Hi, my name is Maxwell Igweogu. I am a Nigerian-trained lawyer, entrepreneur, and PhD researcher at the University of Lagos, Nigeria.

I am a corporate attorney with expertise in technology law, corporate transactions, and startup advisory. My experience includes advising startups, investors, and high-growth companies on M&A, venture capital transactions, and corporate structuring. I have a strong background in drafting and negotiating investment agreements, shareholder agreements, and other key corporate documents. Additionally, I co-lead a Master Class Certification Program in Startup Advisory Legal Mechanics, equipping professionals with legal strategies for structuring and scaling tech-driven businesses.

Beyond legal practice, I am deeply engaged in technology policy and AI research. As a researcher affiliated with the University of Lagos, I am recognized as one of Nigeria’s emerging voices in Technology and AI Policy. I have contributed to global and national discussions on AI regulation, working with organizations like UNESCO on Nigeria’s AI Readiness Assessment. My research explores the intersection of AI, data protection, and governance, focusing on regulatory frameworks that foster responsible innovation. Additionally, I have worked as a Research Program Officer on several funded AI and policy projects in Nigeria, including EDUAI Nigeria. I have co-authored policy papers and developed toolkits to guide AI developers on privacy and inclusion.

I am also a gender advocate and have begun my PhD studies, investigating AI and Data Protection from a Gender Perspective. My research focuses on how AI-related privacy and data protection issues impact women differently, assessing whether existing laws are truly gender-neutral or inadvertently exacerbate inequalities.

Outside of law and academia, I have a keen interest in business. In 2023, I launched my legal tech startup, Juripass, marking a significant milestone in my entrepreneurial journey. This experience has deepened my appreciation for identifying and leveraging business opportunities within Nigeria, a nation brimming with untapped potential.

Before transitioning into law and academia, I built a decade-long career as a Business Process Analyst, working closely with startup founders, product teams, and investors. I specialized in translating innovative ideas into structured business and functional requirements, ensuring seamless execution from concept to product development. This role also required me to source and recruit talent, as many of my clients needed support in assembling high-performing teams. The insights gained from my experience as a talent recruiter inspired me to write my first book, The Immobilizing Effect: Why New Hires Get Stuck and How to Help Them Thrive at Work. If you’re looking to build a more effective workforce, you need to read this book!

Despite the widespread “japa syndrome”—where many Nigerians seek opportunities abroad—I remain deeply committed to the vast potential within Nigeria. As I often say, “I’d rather go abroad, have a good time, and come back.”

To foster a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem, I organize the Founders’ Dinner, a space where business owners and startup founders share experiences and strategies. In 2025, I am scaling this into a larger business event designed to equip Nigerian entrepreneurs with actionable insights for seizing disruptive business opportunities. You should get involved!

Additionally, I consult and train new hires on how to break free from workplace stagnation and help businesses effectively manage disengaged employees. By applying principles from my book, I help organizations drive workplace success and employee productivity.