Discover curated events for founders in SF and beyond. Grow your skills, expand your network, and thrive in the global startup scene. Stay updated and unlock opportunities for success!

Malaika

Cross-Border Startup Building & North America Expansion Strategies.

This evening brings together African and diaspora founders, investors, and operators exploring how companies built in and from Africa successfully expand into the U.S. and Canada.

Through founder case studies, investor perspectives, and practical discussions, we’ll unpack what it actually takes to build, raise, and scale in North America while keeping teams and innovation rooted in Africa.

Featured voices include founders building in the U.S. and Canada and cross-border investors including: 

Efosa Obano (Africa Impact Initiative / Black Founders Network),

Expect real stories, honest conversations, rapid-fire pitches, and curated founder–investor connections.

Building Global Startups out of Africa

KAL EL

James Nelson

Elisha Mabaje

VOYA APP

Moses Mwirigi Kalunge

David Idris

Keturah Ovio

Kutaje O. Joseph

Pelumi

Joshua Omobola

Ben Seun Oyajumo

Olayinka Osibodu

Rotimi Tijani

Operators, builders, and early-stage founders in the Malaika community. You get access to events, support, and a network designed to help you grow in San Francisco.

Early-Stage Founders

Supporters who believe in the Malaika mission. You get access to select events and help us keep the community vibrant and welcoming.

Founders & Friends

High-trust community backers. Patrons help fund our work and gain priority access to gatherings, dinners, and private founder sessions.connected and add value

Patrons

Investors actively backing early-stage founders. You get curated access to founders, gatherings, and deal flow inside the community.

VCs & Fund Managers

Founders who completed the Malaika Residency. You stay plugged into the network, events, and ongoing founder support.

Residency Alumni

For professionals and firms that support startups and funds with essential services, such as legal, accounting, recruiting, marketing, or software solutions. This tier is for ecosystem enablers who want to collaborate, share expertise, and help founders and investors scale faster.

Service Providers (Enablers)

Organizations and community leaders who collaborate with Malaika to support founders—co-hosts, venue partners, campus programs, accelerators, and aligned networks.