10 Nigerian-American Founders Leading the Tech Revolution 

Today, the tech revolution is taking over the world, and it is more fun because we have some Nigerian-Americans who are reshaping this tech landscape.

These emerging talents and seasoned veterans continue to push boundaries and innovate at the intersection of technology and entrepreneurship. From AI to financial tech and sustainable infrastructure, these Nigerian-American founders are not just participating in the tech revolution, they are leading it.

Each of these trailblazers exemplifies unmatched grit, resilience, and a determination to make a significant impact. With roots that reach back to Nigeria and branches that extend across the globe, they embody the spirit of innovation and leadership. 

Sam Udotong – Fireflies.ai

Sam Udotong, co-founder of Fireflies.ai, is pioneering the way meetings are conducted globally with AI technology. His platform records, transcribes, and summarizes conversations, enhancing productivity and efficiency. 

Fireflies.ai, under Sam’s technical direction, has achieved rapid growth, raising $14 million and assembling a team that operates on a global scale. Sam is also noted for his educational contributions, often guest lecturing at Stanford University and speaking at significant technology conferences, where he shares insights at tech conferences.

Jessica O. Matthews – Unchartered

As the Founder and CEO of Unchartered, Jessica O. Matthews’s company stands out as revolutionizing how cities manage and implement smart, sustainable infrastructure. 

With funding from high-profile investors like Disney, Issa Rae, and Magic Johnson Enterprises, her company provides solutions that are not only innovative but also cost-effective and data-driven. 

At the young age of 22, Jessica founded Unchartered and has since been recognized on platforms such as Fortune’s Most Promising Women Entrepreneurs and Forbes 30 Under 30, twice. Her vision for sustainable urban development is paving the way for future cities, and she continues to influence the industry through her appointment to the Electricity Advisory Committee by the Secretary of Energy.

Tope Awotona – Calendly

From Lagos to tech billionaire, Tope Awotona’s journey is a testament to his dedication and entrepreneurial spirit. He founded Calendly, a scheduling software that is now indispensable to over 20 million users worldwide, including numerous Fortune 500 companies. 

Calendly simplifies the coordination of meetings, enhancing productivity across businesses. Tope’s innovation has not only made him one of the few Black American billionaires but also a significant figure in streamlining professional interactions globally. 

In 2023, Calendly introduced a new feature, Calendly Routing, which further optimizes how sales and marketing teams organize meetings with prospects, showcasing his continual impact on the tech industry.

Wemimo Abbey – Esusu

Having co-founded Esusu, a platform that leverages technology to empower renters with data that can improve their credit scores. This platform provides a critical service in property management analytics and rent reporting, contributing to financial inclusion. 

Raised $130 million in its Series B fundraising, Esusu has marked its territory as one of the few Black-owned unicorns in the U.S., reflecting Wemimo’s impactful vision. His accolades include recognition on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list and being named one of the 100 Most Intriguing Entrepreneurs by Goldman Sachs in 2021.

Kunbi Tinuoye – UrbanGeekz

Aside from being an award-winning journalist and entrepreneur, Kunbi Tinuoye founded UrbanGeekz, a digital platform covering technology, business, and science from the perspective of people of color. 

This platform is a critical resource in the tech community, providing insights and coverage of underrepresented entrepreneurs and innovators. Kunbi, formerly a correspondent for NBC’s theGrio and a journalist with the BBC, has also launched Geekz Ventures, a pre-accelerator aimed at nurturing emerging entrepreneurs, making significant strides in fostering diversity within the tech ecosystem.

Isoken Igbinedion – Parfait wigs

After experiencing a harmful hair care incident, Isoken Igbinedion co-founded Parfait, a company using AI to customize wigs for women of color. 

Parfait addresses a significant gap in the hair care industry by focusing on inclusivity and customization, raising $5 million in funding led by notable investors like Upfront Ventures and Serena Ventures.

Isoken’s initiative is redefining beauty standards and providing tailored solutions that cater to the diverse needs of its customers, making a profound impact in the beauty tech sector.

George Azih – LeaseQuery

To simplify lease accounting for accountants and financial professionals through cloud-based solutions, George Azih founded LeaseQuery. This company has thrived under his leadership, raising $40 million in a Series A funding round led by Goldman Sachs.

George’s expertise and dedication to solving niche financial challenges have led LeaseQuery to be recognized among the fastest-growing companies in North America on the Deloitte Technology Fast 500™ list for three consecutive years.

His efforts have made LeaseQuery a critical tool in financial operations, reflecting his profound influence in the accounting tech space.

Tayo Oviosu – Paga

Tayo Oviosu has transformed financial services in Nigeria with Paga, a mobile payment platform that facilitates easier transactions and broadens financial access. With over 20 million users, Paga has become a crucial part of Nigeria’s digital banking landscape, partnering with global entities like Visa and Western Union to enhance its services. 

Tayo’s background in software development and his entrepreneurial vision have significantly shaped the financial technology landscape in Africa, demonstrating the powerful impact of innovative financial solutions.

Maya Horgan Famodu – Ingressive

Maya Horgan Famodu is at the forefront of venture capitalism in Africa with her firm, Ingressive, which invests in high-potential tech startups across the continent. Her commitment to elevating African tech has facilitated numerous startups to secure the capital and resources needed to thrive. 

Maya’s work through Ingressive for Good, a nonprofit focused on boosting tech talent and resources in Africa, further solidifies her role as a pivotal figure in nurturing the continent’s tech ecosystem.

Ikenna Nzewi – Releaf

Ikenna Nzewi co-founded Releaf, a company focused on improving agricultural technology to support the industrialization of food processing in Africa. His innovations are helping ensure that local manufacturers have access to quality materials, driving sustainability and efficiency in the agricultural sector. 

Releaf’s efforts under Ikenna’s leadership, including securing over $100 million in supply chain contracts, underscore the transformative potential of integrating technology with agriculture in emerging markets.