Today, the tech revolution is sweeping the globe, and it’s even more exciting because some Nigerian-Americans are transforming the technology landscape.
These budding talents and seasoned veterans continue to push the envelope and create at the crossroads of technology and entrepreneurship. From artificial intelligence to financial technology and sustainable infrastructure, these Nigerian-American founders are not only participating in, but also driving, the technological revolution.
Each of these trailblazers displays unrivaled tenacity, endurance, and a desire to have a meaningful influence. With roots in Nigeria and branches all over the world, they exemplify the spirit of innovation and leadership.
Sam Udotong – Fireflies.ai
Sam Udotong, co-founder of Fireflies.ai, is pioneering the use of AI technology in worldwide meetings. His software captures, transcribes, and summaries talks to increase productivity and efficiency.
Fireflies.ai, under Sam’s technical guidance, has grown rapidly, raising $14 million and establishing a global staff. Sam is also known for his educational achievements, frequently guest lecturing at Stanford University and presenting at major technology conferences.
Jessica O. Matthews – Unchartered
Jessica O. Matthews, the founder and CEO of Unchartered, is known for transforming how cities manage and execute smart, sustainable infrastructure.
Her company, which has received backing from high-profile investors such as Disney, Issa Rae, and Magic Johnson Enterprises, offers not just innovative, but also cost-effective and data-driven solutions.
Jessica launched Unchartered when she was 22 years old and has since been named twice to Fortune’s Most Promising Women Entrepreneurs and Forbes 30 Under 30 lists. Her vision for sustainable urban development is leading the way for future cities, and her appointment to the Electricity Advisory Committee by the Secretary of Energy has given her continued influence in the industry.
Tope Awotona – Calendly
Tope Awotona’s journey from Lagos to digital billionaire exemplifies his entrepreneurial energy and perseverance. He founded Calendly, a scheduling software that is now used by over 20 million people globally, including several Fortune 500 firms.
Calendly makes it easier to coordinate meetings, increasing efficiency across enterprises. Tope’s idea has not only made him one of the few Black American billionaires, but has also played an important role in expediting professional contacts around the world.
Calendly developed a new tool, Calendly Routing, in 2023, which improves how sales and marketing teams schedule meetings with prospects, demonstrating his ongoing impact on the IT industry.
Wemimo Abbey – Esusu
Co-founded Esusu, a platform that uses technology to provide tenants with data that can help them improve their credit. This software offers a key service in property management analytics and rent reporting, which contributes to financial inclusion.
Esusu raised $130 million in Series B funding, cementing its position as one of the few Black-owned unicorns in the United States, reflecting Wemimo’s transformative mission. His honors include being recognized to Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list and Goldman Sachs’ 100 Most Intriguing Entrepreneurs in 2021.
Kunbi Tinuoye – UrbanGeekz
Aside from being an award-winning journalist and entrepreneur, Kunbi Tinuoye developed UrbanGeekz, a digital platform that covers technology, business, and science through the eyes of people of color.
This platform is an invaluable resource in the tech community, providing insights and coverage for underrepresented entrepreneurs and innovators. Kunbi, a former correspondent for NBC’s theGrio and a BBC journalist, has also founded Geekz Ventures, a pre-accelerator dedicated to mentoring new entrepreneurs and making substantial achievements in promoting diversity in the digital environment.
Isoken Igbinedion – Parfait wigs
After a negative hair care experience, Isoken Igbinedion co-founded Parfait, a startup that uses AI to design wigs for women of color.
Parfait fills a large need in the hair care business by concentrating on inclusivity and personalization, and has raised $5 million in funding from noteworthy investors including Upfront Ventures and Serena Ventures.
Isoken’s mission is redefining beauty standards and providing bespoke solutions to meet the different needs of its clients, having a significant impact on the beauty tech sector.
George Azih – LeaseQuery
George Azih launched LeaseQuery to provide cloud-based tools that simplify lease accounting for accountants and financial professionals.Under his guidance, the company has grown significantly, raising $40 million in a Series A fundraising round headed by Goldman Sachs.
LeaseQuery has been recognized as one of the fastest-growing firms in North America on the Deloitte Technology Fast 500™ list for three years in a row, because to George’s knowledge and drive to tackling unique financial difficulties.
His efforts have transformed LeaseQuery into a crucial instrument in financial operations, demonstrating his enormous influence in the accounting technology area.
Tayo Oviosu – Paga
Tayo Oviosu has altered Nigeria’s financial services with Paga, a mobile payment platform that simplifies transactions and expands financial access. With over 20 million users, Paga has become an important element of Nigeria’s digital banking environment, collaborating with global companies such as Visa and Western Union to improve its offerings.
Tayo’s background in software development, along with his entrepreneurial vision, has had a huge impact on Africa’s financial technology landscape, proving the power of creative financial solutions.
Maya Horgan Famodu – Ingressive
Maya Horgan Famodu is in the forefront of African venture capitalism with her firm, Ingressive, which invests in high-potential software startups across the continent. Her drive to advancing African technology has helped countless entrepreneurs get the cash and resources they require to grow.
Maya’s work with Ingressive for Good, a nonprofit dedicated to increasing tech talent and resources in Africa, strengthens her position as a key figure in nurturing the continent’s digital economy.
Ikenna Nzewi – Releaf
Ikenna Nzewi co-founded Releaf, a company dedicated to upgrading agricultural technologies to aid in the industrialization of food processing in Africa. His solutions assist local firms gain access to high-quality materials, promoting agricultural sustainability and efficiency.
Releaf’s successes under Ikenna’s guidance, which included procuring over $100 million in supply chain contracts, demonstrate the revolutionary power of combining technology and agriculture in underdeveloped economies.
