Temitayo Gbadebo is an accomplished software development engineer and visionary entrepreneur with deep-rooted expertise in the IT industry. With a BSc in Information Technology from Sikkim Manipal University, India, Temitayo has crafted an impressive career trajectory defined by innovation, leadership, and technical proficiency. Currently serving as the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at HxAfrica, a property tokenization platform, Temitayo not only holds this leadership role but also maintains equity in the company, demonstrating his commitment to shaping the future of prop-tech.
His technical prowess extends to his role as a remote lead software engineer at Cosmoremit, a prominent money remittance service provider based in Australia. Notably, Temitayo led the development of the initial version of the Cosmoremit platform in 2020, establishing a robust system supported by cutting-edge technologies such as MySQL, CI/CD, Digital Ocean, and AWS DevOps. His contributions in building secure RESTful and GraphQL APIs have made a significant impact on the platform’s scalability and security.
Beyond his own businesses, Temitayo plays a critical mentorship role for other emerging companies. Notably, he mentors Dora Technologies, a logistics startup, providing both technical guidance and strategic business advice. His ability to combine deep technical knowledge with sound business acumen has earned him equity in Dora Technologies, further solidifying his reputation as a trusted advisor and leader in the tech startup space.
A recognized talent, Temitayo was awarded a scholarship to attend the prestigious Founders Institute, a global accelerator program for aspiring entrepreneurs. Out of 749 applicants, only 34 were selected, and Temitayo was one of just eight graduates, joining the ranks of notable Founders Institute alumni who have gone on to create game-changing companies like Udemy and Esusu. His participation in this elite program further validates his potential as a disruptive force in the tech industry.
Temitayo’s unique combination of technical expertise, entrepreneurial drive, and leadership acumen make him a highly sought-after professional, continuously pushing the boundaries of what technology can achieve.
BAT Most Influential Women In Tech In Nigeria 2024 -Awards
In this exclusive interview, we delve into the professional journey of Temitayo Gbadebo, whose impact spans the area of prop-tech and fintech. With leadership roles at HxAfrica and Cosmoremit, as well as a thriving entrepreneurial venture in Simpoo, Temitayo shares his insights, challenges, and vision for the future. Join us as we explore the experiences that have shaped his career and the strategies that drive his continued success.
Interview Questions for Temitayo Gbadebo:
1. Can you share a bit about your early background and what initially drew you to the world of technology?
Temitayo: “I’ve always been fascinated by how technology can solve real-world problems, even as a child. Growing up in Nigeria, I was surrounded by the rapid adoption of technology in various industries, and this sparked my interest. My journey into the tech world officially began when I pursued my BSc in Information Technology at Sikkim Manipal University in India. The exposure I received there was incredible, allowing me to develop not just my technical skills but also my understanding of how technology can be a tool for innovation and change.”
2. As the CTO of HxAfrica, a prop-tech company, what is your key focus, and how do you manage to balance your technical and leadership roles?
Temitayo: “My role at HxAfrica is multifaceted. As CTO, I focus on the technical vision of the company, ensuring that our property tokenization platform is cutting-edge, secure, and scalable. Balancing leadership with technical oversight can be challenging, but it’s about knowing when to lead from the front and when to delegate. I’m lucky to have a talented team that shares the same vision, which allows me to focus on both high-level strategy and hands-on development when necessary.”
3. What inspired you to join Cosmoremit as a lead software engineer, and can you share your role in developing their remittance platform?
Temitayo: “Cosmoremit offered a unique challenge that aligned with my passion for creating impactful solutions. The global remittance market is complex, and building a secure, scalable platform was a technical challenge I couldn’t resist. I led the development of the platform’s initial version in 2020, implementing systems that leveraged MySQL, CI/CD, Digital Ocean, and AWS DevOps. I also ensured the security of our APIs and optimized the platform for efficiency, which has allowed Cosmoremit to grow and offer seamless services to customers globally.”
4. Can you talk about your experience founding JiffyPay (now Simpoo), and what motivated you to expand its services into multiple areas such as SimpooCodes and SimpooCademy?
Temitayo “Founding JiffyPay was driven by a desire to create a platform that offered practical tech solutions for businesses, but as the company grew, I saw the potential to expand into other areas. SimpooCodes was born out of the need to provide custom development services, while SimpooBusiness was our attempt to simplify inventory management for small businesses. SimpooCademy and SimpooPower came later as we recognized the importance of training the next generation of tech entrepreneurs and providing them with the resources to succeed. It’s been incredibly fulfilling to watch these ventures grow and help others innovate.”
5. Your career has a strong entrepreneurial focus. What challenges have you faced in managing both technical and business leadership responsibilities across multiple companies?
Temitayo: “The biggest challenge has been time management and knowing where to place my focus at any given moment. Both the technical and business sides require attention, but they also require different skill sets. As a leader, I’ve learned that building the right team is crucial. Surrounding myself with people who are not only experts in their fields but also share the company’s vision has allowed me to step back from some aspects and focus on where I’m most needed. It’s a constant balancing act, but with the right systems and people in place, it becomes manageable.”
6. With such a diverse skill set, including expertise in languages like Ruby, Python, and Golang, how do you decide which tools or languages to use for different projects?
Temitayo: “Choosing the right tool for the job always depends on the project’s requirements. For example, when building APIs or handling large-scale data transactions, I tend to lean towards Golang for its efficiency and performance. Ruby on Rails is my go-to for rapid development and prototyping, especially in startups where agility is key. I also consider factors like the development team’s strengths, scalability, and long-term maintenance when choosing the tech stack. It’s about making informed decisions that not only solve the problem today but also ensure future growth.”
7. Your mentorship role at Dora Technologies and participation in the Founders Institute are impressive. How do you approach mentorship, and what value do you believe it brings to both the mentor and mentee?
Temitayo: “Mentorship is something I’m deeply passionate about because I’ve benefited from great mentors in my own career. At Dora Technologies, I guide the team on both technical and business strategy, helping them make informed decisions that balance growth with sustainability. For me, mentorship is a two-way street. While I provide guidance, I’m also constantly learning from my mentees—about new perspectives, challenges, and even emerging trends. It’s incredibly rewarding to see others succeed and to know you’ve played a part in that journey.”
8. Having earned equity in multiple companies, such as HxAfrica and Dora Technologies, what is your philosophy on entrepreneurship and ownership?
Temitayo: “I believe that ownership fosters a deeper sense of responsibility and commitment. When you have skin in the game, you’re not just working for a paycheck; you’re working towards a larger vision. For me, entrepreneurship is about building something meaningful and sustainable. Holding equity in companies like HxAfrica and Dora Technologies allows me to have a long-term stake in their success, and it drives me to constantly innovate and push boundaries. It’s about creating value that goes beyond the bottom line.”
9. What has been your proudest achievement to date, and how has it shaped your career moving forward?
Temitayo: “One of my proudest achievements has been graduating from the Founders Institute. Out of 749 applicants, only 34 were selected, and I was one of the 8 to complete the program. It wasn’t just about the validation—it was about the experience and the network it provided. The program challenged me to think bigger and more strategically about my ventures, and it’s something that continues to shape my approach to business and technology today.”
10. Given your vast experience with global projects and remote teams, what strategies have you found most effective for managing distributed teams and ensuring productivity?
Temitayo: “Managing remote teams requires clear communication, trust, and the right tools. I prioritize regular check-ins and use collaboration platforms like Slack, Trello, and Jira to keep everyone on the same page. Setting clear expectations and providing autonomy are also key—people need to feel empowered to make decisions. One of the strategies I find most effective is creating a culture of accountability, where team members take ownership of their work, which ultimately leads to higher productivity and better outcomes.”
11. How do you stay updated with the latest technological trends and ensure that you’re continuously improving your skills in such a fast-paced industry?
Temitayo: “I make it a point to stay curious. The tech industry is constantly evolving, and it’s essential to keep learning. I dedicate time each week to read articles, participate in online courses, and contribute to open-source projects. Attending conferences and networking with other professionals is also important. Beyond that, working on diverse projects helps me apply new technologies in real-world situations, which accelerates my learning and ensures I’m always up to date with the latest trends.”
12. Congratulations on being recognized at the BAT Annual Awards 2024. Can you share what this recognition means to you and how it has influenced your career moving forward?
Temitayo: “Thank you. Receiving recognition at the BAT Annual Awards 2024 was a significant moment for me. It not only validated the years of hard work and dedication I’ve put into my craft but also reaffirmed my belief in the importance of innovation and perseverance in the tech industry. This recognition has motivated me to keep pushing boundaries, especially in the prop-tech and fintech spaces, and it’s a reminder that the work I’m doing has a real impact on the industry and beyond.”
13. How did receiving the BAT Award of Excellence in 2024 shape your approach to leadership and innovation within your ventures, such as HxAfrica and Simpoo?
Temitayo: “The BAT Award of Excellence in 2024 was an inspiring milestone that reinforced my commitment to leadership and innovation. It pushed me to further prioritize building resilient teams and fostering a culture of creativity within my ventures. At HxAfrica, for example, I’ve become even more focused on leveraging new technologies to disrupt the traditional real estate sector, while at Simpoo, we’re exploring ways to streamline business processes through advanced tech solutions. The recognition has driven me to be more strategic and intentional in every aspect of my work.”
14. Looking ahead, what are your professional goals for the next five years, and how do you plan to achieve them?
Temitayo: “My goals for the next five years revolve around expanding my entrepreneurial ventures and continuing to push the boundaries of technology in both prop-tech and fintech. I want to see HxAfrica and Simpoo scale to new heights, while also dedicating time to mentoring more startups and building tech communities. Additionally, I’m exploring opportunities in AI and blockchain to further disrupt traditional industries. I believe that with the right partnerships, dedication, and continuous innovation, the sky’s the limit.”
Conclusion
As we close this insightful conversation with Temitayo Gbadebo, it becomes evident that his career is a testament to what can be achieved when talent, vision, and determination converge. His story, which began with a fascination for technology in Nigeria and took flight at Sikkim Manipal University, is one of relentless pursuit of excellence. Now, as the CTO of HxAfrica, he stands at the forefront of prop-tech innovation, harnessing blockchain and tokenization to transform real estate. At Cosmoremit, his leadership and technical expertise have helped redefine the global remittance landscape, making secure and seamless cross-border transfers a reality for countless individuals.
Temitayo’s entrepreneurial drive shines brightly through his venture, Simpoo, where he has built a platform designed to simplify business processes and foster innovation for small enterprises. His dedication to nurturing startups, as seen in his mentorship of Dora Technologies, further underscores his belief in lifting others as he climbs. His technical mastery across multiple programming languages and frameworks is impressive, but what truly sets him apart is his capacity to blend this expertise with a visionary mindset—one that constantly seeks to solve real-world problems.
A significant highlight of our discussion was his recognition at the BAT Annual Awards 2024, a moment that not only validated his years of hard work but also symbolized his role as a trailblazer. The BAT Award of Excellence stands as a shining accolade, reflecting his contributions to technology and innovation both in Nigeria and globally. This recognition speaks volumes about his leadership and his ability to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry.
Bridge Africa Technologies’ recognition of Temitayo as one of the Nigerians excelling in his field abroad is a fitting tribute to a man whose work transcends borders. He embodies the spirit of innovation that Africa needs to embrace as it steps into the future. Temitayo’s influence is already palpable, and his work in prop-tech and fintech is poised to leave a lasting legacy. His journey, marked by high points of innovation and the inevitable challenges of entrepreneurship, serves as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring tech leaders, not just in Nigeria, but across the globe.
In Temitayo Gbadebo, we see not just an exceptional software engineer, but a visionary leader whose story is still unfolding. As he continues to push the boundaries of technology and entrepreneurship, his potential contributions to the Nigerian tech ecosystem and the global stage are boundless. This interview, much like his career, leaves us inspired and eager to see where his journey will lead next.
