Nigerian entrepreneur Bisi Obateru discusses vision, redefining Nigeria’s Tech Space

Bisi Obateru has carved a niche for himself as a visionary entrepreneur, blending creativity, resilience, and a deep sense of purpose. From his childhood days crafting toys out of simple materials in Lagos to leading a thriving tech company in the United States, Bisi’s journey reflects unwavering determination and a desire to create meaningful change.

Speaking in a recent interview, Bisi stated that growing up in a family of entrepreneurs exposed him to the values of hard work and innovation. The foundation was further solidified when he relocated to the United States, where he gained access to mentorship programs that shaped his entrepreneurial mindset. “Building a company is no small endeavor—it takes a village,” he explains, emphasizing his reliance on mentorship throughout his journey.

Driven by a passion for impact, Bisi launched Relo, a tech company that addresses pressing problems he identified through years of reflection and experience. Within 48 hours of its launch, Relo recorded over 7,000 user requests, and today, the platform has surpassed 10,000 users. The company has also participated in two Silicon Valley accelerator programs, generating steady revenue and solidifying its position in the tech ecosystem.

Bisi attributes much of his success to his Yoruba heritage, which has shaped his leadership philosophy. The Yoruba saying, Ọṣin tó wà níwájú, làwọn yòókù máa ń tẹ̀lé (“The horse in front is the one others follow”), has guided him in setting an example, building consensus, and empowering his team. From his school days as a band leader and prefect to his current role as a CEO, Bisi has prioritized teamwork and shared success.

The Lagos-born entrepreneur credits his upbringing for teaching him resilience and resourcefulness. “Constraints force you to be creative,” he notes, recalling how these lessons helped him navigate the challenges of bootstrapping a startup. His leadership principles—fostering diversity, encouraging open communication, and creating room for growth—reflect his commitment to building a sustainable and inclusive business.

Beyond business, Bisi is a philanthropist inspired by his parents’ generosity. He believes in giving back and finds meaning in helping others. “Sometimes, what you hold on to is meant to change someone else’s life in a big way,” he says. This ethos extends to his approach to life and work, encouraging him to support his team and community whenever possible.

An avid reader, Bisi draws inspiration from books like Good to Great by Jim Collins and Scaling People by Clair Hughes. For him, meaningful work is the cornerstone of a fulfilling life, and he strives to create solutions that make a difference.

Looking ahead, Bisi is optimistic about Nigeria and Africa’s potential. He advocates for exploring the continent’s rich history to unlock hidden stories and chart a brighter future. “We must rewrite our story in a way that allows our future to be even brighter than it is now,” he says, confident in the power of curiosity and reflection to drive growth and innovation.

Bisi Obateru’s story is a testament to the transformative power of resilience, strong values, and a passion for impact. Through Relo and his philanthropic endeavors, he continues to inspire a new generation of entrepreneurs in Nigeria and beyond.