12 Aug 2026
The Infrastructure Challenge: What Founders Need to Know About Scaling Impact
Building a startup is difficult. Building infrastructure is even harder.
In this episode of Agritech Founder's Diary, host Kenneth Obayuwana sits down with Daniel Komolafe, Founder and CEO of FIRST Electric, to explore what it really takes to build infrastructure businesses that attract long-term investment and create lasting impact.
Drawing from his journey of building FIRST Electric—from solving energy access challenges in rural communities to securing institutional investment after years of persistence—Daniel shares practical lessons every agritech founder should understand about fundraising, governance, execution, and scaling.
Together, they unpack why investors look beyond innovative ideas, how governance builds confidence, why unit economics matter more than hype, and what founders should do today if they hope to raise institutional capital tomorrow.
Whether you're building in agriculture, climate, logistics, energy, or any infrastructure-driven sector, this conversation offers a practical roadmap for creating businesses that investors trust and customers value.
Why infrastructure is the foundation of thriving economies.
What institutional investors actually look for before writing a cheque.
How governance and credibility influence fundraising success.
The importance of product-market fit and strong unit economics.
The difference between debt and equity financing.
Why funding amplifies your business—it doesn't fix it.
How founders can prepare today for future investment opportunities.
Why solving real problems creates more value than chasing hype.
"Capital flows where there's credibility." — Daniel Komolafe
If you're building solutions for Africa's agricultural ecosystem, this episode will challenge how you think about growth, investment, and long-term impact.
In this episode, you'll learn:
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