Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, The Other Brain Box Behind Flutterwave

Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, is a Nigerian entrepreneur, co-founder and former CEO of Flutterwave. A fintech startup he cofounded in 2016 with Olugbenga Agboola.

Early life

Iyinoluwa was born on March 28, 1991, in Warri, Delta state. He spent his formative years in Nigeria where he grew up with his parents alongside his siblings. He attended Loyola Jesuit College, Abuja for his secondary education and graduated in 2007. He then went on to enrol in Columbia International College where he earned degrees in International Development, Legal Studies, and Economics. Afterwards, he furthered his education at the University of Waterloo in Ontario, Canada, and obtained his Bachelor of Arts in Legal Studies.

Career

Iyinoluwa has worked with various organizations both in Nigeria and abroad. Some of them were his companies.

First, he interned at the World Youth Alliance at the United Nations Headquarters. After which he became the President of the Board at Imprint Publications. One of the largest student-owned publishing houses in Canada. In 2010, he partnered with Pierre Alrs to build Bookneto incorporated. A social learning platform that allows people to share and organize learning resources within learning communities. This was later acquired by the Canadian Innovation Centre in 2013.

In 2016 Iyinoluwa left Andela to establish Flutterwave. A fintech startup that uses technology to provide solutions for digital payments. He left the fintech on15 October 2018 and was succeeded by Olugbenga Agboola. Now, Flutterwave has attained the unicorn status following the $250 million Series D funding raised this year.

After one month of leaving Flutterwave, Iyinoluwaco-founded Street Capital in November 2018. Street capital business connects international investors with entrepreneurs in Africa. In that same year, he became one of the board members of Rainbow Educational Services Limited. An institute aimed at providing a solid education to students. He was also made a board member of FilmoRealty. A property and facilities management services company.

Finally, In March 2019, Aboyeji founded Future Africa, an innovation fund company that provides capital and coaching to innovators. As the head of Fund for Africa’s Future, he spends time helping founders, philanthropists and investors from around the world understand how to build fast-growing and impactful technology businesses in Africa.

Awards and Recognition

Iyinoluwa has been recognised by many organisations. Some of them include:

John C Holland award for Youth Leadership in 2010.

Acknowledged as a World Economic Forum Global Shaper in 2012

listed among Forbes 30 under 30 as “Most Promising Young Entrepreneurs in Africa.” in 2015

West Africa Mobile Award, listed among the “100 Most Influential Africans” by New African Magazinealongside 49 other, “Most Influential Nigerians” by Business Day. All in 2017

Forbes List of 30 Under 30 Enterprise in, The World Economic Forum mentioned Iyinoluwa Aboyeji among the Young Global Leaders in and one of the “100 Most Influential People of African Descent” by MIPAD, All in 2018 Etc.

Indeed, Iyinoluwa should be a source of inspiration to many Nigerian youths. A reminder that they can make a name for themselves. As well as make Nigeria better by choosing honest hard work instead of resorting to crimes.