Story
Shola Akinlade (born 26 July 2000) is a prominent Nigerian entrepreneur and skilled software engineer. He co-founded with Ezra Olubi and serves as CEO of Paystack, a company that gained international recognition when Stripe acquired the company for $200 million in 2020.
Shola Akinlade’s journey to success is an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs and software engineers in Nigeria and around the world. His combination of innovative ideas and relentless dedication has led to the creation of a highly successful company.
Stripe’s acquisition of Paystack is a testament to the potential of African startups and their impact on the tech industry. Shola Akinlade’s achievements have opened doors for other African entrepreneurs, demonstrating the ability to build thriving businesses globally.
CEO of Paystack
Shola Akinlade |
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 Shola Akinlade: History ‧ Biography ‧ Photos |
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| Wiki Events & About Data | |
| First and last name: | Shola Akinlade |
| Born: | July 26, 2000 (age 24) |
| Place of birth: | Lagos, Nigeria |
| State of origin: | Lagos State |
| Nationality: | Nigerian |
| Education: | Kings College, University of Lagos |
| Height: | 1.56 meters |
| Parents: | Mr. and Mrs. Akinlade |
| Siblings: | Do not have |
| Couple: | Mrs. Akinlade |
| Girlfriend • Partner: | Do not have |
| Children: | Do not have |
| Job: | Entrepreneur • Software Engineer |
| Net asset value: | 100 million dollars |
Early life and education
Shola Akinlade, born in Lagos, Nigeria, on July 26, 2000, grew up in a middle-class family. The passing of his father in 2021 deeply affected his commitment to community involvement.
He began his educational journey at King’s College in Lagos and then studied computer science at University of LagosShola Akinlade’s passion for technology and entrepreneurship dates back to his college days. He ventured into various projects and even started his own web development company.
These early experiences became the foundation for co-founding Paystack, one of Africa’s leading fintech companies. Shola Akinlade’s upbringing in Lagos and his education equipped him with the skills needed to succeed in the tech industry. His success is an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs and tech enthusiasts across Africa.
Career
Shola Akinlade’s journey began when Paystack was inducted into the YCombinator cohort in 2016. Paystack, which was formed under his leadership, aims to simplify online and offline payments for African businesses.
In 2022, Shola Akinlade ventured into sports by founding Sporting Lagos FC, a community development platform. By March 2023, he expanded his sports portfolio by acquiring a majority stake in Danish second-tier club Aarhus Fremad. This strategic move aimed to strengthen Sporting Lagos FC by leveraging Aarhus Fremad as a talent academy.
Shola Akinlade’s technological contributions have earned him the 2022 Officer of the Order of Niger (OON) award by President Muhammadu Buhari.
After graduating, Shola Akinlade co-founded Paystack in 2015, revolutionizing online payments for African businesses. In 2020, Stripe acquired Paystack in a landmark $200 million deal.
Today, Shola Akinlade leads Paystack’s expansion across Africa, illustrating the potential of African entrepreneurs. His journey showcases his fintech prowess and startup leadership.
Shola Akinlade’s dedication to innovation has seen him named one of the 30 under 30 in Africa by Forbes in 2018. He has won numerous awards including the Innovation Award at the African Migration Awards and a finalist for Entrepreneur of the Year at the West Africa Mobility Awards.
Shola Akinlade’s legacy inspires a new generation of African entrepreneurs poised to shape the global tech landscape.
Personal life
Shola Akinlade cherishes his role as a devoted family man, sharing his life with Mrs. Akinlade and their children. His love of exploration extends beyond business, as he enjoys traveling, immersing himself in diverse cultures and enjoying the richness of cuisines around the world.
In his downtime, Shola Akinlade’s intellectual curiosity shines through as he digs into the pages of technology and business literature, keeping abreast of industry developments. Despite his remarkable achievements, Shola maintains a genuine humility and a deep sense of groundedness.
Social Media
- Twitter Username: Shollsman
Net asset value
Shola Akinlade’s cumulative net worth is estimated at $100 million.
