Iyinoluwa Aboyeji Explains Why He Prefers Building Businesses

Iyinoluwa Aboyeji says he now prefers building businesses instead of investing in other founders, describing the shift as a change in perspective.

Flutterwave co-founder Iyinoluwa Aboyeji has shared why he is moving away from traditional investing and focusing more on building businesses himself. Speaking on the Afropolitan Podcast, he said he has developed what he described as a “radical view” on investing, arguing that creating companies offers a better path than relying on others to deliver his vision.

Aboyeji questioned the widespread belief that investing is the best route to success. He pointed to entrepreneurs who became wealthy by building companies rather than backing other people’s ideas. He said, “I’ve never heard of Elon really investing in anything. So for me, I’m not interested in investing in all those things. I’d rather invest in myself and build something of my own. Investing is for lazy people, in my view”.

Reflecting on his career, Aboyeji explained that his journey has unfolded in different stages. During the first six years, he worked closely with experienced entrepreneurs to help build businesses. He later moved into investing, writing cheques and leaving execution to founders. However, he said the outcomes were often “shaky”.

According to Aboyeji, some of the challenges he hopes to solve are too significant to leave entirely in the hands of founders whose priorities may differ from his own. He stated, “The problem I’m trying to solve is too important for a bunch of founders who just want to ride the big car and japa for me to trust them with my vision.”

He also argued that experienced investors can successfully build businesses themselves instead of assuming founders are the only capable operators. He added that the high execution risks in Africa make it even harder for investors to depend solely on founders. Aboyeji concluded that he is increasingly choosing to create and operate businesses directly rather than simply investing in them.

What do you think creates greater long-term value—building a business or investing in one?