Olugbenga Agboola, chief executive of Flutterwave, has been named to the 2026 Outlier Class by Endeavor for the sixth year in a row. The recognition highlights his continued work in improving payment systems across Africa and other emerging markets.
Endeavor said its 2026 Outlier group reflects a new phase in global entrepreneurship, where founders are building strong, competitive businesses despite uncertain economic conditions.
Agboola first joined Endeavor in 2019 as an Endeavor Entrepreneur. Since then, he has taken on a more active role within the network, including serving on its board and supporting younger founders. His involvement also includes investing in the ecosystem to help grow fintech and other sectors.
Under his leadership, Flutterwave has reached several milestones. The company was listed among the TIME 100 Most Influential Companies in 2025 and received the Excellence in Cross-Border Payments Award at the Africa Tech Summit. Agboola was also honoured with the Fintech Pioneer in Africa Award for his impact on the industry.
In 2025, Flutterwave expanded its global reach by opening new payment routes, including connections between Africa and Asia. The company processed close to $1 billion in the first half of the year and has now handled more than $40 billion in total transactions across over 1 billion payments.
Flutterwave has also strengthened its technology through partnerships with Polygon and Turnkey. These partnerships focus on improving access to payments and making cross-border transfers faster and more efficient.
Beyond his role at Flutterwave, Agboola is active as an investor and mentor. Through his venture platform, Resilience17, he supports early-stage companies, especially in fintech and digital identity. The platform has backed more than 70 startups worldwide, including Vesti, Klasha, LemFi, and Bamboo.
His investment work earned him the Tech Investor of the Year award from Business Insider Africa in 2022. One of his portfolio companies, Brass, was successfully acquired in 2024, further strengthening his track record.
Agboola has also entered the field of artificial intelligence with the launch of Go Time AI, Nigeria’s first dedicated AI accelerator. The programme provides funding and computing resources to founders in the Global South building AI solutions for local markets.
His investments extend beyond technology. They include Lagoon Hospital, a healthcare provider, and Nairobi City Thunder Basketball Club, a two-time national champion.
In 2026, Flutterwave has taken further steps to expand its services. The company acquired Mono to improve access to financial data across Africa. It also secured a microfinance banking licence, allowing it to offer a wider range of financial services to businesses.
Agboola joins other founders from more than 50 underserved markets in the 2026 Endeavor Outlier Class. Together, they are recognised not only for building successful companies but also for mentoring others and supporting innovation in their regions.
