This morning, I stumbled upon a mail from TechBuild, in a compilation of tech investments news updates.

Among the headlines, one stood out -
"Nigeria’s ThriveAgric secures $56.4M in Debt Funding to expand across Africa"
https://techbuild.africa/nigerias-thriveagric-56-4m-in-debt-funding-africa/

I was curious to know the whole story, moreso because I had a faint memory of ThriveAgric having some troubles with their investors. I wasn't too sure.

Anyways, the article confirmed there was indeed a period of gloom for the company. However, they initiated a game-changer - brought on board a Chief Financial Officer and a Head of Risk Management and Compliance.

Somehow, they had managed to settle off aggrieved investors, who were starting to drag them all over the internet https://www.nairaland.com/5358517/digital-agriculture-investment-platforms-options/331

Business day had a full feature on it too:
https://businessday.ng/amp/agriculture/article/thrive-agric-says-its-not-shutting-down-to-clear-backlog-of-investment-soon/

They also went ahead to get back on profitable terms and now attracted massive investments (Do the conversion of 56.4 million dollars to Naira), with massive boosts in turnover/operations. That indeed is a thing of dreams.

There are lessons here to both investors and fund managers:

1) Shit happens! Sometimes, you can do nothing to stop it.

2) But if you are passionate about the business you do, with enough resilience, you can wriggle out of whatever shit that has happened.

3) You can't be ashamed to seek help, where you fall short. Be brave to put the changes needed in place.

4) Dear investing audience! It is not enough to only seek out businesses that promise humongous and fast returns. Rather, look out for the drive/motivation of your fund manager(s) as well as the sustainability of the business.

5) To the investors and fund managers, learn to remain calm and calculated in times of crises. Leave emotional sentiments aside and focus on the way out/the way forward.

6) To the investors, there is nothing wrong in cooperating with your fund manager to figure things out when shit hits the fan. It doesn't mean you should sit back and relax like it's nothing, but apply positive agitations over a "street brawl".

7) To the fund managers, be sincere to self and to those who put their faith in you. This will get you through whatever storm.

Despite the inherent risks in investing, it will always trump mere "savings". Inflation will usually humble your fairly decent savings. Even your bank know better to hedge against inflation, than to leave your money lying fallow.

Best wishes.