – closely related to the above-listed sectors

Eligibility Criteria

• Must be an early-stage venture or startup
• Must be registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission as a legal entity in Nigeria – Proof of registration is required as part of the application process
• Solutions must demonstrate innovation, scalability, and clear market potential
• Must have a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) to demonstrate
• Must have generated less than $100,000 in any 12 months before 5th June 2025
• Founders must provide a detailed pitch deck ahead of Pitch Day as part of the screening process
• Founders must be available to pitch in person in Lagos, Nigeria, on Pitch Day

Evaluation Criteria

Submissions will be assessed based on:

• Problem identification and relevance
• Innovation and uniqueness of the solution
• Business model and potential for scalability
• Team capability
• Presentation clarity and persuasiveness

Key Dates

• Applications Open: May 5, 2025
• Deadline: May 20, 2025
• Shortlist Announced: Coming soon.
• Pitch Day: June 5, 2025 (Lagos, Nigeria)

How to Apply

Submission Closed.

Got Questions?

Reach out to Grace Ama at 09056899825
Or email tnbb-submissions@doa-law.com