Odunayo Eweniyi stands out as a trailblazer in Nigeria’s tech industry. As the co-founder and Chief Operations Officer of PiggyVest, she has played a pivotal role in revolutionizing digital savings and micro-investment in Nigeria. PiggyVest has grown to become the largest platform of its kind in the country, empowering Nigerians to save and invest with ease. In January 2021, Eweniyi took her commitment to innovation a step further by co-founding First Check Africa. This preseed/seed fund aims to invest in high-growth tech startups that have at least one female co-founder. Through First Check Africa, Eweniyi is not only supporting technological advancement but also championing gender diversity in the tech space, ensuring that women have more opportunities to lead and succeed.
Eweniyi’s influence extends beyond her entrepreneurial ventures. She is a dedicated advocate for women’s empowerment and has been involved in various initiatives to support female entrepreneurs. She co-founded The Feminist Coalition in 2020, a group of young Nigerian feminists working towards promoting equality, education, financial freedom, and representation for women in public office. This coalition has become a powerful force for social change in Nigeria.
Her accolades are numerous and well-deserved. She was named one of Forbes Africa’s 30 under 30 in Technology in 2019 and was listed among Quartz Africa Innovators the same year. In 2021, she was honored as a TIME100 Next honoree, highlighting her as one of the emerging leaders shaping the future. Her influence in the tech world has also been recognized by Business Day, which named her one of the Spark 2019 Women to Watch.
Her contributions have not gone unnoticed. In 2020, Eweniyi was featured on Bloomberg Business Weekly’s Bloomberg50 list, which highlights innovators and leaders who have made a significant impact on the global business landscape. The following year, she was selected as a Bloomberg New Economy Catalyst and won the Forbes Africa Technology and Innovation Award, recognizing her as a key player in Africa’s tech industry. Eweniyi also serves on the board of Village Capital, one of the world’s most active supporters of impact-driven, seed-stage entrepreneurs. Her role at Village Capital allows her to influence the growth and success of startups that are making a positive impact on society. This aligns with her broader mission of fostering innovation and driving social change through technology.
Eweniyi’s impact is not limited to Nigeria; she has gained international recognition as well. She has been featured in renowned publications such as Vogue, the New York Times, and Elle, further establishing her as a global tech leader. Her work and dedication have made her one of the most influential young Africans, earning her a place on various prestigious lists, including the World Women in Fintech Power List and YNaija’s Most Influential People in Technology. Through her various initiatives and roles, she continues to inspire and empower the next generation of tech entrepreneurs, particularly women. Her work is paving the way for a more inclusive and dynamic tech ecosystem in Nigeria and beyond, making her a true catalyst for change.
