Turning 40 is a milestone that brings with it a wealth of memories, lessons, and gratitude. As I celebrate this significant birthday, I want to reflect on the journey that has shaped me into the person I am today. From humble beginnings in Ondo, Nigeria, to building a meaningful life and career in Europe, this post captures the essence of my life’s chapters and the incredible people and experiences that have defined them.
The First 20 Years: Foundations
I am profoundly grateful to God for gifting me to my parents in the small town of Ondo, Nigeria. My parents instilled in me, my siblings, and our extended family the value of education. Despite the limited opportunities in our country, they did everything within their power to ensure we received a good education, far beyond what they themselves had. Their dedication and sacrifices are something I will forever be grateful for.
Ondo-town, with its unique blend of ego, ambition, and an insatiable desire to explore the world, shaped my childhood and dreams. It was a place that fostered my ambitions and set the stage for my journey toward turning those dreams into reality.
The Last 20 Years: Strengthening the Foundations
With a hunger for better education and a desire to see the world, I arrived in Finland with just a few hundred euros. Armed with a bike, the first month’s rent, and a lot of hope, I embarked on a journey that would transform my life. Finland, my European home, offered me the gift of higher education without requiring a dime in return, for which I will forever be grateful.
To make ends meet, I distributed newspapers, worked on a berry farm, and washed dishes in Helsinki’s restaurants. These experiences were humbling yet enriching, teaching me resilience and the value of hard work. I knew that merely completing my studies wouldn’t guarantee a professional job in Finland, especially for someone like me. This led me to volunteer and eventually work with AIESEC, an organization dedicated to fostering peace and the fulfillment of humankind’s potential. At AIESEC, I learned about leadership, self-discovery, and the importance of giving my all. Thank you, Mac, for being a role model and to all the incredible people I met through AIESEC in Finland and around the world.
Special thanks to Sotiris Makrygiannis for believing in me and opening the door at Eliademy, and to Sofia Pohls for bringing us together. Eliademy introduced me to the world of technology startups, and I was privileged to work with incredibly smart people like Sergey Gerasimenko. It also facilitated one of the most important events of my life—meeting my wife and the love of my life. Without her, the following chapters would have been far less fulfilling. Through her, I’ve also met some of my biggest supporters.
My Founder journey began with my ex-classmate and friend Ravi, as we built ClipMe long before Instagram videos and TikTok. Contrary to the prevailing belief that success was unlikely for a black founder in Finland, we raised our first funding within weeks of quitting my job. ClipMe and my second startup, Goly, provided an Ivy League-type education in startups. It was draining, but the lessons learned and the paths paved for others made it all worthwhile.
The F Company, co-founded with David and Ravi, allowed me to combine my engineering and marketing background with my product and startup experience to help other companies grow. Raising $200,000 in a record 48 hours on Indiegogo for the Haikara smartwatch, designed by the legendary Finnish designer Harri Koskinen, was a phenomenal feat. Developing and delivering the watch alongside the team was a rewarding experience.
A family event steered my focus towards healthcare. When Boehringer called, it was a chance of a lifetime. Thank you, Shen, Christine, and Daniel Hach, for the opportunity. Understanding drug discovery and applying digital technologies to new initiatives was learning on steroids. At BIX, I met some of the smartest people in my career and experienced the nirvana of transformational ideas.
Today, I feel blessed to prioritize meaningful work at Platos, alongside a team that shares a long-term vision. Ten years ago, this was part of the vision I had when working with my friend and favorite coach, Huimin. Platos has been the most meaningful and challenging work I have ever done. The last four years have tested everything I thought I knew about startups, bringing unexpected challenges and questions, especially when headquartered in The Netherlands and launching in Nigeria and Africa.
Building Platos while raising three incredible children, all under four years old, including twins, from our home in Amsterdam, far from immediate family, has been no small feat. I am deeply grateful for the incredible people who continue to support the Platos project—our employees, customers, investors, advisors, and unwavering supporters.
The Next 20 Years: Meaningful Work, Artistry, and Staying Young
As I look ahead, my goal is to continue prioritizing meaningful work with more wisdom and courage. Inspired by role models like Leonardo Da Vinci and Steve Jobs, who seamlessly integrated artistry and entertainment into their work, I hope to find space for artistry in my endeavors.
Last year, when Taylor Swift graced the front page of Time magazine, I asked my wife who she was and what made her so special. I realized how far away I was from mainstream music. Watching her Eras Tour and learning about her reminded me of the fearlessness of youth—a trait that often fades with age.
As I step into my 40s, I embrace this decade as an age of continued youthfulness, creativity, and meaningful pursuits. Here’s to the next chapter—may it be filled with more meaningful work, personal growth, and the joy of staying young at heart.
