Early Life and Education
Odunayo Eweniyi, a Nigerian entrepreneur and advocate, was born and raised in Nigeria, where her passion for technology took root early. She pursued a first-class degree in Computer Engineering, graduating at the top of her class. By age 19, in 2013, she had already stepped into the tech ecosystem, showcasing a remarkable drive that would define her career. Her technical foundation and problem-solving mindset laid the groundwork for her future ventures.
The Genesis of PiggyVest
Eweniyi’s entrepreneurial journey began shortly after university when she co-founded PushCV, one of Africa’s largest job platforms, connecting job seekers with opportunities. This early venture demonstrated her ability to identify and address real-world problems through technology. In 2016, at just 22, she co-founded PiggyVest, Nigeria’s first online savings and investment platform, alongside Somto Ifezue and Joshua Chibueze. Initially launched as Piggybank.ng, the platform aimed to make saving accessible and seamless for everyday Nigerians, addressing the challenge of financial discipline in a digital age.
PiggyVest grew rapidly, becoming Nigeria’s largest digital savings and micro-investment platform, managing billions in savings for millions of users. The platform’s success lies in its user-friendly design, offering flexible saving options and investment opportunities tailored to the needs of its users. Eweniyi, as Chief Operating Officer (COO), played a pivotal role in scaling operations, ensuring the platform remained secure and reliable. By 2023, PiggyVest celebrated seven years of operation, marking milestones like becoming a trusted financial tool across West Africa.
Her leadership philosophy, rooted in high ambition and deep care for users, has shaped PiggyVest’s mission to empower financial freedom. Eweniyi’s advice to startups—“Charge from day one”—reflects her pragmatic approach to building sustainable businesses on tight budgets.
Advocacy for Women in Tech
Beyond PiggyVest, Eweniyi is a fierce advocate for gender equality in tech. In 2020, she co-founded the Feminist Coalition, a movement amplifying women’s voices and addressing social issues in Nigeria. Recognizing the funding gap for female founders, she also co-founded FirstCheck Africa, an early-stage investment fund supporting women-led startups across Africa. FirstCheck Africa provides capital and mentorship, helping women overcome barriers in the male-dominated tech industry.
Eweniyi’s advocacy extends to speaking engagements and mentorship. As a speaker at events like Women of Silicon Roundabout 2025, she inspires women to break into tech, sharing insights from her journey. Her advice to women entering the industry emphasizes resilience and high agency, encouraging them to take risks and learn from mistakes.
Recognition and Impact
Eweniyi’s contributions have earned her global recognition. In 2019, she was named to Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list, followed by Forbes Africa’s New Wealth Creators in 2021 and TIME’s 100 Next in 2021. Her work with PiggyVest and FirstCheck Africa has positioned her among the top 20 most influential women in African tech, driving financial inclusion and gender equity.
Challenges and Resilience
As a woman in tech, Eweniyi has navigated a landscape where only 15% of startup founders are women, and female-led ventures receive just 11.4% of deep tech funding. Her success stems from her ability to “aim very high, work very hard, and care very deeply,” as she described in a Medium feature. Her journey is a testament to resilience, proving that passion and innovation can overcome systemic barriers.
Looking Forward
Odunayo Eweniyi continues to lead PiggyVest toward greater financial empowerment while championing women in tech through FirstCheck Africa and the Feminist Coalition. Her story is a beacon of inspiration, showing that with vision and determination, it’s possible to build transformative solutions and create a more inclusive tech ecosystem.
PiggyVest current social media handles-
