Meet the Mentors

Shekinah made a bold entrance into the Irish tech scene in 2014 and has been a force ever since. Inspired by The Social Network, he launched his first business, Touchtech Payments, which was acquired by Stripe in 2019. Now, he’s building Apata, already on track to surpass his first success. ​ What you’ll learn from Shekinah: Critical Thinking: Tackling challenges with sharp analysis and logic. Tenacity: Staying resilient in the face of adversity. Thinking Outside the Box: Challenging norms to find unique opportunities.

Afolabi is a seasoned entrepreneur and corporate executive with an impressive career spanning roles at Microsoft, Accenture, Unilever, Endo Venture, and now Reckitt, where he leads FP&A. As an entrepreneur, he has built and sold multiple businesses and is highly experienced in real estate investment. What you’ll learn from Afolabi: Practicality: Real-world approaches to challenges and decision-making. Strategic Thinking: Structuring plans and strategies for optimal impact. Creative Solutioning: Innovative approaches to solving complex problems

Joe is a testament to combining passion, calculated risks, and a willingness to embrace new journeys. Starting in finance at EY and State Street, he transitioned to tech, joining Touchtech as Head of Finance before its acquisition by Stripe. At Stripe, he explored account management and financial partnerships at Paystack. Alongside, he built Hoaq, an investment community for Africans in the diaspora, and recently launched Borderless, a platform for global investment communities. What you’ll learn from Joe: Balancing Risk with Planning: Making bold decisions while minimizing downside. Diving into Your Passions: Aligning career and purpose. Seizing Opportunities: Taking leaps of faith and figuring out solutions along the way.

David is a visionary who worked in an AdTech company that got acquired before moving into venture capital with Seedcamp and Point Nine. He’s now channeling his expertise into building his next business. What you’ll learn from David: Venture Building: Crafting and scaling a startup from the ground up. Fundraising Insights: Successfully securing investment. Startup Leadership: Navigating growth, challenges, and transitions.

Bidemi’s journey is one of resilience and reinvention. Once pursuing a career as a professional footballer, an injury redirected him toward pharmacy and eventually entrepreneurship. He has since raised over €750,000 for his startup and is thriving in the entrepreneurial space. What you’ll learn from Bidemi: Overcoming Setbacks: Turning challenges into opportunities. Fundraising Strategy: Raising capital effectively. Entrepreneurial Grit: Staying determined in the face of obstacles.

Rilwon is a seasoned sales leader with nearly two decades of experience leading teams in multinational companies. Beyond corporate success, he’s an accomplished entrepreneur with a successful acquisition under his belt. What you’ll learn from Rilwon: Mastering Sales: Techniques for closing deals and leading high-performing teams. Entrepreneurship: Building and exiting a successful business. Leadership Excellence: Inspiring teams and driving results.