Icons in Tech

Ayanfeoluwa Odunsi: The Self-Taught Builder Turning Ijebu Into Nigeria's Next Tech Hub

From graphic design and football coaching to AI-powered food ordering platforms, how a self-taught builder from Ogun State is trying to bring Silicon Valley-style innovation home to Ijebu

Sule victor joshua

·7 min read·15 views
Ayanfeoluwa Odunsi, founder of KiaChow and KiaVendor
Ayanfeoluwa Odunsi, founder of KiaChow and KiaVendor

A Multidisciplinary Path

Ayanfeoluwa Odunsi defies easy categorisation. A founder, product builder, AI entrepreneur, graphic designer, football coach, and data analyst, he wields technology as a versatile toolkit rather than a narrow specialisation. Hailing from Ijebu-Imusin, Ogun State, Odunsi's career journey highlights a unique approach to problem-solving.

Unlike many founders who transition directly from computer science degrees to startups, Odunsi's entry into tech was notably non-linear. His professional background spans graphic design, data analytics, and football coaching—three fields that rarely intersect, yet have all fed into his product development philosophy.

"Largely self-taught, he built his career by combining creativity, technology, and problem-solving rather than following a single prescribed path."

This multidisciplinary foundation is evident in his current work, where he integrates design sensibility, data-driven thinking, and coaching instincts into every product he builds.

The Evolution of an Idea: From KiaKart to KiaChow

Every builder experiences false starts. For Odunsi, this was KiaKart, a concept envisioned in 2025 that ultimately did not progress beyond the planning stage.

However, KiaKart was not a wasted effort. It served as the crucial foundation for what would later evolve into KiaChow, his flagship product. KiaChow is an AI-powered conversational platform designed for food ordering.

Rebuilding From Zero: A Testament to Resilience

The initial version of KiaChow also faced significant challenges. A fundamental mismatch within the founding team forced Odunsi to rebuild the product from the ground up.

Rather than abandoning the project, he assembled a new team and restarted development. This decision, he explains, underscores a core principle he deeply values:

"Resilience, he believes, is one of the most valuable traits an entrepreneur can possess."

Building for Everyday Africans

This challenging rebuild fostered a clearer sense of purpose. Today, Odunsi's work is centered on making AI practical and accessible for everyday Africans. His focus is on leveraging technology to reduce complexity for users, rather than pursuing innovation for its own sake.

This philosophy is consistent across his product line:

  • KiaChow: An AI-powered conversational platform for ordering food.
  • KiaVendor: A platform designed to help small vendors showcase and manage their inventories.
  • ScoutTech Football Network (STFN): A football technology initiative focused on scouting and creating opportunities for talent.

While each product addresses a distinct problem, they are united by a common goal: empowering small businesses and communities that are often overlooked by mainstream innovation.

The Bigger Vision: Ijebu as Nigeria's Next Tech Hub

Odunsi's ambitions extend beyond individual products. He envisions transforming the Ijebu region into Nigeria's next major technology hub. This ecosystem would foster startups, developers, creators, and entrepreneurs, enabling them to build world-class solutions within their local communities.

His long-term mission is to shift how underserved regions and local economies interact with artificial intelligence. He aims to prove that global-calibre innovation does not originate solely from established hubs like Lagos, Nairobi, or San Francisco, but can also emerge from places often marginalised.

Faith as a Foundation for Resilience

Odunsi attributes his remarkable resilience to a source beyond entrepreneurship. He lives by the words of Philippians 4:13:

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

For Odunsi, this biblical verse is not a mere footnote; it is the fundamental operating principle that guided him through rebuilding a failed product, assembling a new team, and continuously investing in a region often ignored by investors.

Technology as Opportunity

For Ayanfeoluwa Odunsi, technology is more than just software. It is a powerful tool for creating opportunity, expanding access, and shaping a future in which innovation is accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or location.

Comments (1)

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  • Ayanfeoluwa Odunsi4 Jul 2026

    Thanks So much for this, Together we can bring AI to the neglected and overlooked demography.

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