Inside the Journey That Led Nicholas Nome to Launch Paynownow

Long before he founded Paynownow, Nicholas Nome was exploring ways technology could solve everyday problems.

Growing up in Nigeria, Nome developed an interest in computers and the internet while still in secondary school. At a time when internet access remained expensive for many Nigerians, he created a blog where he shared free browsing tips, mobile phone tutorials, and internet configuration guides. What started as a personal interest gradually introduced him to web publishing, digital marketing, and search engine optimization (SEO), laying the foundation for a career in technology.

Driven by curiosity and a desire to build digital solutions, Nome taught himself web development and software programming while working as a webmaster, blogger, and freelance developer. Those experiences helped shape his understanding of product development and online businesses long before he entered the financial technology sector.

His first major entrepreneurial venture came in 2014 with the launch of Saybaba.com, an e-commerce platform designed to connect buyers and sellers across Nigeria. The platform was later rebranded as Sellsbaba in 2018 as the business evolved.

Although the venture did not become one of Nigeria’s largest e-commerce platforms, it provided practical lessons in customer acquisition, business operations, product development, and the realities of building a startup in an emerging market.

Rather than viewing the experience as a setback, Nome has described it as an important stage in his entrepreneurial journey.

Those lessons eventually led to the creation of Paynownow, a Nigerian financial technology company founded in 2020 to simplify everyday digital payments.

The platform enables users to purchase airtime and mobile data, pay electricity and other utility bills, subscribe to television services, transfer funds, redeem gift cards, and access additional digital payment services through a single application.

The idea behind Paynownow emerged from a simple observation: millions of Nigerians rely on digital payment services every day, yet convenience, speed, and accessibility remain important factors in how those services are delivered. The company was established to provide a streamlined platform for routine financial transactions.

According to Nome, one of the defining moments in the company’s growth came when external investors expressed interest in the business. He has said he chose to retain ownership because he believed maintaining independence would better support the company’s long-term vision and strategic direction.

Outside fintech, Nome has expanded into real estate through Paynownow Properties and international logistics, reflecting his broader interest in building businesses that combine technology with practical commercial solutions.

Like many entrepreneurs, his journey has included financial constraints, operational challenges, and competition. He has credited those experiences with strengthening his resilience and reinforcing the importance of continuous learning, adaptability, and long-term thinking.

As Nigeria’s technology ecosystem continues to evolve, founders such as Nicholas Nome are contributing to a growing wave of entrepreneurs building products designed to solve local challenges. His path—from student blogger to software developer, e-commerce founder, and fintech entrepreneur—illustrates how consistent learning and practical execution can shape a technology business.

About Nicholas Nome

Nicholas Nome is a Nigerian technology entrepreneur, software developer, and founder and Chief Executive Officer of Paynownow, a financial technology company established in 2020. Before launching Paynownow, he founded the e-commerce platform Saybaba.com, later rebranded as Sellsbaba. His business interests also include real estate and international logistics, with a continued focus on technology-driven innovation, digital commerce, and financial inclusion.