The POEM Framework®

Official Certification Programme

Build an Investment-Worthy Startup

Learn the venture diagnostic framework developed by Tomi Davies, one of Africa’s leading angel investors and Founding President of the African Business Angel Network (ABAN).

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100+ Startups Mentored

ABAN Founding President

POEM® Venture Diagnostic

Tomi Davies (TD)

Angel Investor & Ecosystem Builder

Global Authority & Impact

The Standard for African Venture Excellence

Driving the growth of the continent's most successful startups through the African Business Angel Network (ABAN) and the POEM Framework®.

ABAN Founding President

100+ Startups Mentored

20+ Years Experience

POEM® Global Framework

Investment Worthy Startup

"The definitive guide for African founders seeking to build sustainable, scalable, and fundable businesses."

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"Tomi's influence on the African tech ecosystem is unparalleled. Through ABAN and the POEM Framework®, he has institutionalized angel investing and provided a roadmap for thousands of founders to achieve global competitiveness."

Ecosystem Leader

Venture Capital Partner

Trusted & Featured By

ABAN

AFIC

LAN

TechCircle

The Methodology

The POEM Framework®:
A Venture Diagnostic for Success

Developed by Tomi Davies over decades of investing in the African tech ecosystem, the POEM Framework® provides a systematic approach to building, evaluating, and scaling investment-worthy startups.

Proposition

Master the alignment between your market, customer needs, and product solution. Define a value proposition that isn't just "good," but essential.

Market • Customer • Product

Organisation

Build a lean, high-performance structure. Learn how to integrate the right people, processes, and technology to create a scalable foundation.

People • Process • Tech

Economics

Understand the vital signs of your business. Focus on sustainable revenue models, cost optimization, and the path to consistent profitability.

Revenue • Cost • Profit

Milestones

Set ambitious yet achievable goals. Track traction through data-driven milestones that demonstrate progress to potential investors.

Goals • Timelines • Traction

Venture Diagnostic

Apply a rigorous audit to your startup. Identify blind spots, mitigate risks, and ensure every aspect of your venture is "Investment Worthy."

Risk • Audit • Readiness

Ecosystem Access

Beyond the framework, gain insights into the African Business Angel Network (ABAN) and how to navigate the investor landscape effectively.

Networking • Funding • Mentorship

Start Your POEM Journey

The Methodology

A Proven Path to Investment Readiness

The POEM Framework® isn't just theory—it's a systematic venture diagnostic and growth engine designed by Tomi Davies to transform startups into high-value investment opportunities.

1

Diagnostic

Evaluate your startup against the POEM benchmarks. Identify critical gaps in your Proposition, Organization, Economics, and Milestones.

2

AI-Assisted Build

Leverage Distinction's AI tools to refine your financial models, craft compelling narratives, and optimize your operational roadmap in real-time.

3

Expert Mentorship

Engage with Tomi Davies' curated curriculum. Learn the nuances of African angel investing and global venture standards through practical modules.

4

Investor Match

Finalize your 'Investment Worthy' profile. Gain the confidence and documentation needed to pitch to ABAN and global angel networks.

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Join 1,000+ founders using the POEM Framework® to scale.

Curriculum & Programmes

Master the POEM Framework®

Structured learning paths designed by Tomi Davies to transform startups into investment-worthy ventures and equip investors with diagnostic excellence.

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Ecosystem Impact

Voices from the Investment Frontier

The POEM Framework® has become the gold standard for African tech ventures. Join a community of founders and investors building the continent's future.

"The POEM Framework provided the diagnostic clarity we lacked. It allowed us to identify gaps in our proposition that were stalling our growth. After implementing the modules, our first external funding round felt like a natural progression rather than a struggle."

Fintech Founder

Series A Startup, Lagos

"As an angel investor, the POEM Framework is my primary due diligence tool. It offers a structured way to evaluate the 'investability' of a venture beyond just the pitch deck. It has significantly de-risked my portfolio."

Venture Partner

Angel Investment Network, Nairobi

"Distinction's AI-assisted delivery of the POEM Framework is a game-changer. Having Tomi's methodology accessible with such high-fidelity feedback loops allowed our entire leadership team to align in weeks, not months."

Chief Operating Officer

Logistics Scale-up, Cairo

"After reading 'Investment Worthy Startup,' I knew I needed the formal programme. The level of detail in the Level 1 course took the theory into immediate, actionable practice. It's the best investment I've made in my founder journey."

Early Stage Founder

EdTech Venture, Accra

"Tomi Davies' impact on the African business angel landscape is undeniable. The POEM Framework is more than just a course; it's a common language that helps us bridge the gap between brilliant ideas and sustainable businesses."

Accelerator Director

Regional Hub, Cape Town

"The mentorship embedded within this programme is unparalleled. It's not just about watching videos; it's about shifting your mindset to think like a global investor. My approach to team building has been completely transformed."

Technical Founder

SaaS Platform, Johannesburg

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Invest in Your Entrepreneurial Mastery

Choose the programme that aligns with your current stage. From first-time founders to seasoned ecosystem builders, the POEM Framework® provides the diagnostic rigour required for success.

POEM Level 1

From MVP to First Outside Funding

$499 /programme

7 Modules on Venture Diagnostics
Founder Identity & Storytelling
MVP to Market Alignment
Securing the "Four Fs" Funding
Certificate of Completion

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Most Recommended

POEM Level 2

Growth, Scale & Institutional Readiness

$1,250 /programme

Everything in Level 1
Advanced Financial Modelling
Institutional Investor Due Diligence
Governance & Board Management
Exclusive Group Mentorship Session

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Ecosystem Partner

For Hubs, VCs & Governments

Custom

Bulk Licensing for Cohorts
Custom Diagnostic Dashboards
POEM Certified Mentor Training
Strategic Advisory from Tomi Davies
White-labeled Platform Options

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Secure Checkout 14-Day Satisfaction Guarantee ABAN Endorsed Framework

Common Questions

Everything you need to know about the POEM Framework® programmes and learning with Tomi Davies.

POEM stands for Proposition, Organization, Economics, and Milestones. It is a proprietary venture diagnostic framework developed by Tomi Davies over decades of investing in African startups. It provides a structured way to evaluate and build businesses that are "Investment Worthy."

The programmes are designed for three primary audiences: Founders looking to scale and raise capital, Angel Investors wanting to refine their due diligence process, and Ecosystem Builders who support startup growth across the continent.

All courses are delivered through Distinction, an AI-assisted learning platform. This allows for a flexible, self-paced experience enhanced by intelligent insights, practical assignments, and high-production video lessons from Tomi Davies himself.

Yes. Upon successful completion of all modules and assessments in a programme, you will receive an official POEM Framework® Certification, which is recognized across the African Business Angel Network (ABAN) and the wider investment ecosystem.

While the core modules are pre-recorded for accessibility, certain premium tiers and cohort-based versions of the programme include live Q&A sessions, group mentoring, and exclusive community access where Tomi provides direct feedback.

Still have questions about the POEM Framework®?

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Limited Cohort Access

Master the POEM Framework® and Scale Your Vision

Join Tomi Davies and a global community of high-impact founders. Secure your spot in the next programme and transform your startup into an investment-worthy venture.

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500+ Founders Mentored

ABAN Global Network

AI-Driven Platform Design

POEM® Proven Framework

20+ Years Investing

MEET THE VISIONARY

The Architect of African Angel Investing

Tomi Davies (TD) is the Founding President of the African Business Angel Network (ABAN) and a global authority on early-stage venture building.

With over two decades of experience across the technology and investment landscape, Tomi has dedicated his career to bridging the gap between innovative ideas and sustainable, scalable businesses. His journey as an investor and mentor led to the creation of the POEM Framework®—a rigorous diagnostic tool designed to de-risk startups and ensure they are truly "Investment Worthy."

As the author of Investment Worthy Startup, Tomi has institutionalized the wisdom gained from backing over 100+ startups across the continent. His mission through this platform is to democratize that knowledge, empowering the next generation of African founders and ecosystem builders.

ABAN President

Leading the pan-African angel network ecosystem.

Published Author

Creator of "Investment Worthy Startup".

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The Funding Reality

Why 90% of African Startups Fail to Scale

Most founders build impressive products, but they don't build investment-worthy businesses. Without a diagnostic framework, even the most brilliant ideas get lost in the "Valley of Death."

The "Idea" Trap

Founders often fall in love with their solution before validating the actual market pain. Without the POEM framework, you're building on assumptions, not evidence.

Operational Chaos

Scaling requires People and Processes. Most startups collapse under their own weight because they lack the lean organizational structure needed to handle growth.

The Language Gap

Founders speak "product"; investors speak "value." If you can't articulate your Proposition and Economics, you'll never secure the capital you need.

Unseen Blindspots

Angel investors look for specific markers of maturity. Without a diagnostic tool like POEM, you don't know what you don't know until the "No" arrives.

Stop guessing. Start diagnosing.

The POEM Framework® isn't just theory—it's a venture diagnostic tool used by Africa's top angel investors to evaluate and de-risk startups before they write a check.

Learn the Framework