Tope Awotona, a Nigerian-born tech entrepreneur and billionaire, has become a prominent figure in the tech industry with his innovative solutions and deep understanding of the ever-changing digital landscape.
He achieved notable success through the launch of Calendly, a $3-billion software company focused on streamlining business communication for teams scheduling, preparing, and following up on external meetings.
Awotona’s tech journey began during his business administration studies at the University of Georgia, leading to him receiving the 2021 Atlanta Business Chronicle Most Admired CEO Award and the 2019 Comparably Best CEOs award.
In addition to Calendly, Awotona ventured into e-commerce with a dating website, a projector sales company, and a garden tools enterprise. Unfortunately, these ventures didn’t reach the anticipated success despite his dedication.
Over a decade ago, Awotona invested his life savings of $200,000 into Calendly, addressing his struggle with the inefficient and time-consuming process of organizing meetings. The company, transforming frustration into success, became profitable in 2016. In a recent funding round, Calendly secured an impressive $350 million, valuing the company at $3 billion. Awotona’s majority stake is now worth about $1.4 billion.
As a trailblazing African-American tech entrepreneur, Awotona not only stands out for his technological prowess but also for his commitment to diversity and inclusion in the tech industry. Serving as a vocal advocate, he actively champions opportunities for underrepresented groups, contributing to a more inclusive landscape.
Billionaires.Africa has identified and cataloged various companies and holdings associated with Awotona. Here are three companies where he holds investments in terms of direct or indirect ownership:
- Calendly
Founded in Atlanta in 2013, Calendly emerged with a mission to revolutionize scheduling by eliminating the hassle of back-and-forth emails. Under Awotona’s leadership, Calendly has evolved into a leading Atlanta-based software company, offering a cutting-edge business communication platform. This platform facilitates seamless scheduling, preparation, and follow-up for external meetings, catering to the needs of teams worldwide. As of January 2021, Calendly has achieved a staggering valuation of $3 billion, solidifying its status as a tech unicorn.
- Vonza
Awotona’s investment in Vonza underscores his commitment to empowering entrepreneurs and creators worldwide. Vonza, an all-in-one business platform, has rapidly gained traction since its inception, attracting over 5000 customers from more than 40 countries in less than two years. Launched into beta on February 14th, 2020, Vonza simplifies the entrepreneurial journey by providing a comprehensive suite of tools, eliminating the need for multiple platforms. With Awotona’s support, Vonza is poised to accelerate its marketing efforts, further expanding its reach and impact.
- Givebutter
Awotona’s involvement in Givebutter exemplifies his commitment to driving positive change in society. As one of the distinguished investors contributing to Givebutter’s inaugural seed investment round, Awotona stands alongside a select group of visionaries dedicated to fueling innovation. Givebutter, a Washington-based community of changemakers, has facilitated more than $300 million in donations over six years, underscoring its significant impact in the realm of digital fundraising. Awotona’s support propels Givebutter’s mission to empower organizations and individuals to make a difference through seamless and effective fundraising efforts.
