August 14, 2026 | BAIHUB, BENCEDI, Makurdi, Benue State
Pitch Friday Season 1, Episode 2 brought five Benue-founded startups together for an evening of pitching, expert feedback, connections, and recognition.
The event recorded 146 registered guests, a 33% increase from the 110 guests recorded during Season 1, Episode 1. Investors, entrepreneurs, students, professionals, ecosystem builders, and community members gathered to see what the founders were building.
Organised by: BenueTech Foundation
Sponsored by: Maxify Global
Powered by: Maxify Tickets
A look back at the moments, people, and highlights from Pitch Friday Season 1, Episode 2.
Founder: Emmanuel Nzorov
Sector: AI / Identity Technolog
Location: Gboko, Benue State
LumiID is an AI-powered live identity verification platform addressing identity fraud and verification challenges across Nigeria.
Founders: Anita Raagale Ugwuru & Precious Ukama
Sector: Edtech
Location: Makurdi, Benue State
EarnVersity connects university students with flexible job opportunities while helping them develop practical digital skills.
Founders: Raphael Emmanuel & Odoh Samuel Itodo
Sector: Hospitality / Travel Technology
Location: Makurdi, Benue State
Matchire is simplifying hotel discovery and booking by allowing customers to book accommodation through WhatsApp.
Founder: Awua Biemdoo & Onalo Helen
Sector: AI / Real Estate Technology
Location: Makurdi, Benue State
Sheltrify AI is building an intelligence platform designed to bring greater trust and transparency to Nigeria's real estate market.
Founders: Aondongu Amos, Clement Raymond & Mimi Andzenge
Sector: Agritech
Location: Makurdi, Benue State
Foodra is building a digital agricultural marketplace focused on improving market access, financing, and opportunities for smallholder farmers.
Judge
Founder & CEO, SkyHub Nigeria | 2025 Mandela Washington Fellow
Judge
Founder, VetKonnect & Hub 17 Innovation Space | 2023 Mandela Washington Fellow
Get the complete Pitch Friday Season 1, Episode 2 report, including the full event details, startup profiles, judging scores, feedback, and event outcomes.
Pitch Friday S1E2 was another step in creating a platform where founders can present what they are building, receive honest feedback, connect with people who can help them grow, and gain visibility within the wider technology ecosystem.
The five startups have now moved beyond the pitch stage with access to further acceleration support and the next chapter is already taking shape.
Pitch Friday by BenueTech Foundation
Building founders. Growing businesses. Strengthening Benue’s technology ecosystem.
BenueTech Foundation is Nigeria’s first tech NGO in Benue State, empowering professionals, founders, and learners of Benue origin through mentorship, programs, and community. From Benue. Built for the world.
Developed by Maxify Global