Cynthia E. Chisom is a multidimensional Startup Advisor with extensive global experience, having worked with notable incubators and accelerators such as Mastercard Foundation, CC Hub, VC4A, Ventures Platform, UNIDO, Fuel Africa Incubator, GCIP Accelerator, etc. She has a strong track record of guiding early-stage startup founders through the crucial early years of building their ventures.
Cynthia E. Chisom holds an MSc in Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Management from Imperial College London Business School. Recognized for her impactful work, Cynthia was named one of Nigeria’s 100 Most Inspiring Women in 2022 by Leading Ladies Africa.
Tech Cabal honoured her in 2024 as a key figure in the Abuja Startup Ecosystem for her contributions, including Founders Friday and more. Ventures Park also acknowledged her in 2023 as one of the 50 remarkable women leaders in technology and innovation.
Cynthia is the Principal Partner at SDC Startup School, where she curates programs that transform individuals into entrepreneurs through a well-curated curriculum, currently serving 2000+ students from 30+ cities globally. She is the Head of Corporate Strategy at The Aboki Africa, a pioneering platform
revolutionising the shoe repair and maintenance industry by connecting skilled artisans with customers, ensuring quality craftsmanship, convenience, and sustainable livelihoods.
She also serves as the VP of Ecosystem & Venture Labs at Spark Africa HQ, the organisers of the Africa Startup Festival and Africa Technology Expo. As a UK-trained leather artisan, Cynthia finds joy in leather craftsmanship. When she’s not speaking, teaching, or advising startups, she spends time in her home workshop, restoring and reviving worn-out leather pieces with care and precision.
