Kola is a seasoned investor, insightful non-Executive director, and company chair with a deep commitment to fostering the growth of startups and improving the lives of ordinary Africans by democratizing prosperity.
Having led investments in over 70 companies across Africa, India, and the US, including notable involvement with payments companies like Paystack, Kola brings a wealth of experience. His success extends beyond individual companies, as he has established extensive networks spanning the private sector, development partners, financiers, governments, and regulators.
As an entrepreneur, technology operator, and venture capital investor, Kola boasts vast experience in Africa’s most significant economic markets. His expertise encompasses various sectors, including venture capital, technology, media, agriculture, infrastructure, publishing, real estate, and a notable interest in the arts.
Kola actively contributes to mentoring programs, participating in initiatives such as XL Africa, the World Bank Accelerator, and Google Launchpad Accelerator. He serves on the boards and advisory boards of several organizations, including ARM Financial Advisers, Iron Global Markets, and Reliance HMO.
A dedicated art patron, Kola chairs the advisory board of the Yemisi Shyllon Art Museum and is a member of the Africa Acquisitions Committee (AAC) of the Tate Museum. His affiliations also include membership in the Young Presidents’ Organisation (YPO) and being a fellow of the Aspen Institute USA (ALIWA).
Educated in Electrical Engineering and holding a Master’s in Business Administration with a specialization in Finance, Kola has pursued further education from prestigious institutions such as Berkeley, Harvard, and the Lagos Business School.
Kola is enthusiastic about mentoring and advising young entrepreneurs working on solutions for underserved markets. His passion has led him to various local and international stages where he has delivered speeches, lectures, and talks on technology, entrepreneurship, social change, and other diverse topics. Notably, he gave a TED talk at TEDxEuston titled “Who will own our future unicorns?” and spoke at Techcrunch’s inaugural event in Nigeria, Techcrunch Startup Battlefield Africa 2019.
His contributions and influence have earned him multiple awards, and he has been featured in various lists, including “The 20 most important people in Nigerian tech,” “The ten most influential people in Nigerian Tech,” and #YNaijaPowerList2018 for Technology, among others.