Welcome to the Founder Spotlight series where we get to know a tech founder who is working to create the next billion dollar company. Show your support by sharing her story and increasing the visibility of black women in tech!
Name: Kike Oniwinde
@kikeoniwinde
Company: Black Young Professionals (BYP)
What made you want to become an entrepreneur in tech?
I was interested in the technology industry, having previously worked in FinTech. I worked on a project with the tech team, and through this, I noticed the growing app market. I felt that technology was the future and wanted to get involved. when I came up with the idea of BYP Network, I wanted it to be tech-focussed and app-centered. This way I knew it could be global, and I knew it could solve a global issue.
Where did you get the idea for your business?
I studied abroad at The University of Florida where I gained a full Track and Field scholarship. Whilst I was there, I met many talented black students and professionals who I didn’t know existed. When I came back to the UK and was working in FinTech, I noticed the lack of diversity, even in the start-up world. I wanted to find a way for black professionals to connect and network worldwide. Through this, we can be around future leaders, and this would impact the black community on a large scale.
What is the most rewarding part of being an entrepreneur?
It’s a lot of fun! It’s difficult, taxing and stressful, but ultimately it’s fulfilling. I’m working on something I want to work on that brings me both joy and excitement. It makes an impact on other people’s lives, and I wouldn’t change it for the world.
What are you an expert in?
That’s a good question! I don’t know. I wouldn’t call myself an expert in anything. I’m just a young black female who is bold enough to go forward with her dreams. I say what I mean and I’m proactive.
What advice would you give yourself before you started this company?
It’s okay to take things slowly. Don’t be so hard on yourself — you will be fine. I have high expectations of myself so when things don’t go the way I want, I get really annoyed, but everything is an opportunity to learn. I should enjoy the journey, and I should write down my journey so I can look back over things that I’ve overcome.
When will you feel like your company is successful?
That is such a good question! I do not know the answer to this question. In fact, I don’t even the answer to ‘What is success?’. Success to me for BYP Network is changing the black narrative. We want to help the black community on a grand scale by empowering ourselves and getting opportunities through mentorship and job opportunities. We want to see a positive shift in the black community globally, and a general view of our community as an aspirational one wherein people feel hopeful and not limited by their circumstances by interacting with fellow talented people in our network.
Tell us something cool you recently learned, big or small.
I learned that mindset is everything. I’ve always been a growth mindset person, I’ve always had high self-esteem, but honestly, my mindset was not what it needed to be. This world is our oyster, we can change it if we put our mind to it. I’m at a place now where I understand that, and this is how doors are opening. It’s about trusting yourself and going forward!
What’s the biggest thing we can help you with so you can become a billion dollar founder?
Promotion and support! Champion BYP Network and the community. Help us to grow by spreading the word. The more black young professionals that know about us, that are on our platform, that use it and engage with it, the better!
Thanks, Kike!
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