What does it take to turn a bold idea into a transformative force for change? For Odunayo Eweniyi, the answer lies in an inspiring blend of fierce passion, unshakable resilience, and an unwavering vision for a more inclusive future. As Co-Founder & COO of PiggyVest and Co-Founder & General Partner at FirstCheck Africa, she has become one of the most dynamic and influential figures in Africa’s tech ecosystem—an outspoken champion for women, innovation, and equity. Her journey reflects not only entrepreneurial brilliance but also a rare commitment to lifting others as she climbs.
Eweniyi was born in 1993 in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria, into a family of academics. Her parents, both professors, instilled in her the values of discipline, intellectual curiosity, and perseverance. She pursued Computer Engineering at Covenant University, where she graduated with first-class honors in 2013. From her formative years, she carried a natural drive for problem-solving and a keen interest in how technology could reshape everyday lives.
Her entrepreneurial career began shortly after graduation when she co-founded PushCV, a recruitment platform designed to connect job seekers with vetted opportunities. By 2016, she and her partners launched PiggyVest (then Piggybank.ng), a fintech platform revolutionizing savings and micro-investment in Nigeria. What started as a simple solution for young Nigerians seeking financial discipline has grown into one of Africa’s leading digital wealth-management platforms, empowering millions with accessible financial tools.
Eweniyi’s influence soon extended beyond her own startups. In 2020, she co-founded the Feminist Coalition, a collective of young Nigerian women advocating for equality in education, financial independence, and political representation. The group became globally recognized during the #EndSARS movement for its pivotal role in mobilizing resources—providing food, legal aid, and medical support to protesters. This moment highlighted her leadership not just in business but in civic activism, proving her ability to harness technology and networks for social good.
Building on this momentum, in 2021 she joined forces with Eloho Omame to establish FirstCheck Africa, a pioneering venture capital firm focused on female-led startups at the pre-seed and seed stages. The fund goes beyond writing checks; it cultivates mentorship, visibility, and community among women entrepreneurs who are often overlooked by traditional investors. By actively reshaping the funding landscape, Eweniyi is dismantling barriers and inspiring more women to take bold steps into tech and entrepreneurship.
Her rise has not been without challenges. She has faced skepticism, systemic biases, and the uphill battle of convincing users and investors in environments where trust is fragile and opportunities for women are limited. Yet, her determination, innovative thinking, and ethical leadership have helped her overcome these hurdles. She has turned obstacles into stepping stones, demonstrating that persistence coupled with integrity can redefine industries.
Far more than a tech entrepreneur, Eweniyi is a symbol of possibility and progress. She has been celebrated on international stages, from TIME100 Next to Bloomberg50, Forbes Africa 30 Under 30, and Quartz Africa Innovators. Her story is a rallying call for collective action: to build ecosystems that support, fund, and celebrate women leaders. With every venture, initiative, and speech, she proves that when vision meets courage, the impact extends well beyond business success—it transforms communities, inspires generations, and reshapes the future of technology across Africa and beyond.
