Payhippo, a leading AI-powered lender for SMEs in Nigeria, has appointed Dami Olawoye as its new CEO. Olawoye, who previously served as Payhippo’s CFO, will succeed Zach Bijesse, who is transitioning to a role on the company’s board of directors.
Under Bijesse’s leadership, the AI-driven startup achieved remarkable milestones including disbursing over 36,000 SME loans, creating a superior AI-driven credit engine, and securing $16 million in equity and debt funding. Payhippo has also emerged as a top provider of working capital to small businesses in Nigeria.
Olawoye brings extensive executive and investment experience in high-growth SMEs across West Africa, including leadership at a prominent asset finance company in the UK. His deep knowledge of the needs of Nigerian small businesses makes him capable of guiding Payhippo into its next phase of expansion.
During his tenure at the company, Olawoye has successfully expanded product offerings, spearheaded fundraising initiatives, and launched a partnership platform. His leadership has also driven profitability enhancements.
“I am deeply honoured to become CEO of Payhippo. Payhippo is a leading player in Nigeria’s fintech sector, and I am excited to lead the company’s growth and continued support for small businesses across the country. I am particularly passionate about Payhippo’s new products, which will help small businesses in the renewable energy sector scale up and create jobs.”
