In a wide-ranging interview with Future News, Osita James Uche, the managing partner of Blackcrest LP, a law firm specializing in startups, shared his insights and strategies for navigating the legal and operational challenges facing entrepreneurs in Africa, particularly in the post-pandemic era.
The interview, conducted by William Etete Daxon and Augustine Narokwe, delved into Uche’s own experiences as a startup founder and how they have shaped his approach at BlackCrest.
Uche candidly discussed with Future News the hurdles he faced in bootstrapping his company, such as self-doubt, time management, and negotiation skills. “The biggest challenge was self-doubt when comparing myself to more experienced professionals,” he admitted. Overcoming these obstacles involved a mindset shift, focusing on core strengths, and implementing comprehensive policies.
Drawing from his startup struggles, Uche emphasized the importance of understanding the unique challenges founders face. This realization has driven BlackCrest to offer not just legal services but also business advisory, community engagement, and resourceful sessions, providing holistic support to startups.
When asked about the significant legal hurdles startups in Africa encounter, Uche highlighted the firm’s efforts to stay updated on regulations through constant engagement with the ecosystem, including founders, investors, NGOs, and VCs. “We constantly engage the ecosystem to understand trends and issues,” he explained. BlackCrest writes about regulations, participates in forums, and creates comprehensive resources covering operational aspects to educate early-stage founders on compliance.
Uche also shed light on the underrated challenges of founder relationships and the necessity of binding agreements to secure these partnerships. Signing ill-advised contracts without legal review and regulatory uncertainty were identified as additional obstacles for bootstrapped startups trying to become “venture-backable.”
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the startup ecosystem was a central theme. Uche acknowledged the shifting landscape and the need for novel strategies to secure investments, attract talent, and scale operations for long-term resilience in the post-pandemic era.
Reflecting on BlackCrest’s achievements, Uche highlighted the firm’s role in assisting startups in raising over $5 million in funding over the past 2-3 years. He also discussed the company’s efforts to engage deeply with the tech community through events, forums, and the creation of tailored resource materials for early-stage African founders.
While the interview showcased Uche’s expertise and BlackCrest’s contributions, the discussion remained focused on providing pragmatic insights and solutions for the broader startup ecosystem in Africa, rather than promoting the firm or its founder.
As a respected voice in the African entrepreneurial landscape, Osita James Uche’s perspectives offer a valuable roadmap for startups seeking to thrive in the post-Covid landscape while navigating the legal and operational complexities of building a business on the continent.
Watch our full interview session with Osita James Uche Here
Written and compiled by William Etete Daxon and Augustine Narokwe
