For most Somali founders, the biggest obstacles are not a lack of ambition or good ideas, but the absence of two essential ingredients: guidance and capital. Building a business often means figuring things out alone, without mentors who understand your background or investors who see your potential beyond the numbers. And yet, the Somali entrepreneurial spirit is anything but new.

From the ancient trade of frankincense along the Silk Road to the gifting of Somali camels and giraffes to Chinese emperors, the Somali people have a legacy of global trade, diplomacy, and deal-making. Today, that same spirit lives on in modern ventures like Transfer Galaxy, Niya, World Remit, Sabiib, Hormuud, and Dahabshiil, Somali-owned companies that are reshaping industries across continents.

The Goat Herders was born out of that need. It is a live pitch competition where Somali founders present their business ideas to Somali investors and mentors who are ready to support them not just with funding, but with time, experience and long-term commitment. The concept is inspired by the traditional livestock markets in Hargeisa and Mogadishu, where deals are made silently under a cloth.

Behind the initiative are three powerhouse communities- The Somali Circle, Somalis in Tech and Somali Sideways - who have joined forces to find untapped talent, amplify overlooked stories and invest in the next generation of Somali-led innovation.