Kabir Olaosebikan is the founder and CEO of Craft Planet – a company from Nigeria which is a pioneer in transforming plastic waste into sustainable building materials and modular housing. They leverage innovative sand polymer technology and address the environmental challenges of plastic pollution while at the same time meeting the urgent need for affordable housing.
With this business idea he joined this years Start.up! Germany Tour and won the extra price for sustainability in the finals in April.
Being introduced to the very active startup ecosystem in our region he subsequently applied for Batch #7 of Circular Valley, a regional accelerator program dedicated to a circular economy. Already in August he returned to Germany to receive on of the coveted participation tickets to this falls` accelerator program.
Now that he just returned to his home country, Nigeria, we are curious about all the experience he`s bringing back to his company and the added value he gained for the development on site.
In these days of a rapid development for Craft Planet, Kabir still found some time for us to answer the following interview questions:
How did you get to know about the tour and who made you apply with your great sustainable idea to join in?
I was one of the top 10 GIZ fellows from Nigeria who spent 2 months in Germany, where I earned various certifications and recognitions. I learned about the Startup Germany Tour through GIZ, and they encouraged me to apply.
How did you like the content and information in the webinars? Was it helpful for your development?
The webinars were impactful, offering valuable insights that significantly contributed to my personal and business growth, helping refine our sustainable practices at Craft Planet.
What do you think about the 3-days program you joined here in Germany? What did you like best or what had the biggest effect for you? Which information was most important?
The 3-day program was incredibly enlightening. Networking with international startups and visiting potential business partners had the most profound impact, especially the information on scaling sustainable solutions in global markets.
How essential was the Start.up! Germany Tour for your personal and economic development, and how far did it pave the way into a next Accelerator program like the Circular Valley Accelerator?
The Startup Germany Tour was essential in securing a special opportunity mentorship from "Dr. Markus Gick; Managing Director at Xdeck GmbH" and the "Circular Valley opportunity". It significantly contributed to my economic development and provided key connections that are now helping to scale Craft Planet.
What would you tell other international startups who might be interested in the tour?
I would encourage other startups to apply. It’s an incredible opportunity to gain international exposure, build valuable partnerships, and accelerate business growth in a sustainable and impactful way.
And most important: What impact has your development by now on the aims and values of you and your startup?
The tour reinforced Craft Planet's values of sustainability, community empowerment, and innovation. Our development now aims at greater global impact, addressing climate change through eco-friendly housing solutions while supporting local economies.
All partners of Start.up! Germany Tour sent their congratulations and are very proud of having been able to support the development of such a promising talent.
