Meet Ayoola Samagbeyi, Entrepreneur and TechRound100 Judge

Tell us about yourself

I’m a technology executive and entrepreneur passionate about building systems that help people live and work better.

My career has taken me from leading engineering at Kuda during a defining growth period to now serving as CTO of 9jaPay Group and running Canalis Labs, where I help companies design secure, scalable financial and digital platforms.

At my core, I’m someone who loves solving difficult problems and turning ideas into real products that create lasting impact.

What would you say inspires you day to day?

I’m inspired by progress, the quiet, steady kind that shows up in better systems, stronger teams, or a product that actually makes someone’s life easier.

My faith also plays a big part in my day-to-day motivation; it keeps me grounded, grateful, and reminded that my work is ultimately service. And, of course, my family inspires me constantly, they’re a daily reminder of the legacy I want to build and why the work matters.

What would you say has been a career highlight for you?

One of the standout moments was helping scale Kuda’s technology organisation at a time when millions of people were depending on us daily. It taught me what true responsibility looks like.

Another highlight has been building 9jaPay’s core banking and payments platform from scratch, proving that African teams can build infrastructure at a truly global standard.

Those moments showed me that excellence has no boundaries when purpose is clear.

What has been the biggest challenge you’ve had to overcome along the way?

The biggest challenge has been building in environments where things don’t always work as expected; systems, policies, infrastructure.

Early on, I wrestled with the tension between striving for perfection and accepting the realities of emerging markets. Over time, I learned resilience, creativity, and the importance of building teams with heart. Those challenges shaped me far more than any success could.

What is your number one piece of advice to aspiring entrepreneurs?

Be stubborn about your purpose but flexible about your path. Entrepreneurship isn’t glamorous; it’s consistency, courage, and a willingness to keep showing up even when you don’t have all the answers. Start small, solve real problems, and surround yourself with people who believe in your vision. Your greatest advantage will always be your ability to keep moving.

What sectors are you keeping a close eye on over the next few years?

I’m watching the intersection of AI, financial services, and cloud infrastructure very closely; the combination will completely reshape how businesses operate.

I’m also excited about insurtech, cross-border payments, and cybersecurity, especially as more organisations prioritise resilience; and personally, I’m paying close attention to how automation and data will unlock new opportunities in emerging markets.

What can we hope to see from you in the future?

You’ll see me continue building platforms that make financial access simpler and more reliable, not just in Africa, but globally. I’m also focused on expanding Canalis Labs into new markets and mentoring the next generation of tech leaders and founders.

Ultimately, everything I’m working on is moving toward one goal: creating technology that outlasts me and leaves people better than I found them.