Close Menu
    What's Hot

    Africa’s Startup Funding Rebounds: April 2025 Highlights

    May 20, 2025

    Everything You Need to Know About Africa Technology Expo 2025 in Lagos

    May 14, 2025

    Apply Now: Cascador Fellowship 2025 Opens for African Entrepreneurs

    May 13, 2025
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
    Where Founders are StarsWhere Founders are Stars
    • Founder
      • Founder Journeys
      • Industry Leaders
    • Startups
      • News
      • Funding
      • Growth Stories
      • Startup School of Hard Knocks
    • Inside Startups
      • Culture Series
      • Hot Takes
    • Resources
      • Events
      • Funding Opportunities
      • Toolkits
      • Expert Insights
    • Get In Touch
    Where Founders are StarsWhere Founders are Stars
    • Events

    Book Review: Investment Worthy Startup, The POEM Framework

    • August 7, 2023
    Book Review: Investment Worthy Startup

    Dear startup founders and investors, If you are navigating the challenging waters of the African tech startup ecosystem, “Investment Worthy Startup by Tomi Davis” is a must-read book for you. This comprehensive guide is a perfect read that offers valuable insights into the unique hurdles African startups face and provides a roadmap for overcoming them.

     

    Each week, we will unveil a summary of a new section of the book, starting with the introduction, followed by four further reviews. Stay tuned for the upcoming weeks as we uncover each component of the POEM Framework

     

    The book begins by addressing the significant funding gap that plagues African tech startups. It highlights the common challenges faced by startups worldwide, such as poor market research, incorrect business models, and poor execution. However, the African context presents additional obstacles, including a lack of technology infrastructure, sporadic government support, and a talent drain to the diaspora.

     

    To secure the necessary capital to thrive, African startup founders must leverage available ecosystem support. The book emphasizes the need for a robust ecosystem that supports startups through every stage of development, from pre-seed funding to Series A and beyond.

     

    One of the book’s strengths is its clear definition of a startup, differentiating it from traditional small businesses. Startups are expected to experience rapid growth, access funding through various channels like angel investors and venture capital, and have an exit strategy in place to provide returns to their investors.

     

    The POEM Framework

    The POEM Framework lays out a clear roadmap for the startup journey, beginning with pre-seed funding from founders, family, friends, and angel investors. It then delves into seed-stage funding, where startups focus on establishing a customer base and tracking cash flow.

     

    As startups grow, they face new challenges in the growth stage, such as managing increased sales and customers. At this point, they may seek funding from angel syndicates, venture capital firms, grants, or even banks.

     

    The ultimate goal is scale-up funding, where startups expand into new markets and gain a larger market share. Series A funding is crucial for startups seeking to achieve this growth, attracting investments in the millions of dollars.

     

    The POEM Framework is introduced as a powerful tool for measuring a startup’s progress objectively. The five elements of the framework – Vision, Proposition, Organisation, Economics, and Milestones – help founders and investors alike understand the startup’s journey and its potential for success.

     

    “Investment Worthy Startup” provides a compelling narrative that guides readers through the process of building and scaling a successful startup venture in Africa. The book’s practical approach and valuable insights will undoubtedly be valuable to anyone in the startup community.

     

    However, the review only scratches the surface of what this book has to offer. To gain deeper insights and actionable advice for your startup, stay tuned for more sections of the book review. For a comprehensive understanding of the POEM Framework and its application, I recommend getting your hands on a copy of this invaluable resource.

     

    So, if you’re a startup founder or investor seeking success in the African tech startup landscape, don’t miss out on the invaluable insights offered by Tomi Davies in “Investment Worthy Startup.” Get your copy now and embark on a journey toward entrepreneurial success!

    Everything You Need to Know About Africa Technology Expo 2025 in Lagos

    Africa Technology Expo 2025 (ATE 2025) is officially set to take place on June 21, 2025, at…

    Read More

    Expert Insights

    SAFE vs. Convertible Notes vs. Equity Rounds: Best Startup Funding Option?

    Resources

    7 Alternative Funding Options for Startups Beyond VC & Angel Investors

    News

    Did you know only 14% of Nigerian businesses work remotely? Here’s why

    Resources

    Investment Worthy Startups: Milestones – The M in POEM Framework Part 2

    Funding Opportunities

    Kenya Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Program Opens Applications for 2025 Cohort

    Founder

    Exclusive Interview: Iyinoluwa Aboyeji on Building Unicorns, Angel Investing & The Future of African Startups

    Demo
    FA Logo
    Twitter Facebook Instagram Linkedin
    Twitter Facebook Instagram Linkedin

    Links

    • Founder Spotlight
    • Culture Series
    • Expert Insights
    • Startup School of Hard Knocks
    • Events

    Company

    • About
    • Sponsored News
    • Work with Us

    Legal

    • Editorial Policy
    • Terms

    Subscribe to Updates

    Get the latest news from Founder Africa: Where Founders are Stars.

    © 2025 Founder Africa

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

    We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
    Cookie SettingsAccept All
    Manage consent

    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
    Necessary
    Always Enabled
    Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
    CookieDurationDescription
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
    viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
    Functional
    Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
    Performance
    Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
    Analytics
    Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
    Advertisement
    Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
    Others
    Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
    SAVE & ACCEPT

    Subscribe to Updates

    Get the latest news from Founder Africa

    FA logoblk_1