In Nigeria, there’s a lively surge in entrepreneurial zeal and investment enthusiasm, driven by a cohort of spirited young female investors. These trailblazing women are fearlessly challenging stereotypes, breaking down barriers, and transforming conventional notions of leadership and success in the traditionally male-dominated arena of finance and investment. Here, we applaud the remarkable accomplishments of 10 outstanding female investors who are making a lasting impact on Nigeria’s economic terrain, steering the nation towards enhanced growth and prosperity.
1. Yemi Keri – Heckerbella Limited
Yemi Keri is a renowned figure in the Nigerian technology landscape. She is the CEO of Heckerbella Limited, a Digital Transformation company boasting over two decades of experience in the realms of technology leadership and investment. Beyond her technological prowess, she is also the CEO of Rising Tide Africa, where she leads efforts to invest in and support women-led startups and businesses across the continent. Keri’s dedication to promoting gender equality and empowering female entrepreneurs has made her a champion for diversity and inclusion in Nigeria’s tech ecosystem.
2. Odunayo Eweniyi – Piggyvest
Odunayo Eweniyi is a Nigerian investor and co-founder of PiggyVest, a leading fintech platform that enables users to save and invest money online. With a background in computer engineering, Odunayo has leveraged technology to democratise access to financial services and helped millions of Nigerians achieve their financial goals. Eweniyi’s innovative approach to investment and entrepreneurship has earned her accolades both locally and internationally.
3. Eloho Omame – FirstCheck Africa
In 2021, Eloho Omame took a bold step by launching FirstCheck Africa, an early-stage investment fund that is focused on supporting women-founded tech startups across the African continent. FirstCheck Africa has other startups such as ULesson, Okra, Autocheck, Ilara Health and Twiga Foods under its wings.
Omame embraced a dual role as both an investor and a strong advocate for gender diversity and inclusion within the technology and entrepreneurship landscape in Africa. Before spearheading FirstCheck Africa, she served as the managing director and CEO of Endeavour, where she showcased her leadership prowess and also provided a platform to champion the cause of budding entrepreneurs. Presently, Omame serves as a partner at TLCom Capital, a venture capital firm renowned for its strategic investments in high-growth tech companies across Africa. Through her initiatives, she continues to inspire and empower a new generation of entrepreneurs while catalysing positive change within Africa’s technology and entrepreneurship sectors.
4. Bukky George – HealthPlus
Bukky George is a Nigerian investor and healthcare entrepreneur known for her contributions to the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors. As the founder and CEO of HealthPlus Limited, she has built a successful chain of retail pharmacies and healthcare clinics, providing quality healthcare services to millions of Nigerians. George’s passion for improving healthcare access and delivery has positioned her as a key player in Nigeria’s healthcare industry.
5. Tokunbo Ishmael – Alitheia Capital
In 2007, Tokunbo Ishmael embarked on a groundbreaking journey as the founder and managing director of Alitheia Capital, an investment management and advisory firm based in Nigeria. With a keen focus on private equity investments, Alitheia Capital is dedicated to driving transformative change across West Africa’s business. Breaking barriers as one of the pioneering female-founded venture capital firms at the time of its establishment, Alitheia Capital has remained steadfast in its commitment to supporting female founders and colleagues within the industry. Recognising the untapped potential and unique perspectives that women bring to the table, Ishmael and her team have championed initiatives to empower and uplift women entrepreneurs across the continent. Through strategic investments, Alitheia Capital has played a huge role in nurturing the growth of numerous startups throughout Africa. Ventures such as Paga, Baobab, Max. n, and Lidya have benefited from Alitheia Capital’s backing, receiving not only financial support but also invaluable mentorship and guidance along their journey to success. Through Alitheia Capital, she continues to pave the way for a more equitable and prosperous future for entrepreneurs, particularly women, across Africa.
Read also:10 Women blazing the trail in Africa
6. Temi Giwa-Tubosun – LifeBank
Temi Giwa-Tubosun is a Nigerian investor and social innovator known for her work in healthcare and women’s rights. As the founder of LifeBank, she has created a pioneering platform that leverages technology to improve access to essential medical supplies and blood transfusions in Nigeria. Giwa-Tubosun’s innovative approach to healthcare and investment has garnered accolades from organisations such as the World Economic Forum and the Clinton Foundation.
7. Ola Brown – Flying Doctors
With over 13 years of experience in transforming Africa’s healthcare system, Ola Brown stands as a healthcare entrepreneur and investor on a mission. She is the founder and Chief Executive of Flying Doctors Healthcare Investment Group. She has pioneered initiatives spanning within the healthcare and wellness system. Brown’s journey began with a degree in Medicine and Surgery from the Hull York Medical School, setting the foundation for her impactful career. From hospital construction to diagnostics, pharmaceutical retail, and air ambulance services, her initiatives have touched lives and transformed communities across the continent. Her dynamic approach to addressing healthcare challenges showcases her commitment to driving sustainable change and improving access to quality healthcare for all Africans.
8. Yanmo Omorogbe – Bamboo
From studying Chemical engineering at Imperial College, London, to being an assistant to the Minister of Power, Works, and Housing, Yanmo Omorogbe later moved to the private sector, and now into the digital tech industry. She is the co-founder and chief operating officer of Bamboo, a platform that helps Nigerian residents trade assets on the US stock exchange.
9. Honey Ogundeyi – Edukoya
Honey Ogundeyi founded Edukoya in May 2021, an examination preparation platform that was built to ensure students adequately prepare for their examinations. This platform raised 3.5 million dollars in a pre-seed round which is currently the largest amount raised for a female-led startup in the education sphere. Before becoming a founder, she at some point worked at Kuda as its Chief Marketing Officer.
10. Adesuwa Okunbo Rhodes – Aruwa Capital Management
Aruwa Capital Management was established in 2019 by Adesuwa Okunbo Rhodes, a seasoned investment banker with over 13 years of experience. The firm’s primary objective is to address the investment gap that disproportionately affects women-led businesses in Africa. Rhodes is passionate about empowering female entrepreneurs and has dedicated herself to achieving this goal through Aruwa Capital. Since its inception, Aruwa Capital has invested in several promising startups founded by women, including CrowdForce, Agroeknor International, Wemy Industries, and Koolbloks.
