Olumide Soyombo, a prominent venture capitalist in Nigeria and co-founder of Bluechip Technologies, as well as the founder of Voltron Capital, is gearing up to launch his business memoir, titled “Vantage,” in September. The memoir traces his journey from exploring teenage tech interests to delving into entrepreneurship and investment.
Having invested in 26 startups, Soyombo, 40, has played a pivotal role in supporting some of Nigeria’s most prominent tech startups. He famously wrote early checks for companies like Paystack and PiggyVest among many others. His accomplished journey prompts inquiries about his life, investment philosophy, and pioneering contributions to Nigeria’s tech landscape.
The forthcoming book offers a firsthand narrative of his trajectory, starting from his youthful fascination with personal computers to his current roles as an entrepreneur and investor. “Vantage” will provide insights into the challenges, victories, and invaluable lessons that have molded his path and influenced Africa’s tech ecosystem.
An alumnus of the University of Lagos, Soyombo established Bluechip Technologies in 2008. The company functions as a system integrator, providing premier analytics, business applications, infrastructure, consulting, and managed services.
Central to Bluechip’s operations is business analytics, which involves aggregating data from diverse sources and constructing models to aid businesses in predicting factors such as customer churn and customer lifetime value, thereby facilitating better decision-making.
Bluechip Technologies has implemented solutions for various establishments, including Etisalat Nigeria, Access Bank Plc, MTN Zambia and Airtel Nigeria.
The company generates millions of dollars in annual turnover and maintains a workforce of more than 70 employees, with operations spanning Kenya, Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia, and Ghana.
Soyombo started investing in tech startups in 2014 in a personal capacity and subsequently decided to institutionalise his investing by setting up Voltron Capital with Abe Choi, a U.S.-based entrepreneur and investor.
The pan-African VC firm is a pre-seed and seed firm for elite tech founders tackling critical problems in the continent’s largest markets, with focus on Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, and North Africa.
