This Nigerian Law Firm Wants To Save Your Startup From Costly Legal Mistakes

The decline in funding for African startups, while concerning, has prompted a critical shift in the way businesses are being built. Founders and investors are now focusing on the fundamentals of business growth, moving beyond the assumption that securing capital is the sole driver of success. This shift has forced startups to prioritize essential aspects of their operations-many of which were previously overlooked when funding was abundant.

In the past, the move fast and break things mentality was central to the startup culture, where speed and growth were seen as the ultimate goals, sometimes to the detriment of sustainable business practices. As funding becomes more scarce, the flaws in this approach have become more apparent. A significant number of startups that have struggled or failed shared common oversights in areas such as corporate governance, legal compliance, intellectual property protection, and the development of internal structures that support long-term growth.

These challenges have underscored a critical lesson building a business is not only about having a winning product or a strong team it's also about establishing a solid legal foundation. This realization has become particularly important for African startups, which often operate in unclear regulatory environments. As a result, seeking proper legal advice tailored to the unique needs of startups is no longer a luxury but a necessity. Legal guidance can help startups avoid costly mistakes and navigate the complex regulatory landscape.

To meet this growing demand for legal support, several firms have emerged in recent years, focusing on helping startups overcome legal hurdles. One such firm is Edoigiawerie and Company EandC, founded by Omoruyi Edoigiawerie, a corporate lawyer with over 15 years of experience. EandC specializes in working with technology-enabled businesses and creatives, and the bulk of its work involves startups. The firm provides legal services at various stages of a startup's lifecycle, from idea refinement to formalizing partnerships and securing necessary regulatory approvals.

Edoigiawerie describes his role as one of guiding entrepreneurs through uncharted waters, helping them structure their businesses, protect intellectual property, and build a strong legal framework. He emphasizes the importance of flexibility, particularly in understanding that many startups are unable to afford traditional retainer arrangements. To address this, EandC offers flexible pricing models that allow startups to pay for one-off services as needed. This approach ensures that legal support is accessible, transparent, and tailored to the unique needs of each startup.

Since its inception, EandC has worked with over 100 startups and grown to a staff of 16, combining full-time and consulting roles. As the firm continues to serve the startup community, Edoigiawerie infuses technology into the practice, keeping the firm agile and responsive to the needs of startups in a rapidly evolving ecosystem.

Edoigiaweries journey into the legal field was not a straightforward path. Initially drawn to law because it was a practical course within the humanities, he interned at various law firms during his studies and honed his legal skills at institutions like Abdullahi Ibrahim amp Co. and Empretec Nigeria Foundation. At Empretec, he worked closely with entrepreneurs, delivering capacity-building workshops and training business owners on legal structures and intellectual property. This experience fueled his passion for supporting startups, and by 2021, he decided to focus on serving the legal needs of technology-driven businesses.

Today, Edoigiawerie and his firm continue to play a pivotal role in helping Nigerian startups build robust legal foundations, offering a critical service in an ecosystem where legal guidance is no longer optional but integral to success. As African startups navigate the challenges of reduced funding and a changing business landscape, firms like EandC provide the support necessary to ensure long-term sustainability and growth.