Full-Stack Operator Turned Investor—Building Africa's Boldest Companies (With Battle Scars to Prove It)
I Back Founders Who Build Hard Things
Whether you're building digital products, banking infrastructure, payment rails, IoT infrastructure, or B2B SaaS—I've likely built and scaled it, debugged it, or advised someone through it. 10 years building, 3 exits after, now backing founders at Seven Capital Ventures with $50K-$500K cheques and hands-on support that actually matters.
Hi, I'm Taiwo Obasan, and my story isn't just about building companies—it's about building people, making mistakes (the expensive kind), and figuring out how real change happens in Africa's tech scene.
I started my first venture with a second-hand printer at sixteen, bartered my way through college, and somehow ended up in boardrooms, scaling fintech and leading teams from scrappy MVPs to profitable exits. I've been the founder nervously pitching VCs, then the operator wrestling with product pivots, and now the investor who backs bold ideas (and sometimes caffeine-fueled all-nighters).
If you're a founder, I've been in your shoes—celebrating the wins, obsessing over the losses, learning the difference between great pitches and great businesses. As an investor, I put my experience to work—offering not just capital, but the roadmap, the network, and honest feedback you'll actually use.
If you want a VC team member who thinks like a founder, communicates like an operator, and acts like a partner—I'm your bridge.
Let's build the future of venture together.
Why Technical Depth Matters
The investor who can review your code, audit your infrastructure, and understand your technical challenges—because I've built it all before
What Makes Me Different
Capital
$50K-$500K checks through Seven Capital Ventures
Technical Expertise
10+ years building fintech, IoT, and infrastructure
Operator Support
Hands-on portfolio support from code reviews to hiring
Global Network
Connections across Africa, MENA, and international markets
= A Complete Partner for Building Hard Things
For Technical Founders
You need an investor who understands why your architecture decisions matter, why that database choice is critical, and why "just add another server" isn't a scaling strategy. I've debugged production systems at 3AM, optimized databases handling millions of transactions, and made the hard technical trade-offs between speed and reliability. When you pitch me, I'm not just nodding along—I'm mentally reviewing your stack and identifying potential bottlenecks.
For Infrastructure Startups
I've deployed real-time monitoring systems on offshore oil platforms where downtime meant lives at risk. I understand redundancy, failover systems, and the difference between "works in demo" and "works in production." If you're building IoT, industrial automation, or mission-critical infrastructure—I've operated in those environments and know what it takes to achieve enterprise reliability.
For Regulated Industries
I've navigated CBN compliance for banking infrastructure, achieved microfinance licensing, and managed regulatory requirements across fintech, real estate, and financial services. I know that "move fast and break things" doesn't work when regulators are watching. I've learned these lessons the expensive way so you don't have to.
For Traditional Business Digitization
I've digitized businesses from FMCG companies to real estate firms to microfinance banks. I know why legacy systems are hard to replace, why change management matters more than the technology, and how to prove ROI to skeptical traditional operators. If you're bringing technology to analog industries, I've walked that path repeatedly.
Why Work With Me
Result: Add me to your VC team and you get an operator, strategist, and mentor—committed to making startups stronger and delivering measurable results. I'm ready to help your fund outperform.
Quick Credentials
3 Exits: Fundall, BankEngine, ChurchRemit
$15M+ client revenue delivered
1,500+ SMEs advised
Multiple sectors: fintech, blockchain, ecommerce, logistics, edtech, energy
Board & advisory roles: hands-on support at every stage
Mentored 200+ founders and rising operators in the African tech ecosystem
Coverage: Africa, MENA, SEA, LatAM and beyond
What Founders Say
Real feedback from portfolio companies
"Taiwo doesn't just invest—he rolls up his sleeves and builds with you. His technical depth saved us months of trial and error."
Sarah M.
Fintech Founder
Reduced time-to-market by 40%
"Most investors ask surface-level questions. Taiwo reviewed our entire codebase and identified architectural issues our own team missed."
David O.
B2B SaaS Founder
Prevented critical scaling issues
"He's been where we are. That's rare in VC. His advice comes from battle scars, not textbooks."
Amina K.
PropTech Founder
Achieved profitability in 8 months
"Taiwo connected us with the right technical talent and helped us restructure our engineering team. Game changer."
Michael T.
Logistics Founder
3x engineering velocity
Where I Invest & Why Technical Depth Matters
Backing transformative technologies solving real problems across Africa and emerging markets—with the technical expertise to evaluate what others miss
What I Look For:
Digital banking, payments infrastructure, lending platforms, wealth management, financial inclusion solutions
Why I'm Qualified:
I built banking infrastructure from scratch at Fundall, achieved CBN compliance, processed millions in transactions, and navigated Nigerian regulatory requirements. I know what works and what's just vaporware.
My Value-Add:
- •Can review your core banking integration and spot issues
- •Know the regulatory requirements and compliance pathways
- •Understand payment gateway integrations and reconciliation challenges
- •Can help you avoid expensive licensing mistakes
- •Connect you to banking partners, regulators, and customers
Investment Thesis:
Africa's 60% unbanked population represents massive opportunity, but success requires understanding local regulations, building for offline-first environments, and achieving unit economics that work at low transaction values.
What I Look For:
DeFi with real-world utility, blockchain infrastructure, crypto payments, NFTs solving actual problems (not speculation)
Why I'm Qualified:
I've built traditional financial infrastructure, so I can evaluate when blockchain adds genuine value versus when it's just buzzword-driven. I understand the technical trade-offs and regulatory implications.
My Value-Add:
- •Can assess your smart contract architecture and security
- •Know the regulatory landscape across African markets
- •Help you identify real use cases versus hype
- •Connect you to traditional finance partners for integration
Investment Thesis:
Blockchain's value for Africa is in solving specific infrastructure problems—remittances, identity, supply chain transparency. I invest in founders building solutions, not speculation.
What I Look For:
Marketplace platforms, logistics infrastructure, last-mile delivery, supply chain optimization, B2B commerce
Why I'm Qualified:
My 4.7 years in FMCG gave me deep supply chain knowledge. I grew sales from 10 to 50 tonnes per week, expanded across Nigerian states, and built distribution networks. I know the operational complexity beneath the app interface.
My Value-Add:
- •Understand inventory management and supply chain finance
- •Know the challenges of last-mile delivery in African markets
- •Can help you model unit economics for marketplace businesses
- •Connect you to logistics partners and distribution networks
Investment Thesis:
E-commerce in Africa requires solving logistics, payments, and trust simultaneously. Winners will be those who build integrated solutions, not those who just copy Western models.
What I Look For:
Vertical SaaS for underserved industries, business operations software, financial services tools, HR and payroll systems
Why I'm Qualified:
Through Tabb, I've digitized 1,500+ SMEs across industries. I know what traditional businesses actually need versus what tech people think they need. I understand the sales cycles, implementation challenges, and change management required.
My Value-Add:
- •Can help you identify the right target customer segment
- •Know how to sell to traditional businesses
- •Understand pricing models and customer acquisition for B2B
- •Can help you navigate long sales cycles and champion identification
Investment Thesis:
Africa's digitization of traditional industries is still early stage. Massive opportunity for vertical SaaS targeting specific industries with localized solutions and strong customer support.
What I Look For:
Industrial automation, remote monitoring, smart systems, infrastructure-as-a-service, enterprise IoT, AI/ML applications, edge computing, robotics
Why I'm Qualified:
I've deployed industrial monitoring systems for oil & gas operations, built real-time monitoring systems, and managed mission-critical infrastructure where downtime meant safety risks. I understand reliability requirements, redundancy design, and the difference between demo and production.
My Value-Add:
- •Can review your technical architecture for reliability
- •Know the challenges of deploying in harsh environments
- •Understand enterprise sales to regulated industries
- •Connect you to industrial partners and customers
Investment Thesis:
Africa's infrastructure deficit creates opportunity for leapfrog solutions. I invest in founders solving real problems with emerging tech—not chasing hype. Success requires understanding operational environments, building for reliability over features, and proving tangible impact.
What I Look For:
Healthtech, agritech, edtech, cleantech, and other sectors addressing genuine pain points in emerging markets—not Silicon Valley copycats or solutions looking for problems
Why I'm Qualified:
Experience digitizing traditional businesses across multiple sectors and understanding regulatory compliance translates across industries. I know how to navigate regulated industries, build trust with conservative adopters, and identify real problems worth solving.
My Value-Add:
- •Can help with regulatory strategy and compliance
- •Understand sales to traditional institutions and enterprises
- •Know how to prove ROI and demonstrate tangible impact
- •Connect you to industry partners and advisors
Investment Thesis:
I invest in founders solving actual everyday problems in emerging markets—not fancy tech for tech's sake. The biggest opportunities lie in unsexy sectors: agriculture, healthcare, education, infrastructure. Success requires deep market understanding, patience, and building solutions that work in real-world conditions, not just demos.
Full-Stack Capabilities
From code to capital—the technical and operational expertise that makes me a different kind of investor
Why Versatility Is My Superpower
Most VCs specialize. I synthesize. My cross-industry experience isn't a bug—it's a feature.
Pattern Recognition: I've seen how solutions in one industry apply to another. The community-building playbook from fintech applies to e-commerce. The reliability requirements from oil & gas apply to fintech infrastructure. Every industry informs how I evaluate the next.
Trusted Across Industries: From Oil Rigs to Fintech Apps
16+ major clients across diverse sectors—demonstrating versatility that informs smarter investment decisions
Why Versatility Makes Me a Better Investor
Cross-Industry Pattern Recognition: Solutions from one industry often unlock opportunities in another. The community-building playbook from fintech applies to e-commerce. The reliability requirements from oil & gas inform infrastructure startups. The compliance expertise from microfinance translates to healthtech.
Risk Assessment: I've operated in highly regulated industries where mistakes are expensive (finance, oil & gas). This makes me better at identifying regulatory and operational risks others miss.
Market Understanding: I've sold to enterprises, SMEs, and consumers. I've navigated enterprise procurement, government approvals, and grassroots adoption. This breadth helps me assess go-to-market viability.
The Proof: Clients across oil & gas, financial services, real estate, education, and logistics trusted me with their most critical transformations. This track record shows I can understand and add value to almost any business model.
Financial Services & Fintech (13+ Clients)
Emerging Africa Group
Financial Services, Investment
Services: Digitalization, Board Training, M&A Integration (Fundall acquisition)
Impact: Successfully integrated acquired fintech into traditional finance group
CreditPRO
Credit, Finance
Services: Brand positioning, SEO & website optimization, web app development, executive digitalization consulting
Impact: Digital transformation enabling 3x growth in loan portfolio
Babcock Microfinance Bank
Microfinance
Services: Digitalization, Board Advisory
Impact: Achieved 100% CBN compliance, launched digital lending platform
Reliance Finance Group
Microfinance
Services: Digitalization, Board Advisory
Impact: Automated operations reducing processing time by 70%
Bowen Microfinance Bank
Microfinance
Services: Digitalization, Board Advisory, Management Training (2022 & 2023)
Impact: Digital transformation, staff training, improved operational efficiency
Wesley Microfinance Bank
Microfinance
Services: Digitalization, Process Automation
Impact: Automated back-office operations, improved compliance
Old Mutual
Insurance, Microfinance
Services: Digitalization Consulting
Impact: Digital strategy for insurance products and microfinance operations
Glaze Credit
Fintech, Credit
Services: Technology Facilitation, Board Retreat 2023
Impact: Strategic technology roadmap for growth
LoaniQ
Fintech, Credit
Services: Digitalization Consulting
Impact: Digital transformation of credit operations and customer experience
investiQ
Fintech, Wealthtech
Services: Digitalization Consulting, Branding, Business Strategy
Impact: Complete digital transformation and strategic repositioning
castlestash
Fintech, PropTech
Services: Digitalization Consulting, Branding, Business Strategy
Impact: Digital platform development and brand strategy for property investment
QuickRemit
Fintech, Remittances
Services: Investment Readiness
Impact: Prepared company for fundraising and investor engagement
GYWDE
Fintech
Services: Investment Readiness
Impact: Structured business for investment and growth
Real Estate & Property (4+ Clients)
Rich Oak Group
Real Estate, Credit, Investment Advisory & Finance
Services: Full digital transformation—branding, website, product development, IT support, social media, executive digitalization
Impact: $5M+ annual sales, 80% reduction in property turnover, 400% investment inflow increase
White Crust Limited
Real Estate, Credit, Agriculture, Venture Capital
Services: Chief Digital Officer—digital transformation across all subsidiaries
Impact: PropTech platform launch, digitized real estate operations, improved sales velocity
Mentricks Investments
Real Estate Investment
Services: Branding, website development, product ideation, web app development, IT support, social media marketing
Impact: Complete brand transformation, digital presence established
Composite (now StruxERP)
PropTech, ERP
Services: Digitalization Consulting, Branding, Management Consulting
Impact: Complete digital transformation and rebranding to StruxERP
Education & EdTech (3+ Clients)
EduBridge Academy
EduTech, HRTech
Services: Founding team member—branding, website, product development, IT support, social media, executive digitalization, product management
Impact: 10,000+ graduates trained, 100+ corporate partnerships, 85%+ placement rate
The After School Centre
Education, Teen Tech
Services: Product ideation, brand USP consulting, digitalization consulting
Impact: New digital program development, clarified market positioning
Lagos State Government
Public Sector, Education
Services: Mentor & Facilitator for Youth Entrepreneurship Programs
Impact: Trained 200+ young entrepreneurs in business fundamentals
Energy & Industrial (3+ Clients)
Energia Oil Ltd
Oil and Gas
Services: Sales and supply of VHF radio, communication infrastructure
Impact: Improved offshore communication reliability, reduced operational downtime
Midwestern Oil and Gas
Oil and Gas
Services: Engineering solutions, remote monitoring
Impact: Enhanced operational efficiency, real-time asset monitoring
Bono Energy
Oil and Gas
Services: Technical services, industrial automation
Impact: Improved safety protocols, equipment reliability
Logistics & Operations (1+ Clients)
PickMeUp Logistics
Logistics, Last-Mile Delivery
Services: Product testing & review, operational advisory
Impact: Product optimization, improved delivery efficiency
Social Impact & NGOs (4+ Clients)
Ola Agesin Foundation
NGO, Youth Development
Services: Brand positioning and planning
Impact: Clarified mission, improved donor engagement
The Game Changers
NGO, Social Impact
Services: Brand positioning and planning
Impact: Strategic positioning for funding and partnerships
The Rebirth Project
Political Campaigns
Services: Political campaign strategy, graphics & brand design, communications strategy
Impact: Successful campaign execution, voter engagement
NYR Events
Events Management
Services: Brand positioning, product ideation, marketing & communications strategy, growth hacking, business planning
Impact: Business model refinement, revenue growth
Investment & Advisory (1+ Clients)
ValourPoint Holdings
Investment Group
Services: Board Advisory, Management Consulting, Branding, Investment Readiness
Impact: Strategic advisory for investment group operations and portfolio management
Agriculture & AgriTech (1+ Clients)
HAV (Hibgli Agro Ventures)
AgriTech
Services: Operations, GTM Strategy, Board Advisory
Impact: Go-to-market strategy development and operational optimization
Client Testimonials
"Taiwo's technical depth combined with business acumen made him invaluable during our digital transformation. He didn't just build systems—he transformed how we operate."
— CEO, Financial Services Client
"What sets Taiwo apart is his ability to understand our industry deeply and quickly. He asked questions that showed he'd done this before."
— Managing Director, Real Estate Client
"His board training wasn't generic consulting speak. It was practical, actionable guidance based on real experience."
— Board Chairman, Microfinance Bank
"We hired him for technology. We got a strategic partner who helped us rethink our entire business model."
— Founder, EdTech Startup
Beyond the Bottom Line
Building wealth is important. Building people is essential.
The Boys' Brigade
Volunteer leader and officer for over 20 years in the world's first uniformed boy-child organisation, demonstrating deep commitment to developing young men through structured mentorship every Saturday
Trained 5,000+ boys over the years in life skills, musical instruments (drums, bugles, trumpets), drills and discipline, leadership, teamwork—while providing sponsorship and scholarships for their education and development
ADPList Mentorship
Providing free mentorship to aspiring entrepreneurs and product professionals globally
50+ mentorship sessions across Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, UK, US, Canada
The Afroconomist Newsletter
Weekly insights on tech, VC, economics, and startups shaping Africa
5,000+ subscribers, 30% open rate, democratizing knowledge about African tech
Board Training Programs
Facilitating strategic retreats and digital transformation training for executives
100+ board members trained across 6+ major organizations
My Philosophy
"I've been blessed with opportunities—education, mentorship, access to networks, and the privilege of building multiple companies. My responsibility is to create those same opportunities for others. Every founder I back, every young person I mentor, every board I train—that's how we build an ecosystem where everyone can thrive."
The Afroconomist
Weekly analysis making sense of the intersection between technology, venture capital, economics, and politics shaping Africa
The Digital Dollar Dilemma 2.0: Why African Central Banks Must Build, Not Ban, the Stablecoin Revolution
The struggle against dollarisation is over, and Africa lost. But there is a new front in this monetary war: digital dollarisation.
The Truth About African VC: Why 'Burn to Grow' Is Over. (And How Smart Startups & VCs Win with Capital Efficiency)
The detailed analysis of market shifts, unsustainable models, and the strategic pivot securing real returns for African tech.
Rethinking the African Market: No To Fancy Tech, Yes To Actual Everyday Needs
Rethinking the African Market: VCs & Founders, Start Building Solutions for Everyday Needs Not Just Fintechs
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Let's Build Africa's Future Together
Whether you're raising capital, seeking advisory, or want to collaborate—I'd love to hear from you
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, actively sourcing and evaluating deals at Seven Capital Ventures. Focus on early-stage (pre-seed to Series A) across fintech, blockchain, e-commerce, logistics, and emerging tech in Africa, MENA, and select global markets.
Absolutely. Some of the best deals come through unexpected intros. Send me a concise email explaining what you're building, why it matters, and why we might be a fit. I read every email personally.
Through Seven Capital Ventures: $50K-$500K typical range, flexible based on company stage, capital needs, and strategic fit. We can go higher for exceptional opportunities or follow-on rounds.
Yes, actively investing across Africa (especially Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, Egypt, South Africa) and select emerging markets in MENA and beyond. Geographic focus follows founder quality and market opportunity.
I'm an operator-turned-investor with 3 exits and a decade building companies. I provide hands-on portfolio support as Global Portfolio Support Lead—not just capital and quarterly board meetings. I can review your code, audit your unit economics, help hire your CTO, and connect you to customers.
Yes, through Tabb. I advise on digital transformation, product development, go-to-market strategy, fundraising preparation, and board training. I've helped 1,500+ SMEs and worked with clients from oil & gas to fintech.
Email me at taiwoobasan@gmail.com or use the contact form below. For investment inquiries, include a brief deck or one-pager. For advisory, describe your challenge and timeline. I typically respond within 48 hours.
Yes, I speak on topics including venture capital in emerging markets, fintech innovation, digital transformation, and entrepreneurship. I've been featured on Channels, AIT, Smooth FM, and other platforms. Reach out with event details.