Cordel Robbin-Coker

Enthusiast
DISC Type : i

Co-Founder, CEO at Carry1st

United States

Overview

Cordel Robbin-Coker is the Co-Founder and CEO of Carry1st, a mobile games publisher for Africa. A Stanford University graduate, he began his career in investment banking at Morgan Stanley and private equity at The Carlyle Group, where he helped launch its first Africa fund. He also serves on several boards, including The Hershey Company.

Originally from Sierra Leone, Cordel is now based in South Africa. An early riser, he has a routine of playing a mobile game, exercising with pilates videos, and reading before starting his workday. He enjoys boxing, home-cooked meals, and has mentioned wine and whiskey as vices. He also values weekly therapy for maintaining life priorities.

Unique fact: Cordel is an alumnus of the Milton Hershey School for underprivileged kids and now serves on its board, helping oversee its multi-billion dollar endowment.

Personality Overview

Amiable & Agreeable

Consensus Focused

Optimistic

They agree with others often, so exercise caution when relying on their word.  They prefer to build relationships rather than staying totally transactional. Unlike D or C types, they are convinced more by stories and testimonials.

Topics They Care About

Africa's Gaming Market
As CEO of Carry1st, he aims to unlock the continent's potential, viewing it as the fastest-growing mobile gaming market and hoping to build the "Tencent of Africa. "
Fintech & Payments
His company developed a payment system aggregating over 120 methods to solve monetization challenges for global game developers operating in Africa's fragmented market.
Venture Capital
After a decade in private equity, he is an active angel investor in over 20 Africa-focused tech startups and has successfully raised significant venture funding for Carry1st.

Media Appearances

How I Got Funded with Cordel, Founder & C.E.O of Carry1st. Featured in Apple Podcasts

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Venture Games Episode 14: Cordel Robbin-Coker, Carry1st. Featured in Apple Podcasts

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Carry1st CEO Cordel Robbin-Coker on the Gaming & Digital .... Featured in YouTube

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Work History

7-2018
Co-Founder, CEO at Carry1st
1-2019
Board Member, Treasurer at Milton Hershey School
5-2024
Board Member, Committee Chair at The Hershey Company
10-2025
Board Member, Committee Chair at Fermi America
7-2013 - 6-2018
Vice President, Africa Fund at The Carlyle Group

Education

Bachelor of Arts from Stanford University

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : 14 Location : United States Job Level : Leadership Designation : Co-Founder, CEO at Carry1st
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Insights For Selling To Cordel

During A Call Or A Meeting

DO's

  • Refer to interesting customer testimonials and stress on great customer experience
  • Give them the opportunity to lead the conversation where possible
  • Ask them how their day is going or exchange some other pleasantries

DONT's

  • Don’t ask too many questions in one go, weave them into the flow
  • Don’t push them for a direct ‘no’, take lack of ‘yes’ as ‘no’ after some time
  • Don’t be excessively objective, be like a storyteller with them

When Cold Calling

When Writing An Email

While Negotiating & Closing

    The secret to closing fast with Cordel is

  • Relationship and rapport are valuable for them, but so is proven product value.
  • Will you ever get a clear answer from Cordel

  • They probably won't say no directly.


Insights For Deal Planning

    How fast (or slow) will Cordel move?

  • They are not the ones to make fast decisions, even while they stay committed.
  • Can Cordel take some risk or not?

  • They can take some low-probability risks if needed.

You And Cordel

Personality Compatibility


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