The Paystack Story, with Ezra Olubi, Co-Founder and CTO

Paystack is a technology company solving payments problems for ambitious businesses. Their mission is to help businesses in Africa become profitable, envied, and loved.
A couple of weeks ago, Stripe (an American financial service and software as a service company headquartered in San Francisco) acquired Paystack for a rumoured amount of about $200M.
In this episode of #FoundersConnect, I sat down with the CTO of Paystack, Ezra Olubi. He shared how Paystack started, why he said Yes to the idea, how Paystack raised money and eventually got acquired; his biggest life lessons and favourite failures and even talked about his personal style.
Watch, share and comment.
Check out Paystack - paystack.com/
Connect with Ezra on Twitter - / 0x
Book a 1:1 Session with me - paystack.com/pay/60wpi
Subscribe to my mailing list - eepurl.com/gpVwwH
0:23 - How would you describe Ezra?
1:16 - How was growing up for you? What experiences shaped you?
3:53 - From childhood till now, what has changed about your views on Religion?
4:50 - What was it about the Paystack idea that gave him the confidence to build it, and with Shola?
9:54 - The ways in which Ezra and Shola compliment each other.
11:48 - How do you manage all the people and teams in Paystack?
13:02 - Biggest lesson and favourite failure as a CTO?
15:15 - What mistakes did you make?
17:37 - How hard was it raising money in 2016 vs now?
22:19 - If you were going to do it all over again, what is one thing you will do differently?
23:28 - What friendships have had the most impact on you?
24:39 - How would you describe your style?
25:47 - Have you had any struggles with how people perceive you, your style?
27:50 - Do you have a lot male friends?
28:32 - Were you always androgynous?
28:56 - Do you think your style would evolve?
30:04 - Fun questions, bucket list, social media, cereal, favourite city, etc.
32:14 - What should I look for in a technical cofounder if I want to start a company?

Пікірлер: 314

  • @successimamun5129
    @successimamun51292 жыл бұрын

    For every founders connect interview I watch, I keep seeing a pattern. These founders were positioned for success long before success was a journey.

  • @allenovie2436

    @allenovie2436

    Жыл бұрын

    100% true. “Outliers” by Malcom Gladwell, explains this perfectly

  • @seankinyua9562

    @seankinyua9562

    Ай бұрын

    how?

  • @Spcokker
    @Spcokker6 ай бұрын

    2 years after, still the best interview I’ve watched.

  • @kennethokoli5779
    @kennethokoli57793 жыл бұрын

    This is a beautiful interview! Every young Nigerian should watch this and get inspired!

  • @PeaceItimiofficial

    @PeaceItimiofficial

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thank you Kenneth.

  • @leegyamfi8211

    @leegyamfi8211

    3 жыл бұрын

    This answers some questions I asked on Twitter with interest to learn from you. I hope to learn more

  • @TomiiwoAbosede
    @TomiiwoAbosede3 жыл бұрын

    I, due to my work, have had to relate with some key accounts officers from Paystack. They still are the most passionate (about their company) professionals I’ve met. They think differently, not in a weird way but in an interesting way about their company. It is admirable. Shoutout to Seike and Folu.

  • @uwaifoidehenre7976
    @uwaifoidehenre79763 жыл бұрын

    This is a video every young Nigerian should watch .

  • @nation2earth
    @nation2earth3 жыл бұрын

    I don't know, it's so amazing to see an androgynous, Black, African, successful man. Its really inspirational, I wish he did more intimate talks. I'm so happy to see someone who I can relate to on many levels. Thank you for this. Lebo, from South Africa 🕯️

  • @TerriTerriHotSauce

    @TerriTerriHotSauce

    Ай бұрын

    His success has nothing to do with him being gay/homosexual, black or African. It's about the work he put in.

  • @Alex-dt3nx
    @Alex-dt3nx3 жыл бұрын

    Awesome...dude got more money than 30BG CEO 😆. Soft money and no noise ✌🏿

  • @tonymaku6648

    @tonymaku6648

    3 жыл бұрын

    U nko?

  • @coolmagtv6299

    @coolmagtv6299

    3 жыл бұрын

    What does this have to do with anything?

  • @abdulrafiuabdulazeez9924
    @abdulrafiuabdulazeez99243 жыл бұрын

    This is easily one of the best interviews I've ever watched. It had the right mix of fun and seriousness. Ezra really is a very interesting person and Peace did a great job as well. Kudos to you both.

  • @PeaceItimiofficial

    @PeaceItimiofficial

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for watching.

  • @ogeeziashi
    @ogeeziashi9 ай бұрын

    Na unbelievably liquid carry me come here o😂😂😂😂

  • @femioki3861

    @femioki3861

    9 ай бұрын

    Real 😂😂

  • @oyeyinkaoluwatobi7866

    @oyeyinkaoluwatobi7866

    9 күн бұрын

    😂😂😂

  • @chimsgraphic
    @chimsgraphic3 жыл бұрын

    Am a tech guy & I can say am hugely reserved in the real world, I love my own company. That's how most programmers are... Our world is in our head..

  • @MooreDH

    @MooreDH

    3 жыл бұрын

    Lol I’m a tech guy and I’m extremely extroverted 😂. I don’t think introversion and ability to solve problems on computers are interdependent

  • @chimsgraphic

    @chimsgraphic

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@MooreDH You right. Personality has nothing to do with solving problems...

  • @mizta_pita

    @mizta_pita

    3 жыл бұрын

    You are a sigma Male

  • @calebadeleye

    @calebadeleye

    Ай бұрын

    Most software guys are like that..just a few exceptions

  • @TerriTerriHotSauce

    @TerriTerriHotSauce

    Ай бұрын

    @@MooreDH When do you get time to think enough to build things from scratch? Or are you just an employee who never has "time" to build things on his own?

  • @seanjohn6956
    @seanjohn6956 Жыл бұрын

    this guy is actually special. I hope he knows this

  • @brownbeauutiie
    @brownbeauutiie3 жыл бұрын

    You can tell that he's kind. I don't know why he laughed about that. It's so obvious 😂

  • @gbengaodugbemi
    @gbengaodugbemi3 жыл бұрын

    Damn, home girl need to get microphones or up the volume a little.

  • @johnpaul5459

    @johnpaul5459

    3 жыл бұрын

    I agree. Was listening to this in my car, turned the volume to 100, still struggling to hear.

  • @iszybeethefirst
    @iszybeethefirst2 жыл бұрын

    Crazzyyyy thing that I just FINALLYYYY carved out the time to watch this interview and I wished it was an hour long line this others 😩😩😩 Ezra is weirdly a mood 😂😂😂, especially at the end when he was asked any final words for his audience and he was like "Bye bye" 😂😂😂😂. It was really an insightful interview. Enjoyed every bit of it 🔥🔥🔥

  • @manudev2155
    @manudev21553 жыл бұрын

    great, can't wait for the next interview

  • @that.unknown
    @that.unknown3 жыл бұрын

    The "made our best engineers our worst managers" is a project management professional(PMP) concept called the "Halo effect".

  • @IdowuObadeyi
    @IdowuObadeyi3 жыл бұрын

    Fantastic interview. It felt nostalgic and refreshing at the same time hearing from a guy you last heard from when you were boys in secondary guy. Great insights from Ezra for anyone just delving into entrepreneurship & the tech start-up world

  • @techteam3111

    @techteam3111

    Ай бұрын

    This "delving" you use, wan cause wahala, 3 years later 😂😂😂

  • @AndrewOkiemuteAndyO
    @AndrewOkiemuteAndyO3 жыл бұрын

    I really love paystack, they are revolutionary. One day I will join the team

  • @LearnFilmEditing
    @LearnFilmEditing3 жыл бұрын

    Very insightful interview. Alot to take in. More of this kind itimi. Cheers!

  • @adedamola8761
    @adedamola87613 жыл бұрын

    This was really exciting to watch...

  • @harchychy
    @harchychy3 жыл бұрын

    This was first of the series I watched and I loved/enjoyed it!!! Thank you, Peace, for this.

  • @edemaehiz
    @edemaehiz3 жыл бұрын

    Ezra!!!!! 🔥🔥🔥🔥

  • @abdulmuizzkelani3760
    @abdulmuizzkelani37603 жыл бұрын

    I really enjoyed this 😊

  • @Lidukush
    @Lidukush3 жыл бұрын

    Omg Ezra is adorable 🥺

  • @adenirantimilehin7206
    @adenirantimilehin72063 жыл бұрын

    I loved watching this.

  • @folorunshoabiodun1376
    @folorunshoabiodun13763 жыл бұрын

    How am I just finding out about this channel. This is really an awesome and inspiring video. Thanks for this

  • @abijosegun7246
    @abijosegun72463 жыл бұрын

    Really proud of Ezra Olubi and Shola Akinlade🙌🏾

  • @ajalasolomon2357
    @ajalasolomon23573 жыл бұрын

    I dont want this to end, so much insight. Thank you Peace!

  • @PeaceItimiofficial

    @PeaceItimiofficial

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for watching.

  • @kanmi_daniels
    @kanmi_daniels Жыл бұрын

    Was at Marriott Ikeja for one of their outing... Thier work culture inspired me a lot!⚡

  • @jobiej7416
    @jobiej74163 жыл бұрын

    Inspiring and educational

  • @midwest042003
    @midwest0420033 жыл бұрын

    Awesome. Inspiring. Thank you.

  • @thebaldblackdoctor
    @thebaldblackdoctor3 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for this.

  • @ariyooluwadamilola5095
    @ariyooluwadamilola50953 жыл бұрын

    Very insightful...

  • @abolajioluwatobiomitogun2164
    @abolajioluwatobiomitogun21643 жыл бұрын

    Great conversation!

  • @onyekachiezekwe7449
    @onyekachiezekwe74499 ай бұрын

    Watching this after 2yrs, all I can say is wow! Nice interview ❤️

  • @koshaconsultant
    @koshaconsultant3 жыл бұрын

    Your spiritual perspective and journey echoes mine. Love how you articulated that. xx

  • @bosun99uk
    @bosun99uk3 жыл бұрын

    Can’t believe it took me this long to find Peace, & it’s great to know more about Ezra

  • @GamerXperienceHD
    @GamerXperienceHD3 жыл бұрын

    Great inspiration for those of us starting out to create our own.

  • @fanreviewnaija8894
    @fanreviewnaija88943 жыл бұрын

    Enjoying this!!

  • @akinolajohn9096
    @akinolajohn90963 жыл бұрын

    Nice, the fashion part got me though, I was still wondering what it was. I am also working with a few friends on a product and I've definitely picked stuff.

  • @briangach4365
    @briangach43653 жыл бұрын

    Your hair looks amazing queen

  • @PeaceItimiofficial

    @PeaceItimiofficial

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thank you

  • @leeoiou7295
    @leeoiou72953 жыл бұрын

    Ezra the great!!!!!

  • @VibingTech
    @VibingTech3 жыл бұрын

    This is great, it's beautiful to see young Africans doing great in the tech sector.

  • @shakiruramoni1652
    @shakiruramoni16523 жыл бұрын

    Great interview, many thanks more of this would be highly appreciated. And this got me thinking about the kind of treatment our Police/SARS men will give to this great mind because of their awkward thinking that every successful young man is a Yahoo boy...

  • @PeaceItimiofficial

    @PeaceItimiofficial

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for watching Shakiru

  • @nkanugodswill6301
    @nkanugodswill63012 жыл бұрын

    Such an insightful interview Peace. I'm really inspired

  • @oluwatobipeter2206
    @oluwatobipeter22063 жыл бұрын

    God😵! Going forward i have to carefully select channel that i subscribe too. I am so motivated right now, just by this short interactions, Thank you Ezra, Thank you Peace

  • @dapobelieve
    @dapobelieve Жыл бұрын

    This is was so inspiring and fun, he really is a simple guy

  • @idowuayodeji2587
    @idowuayodeji25873 жыл бұрын

    Awesome Interview

  • @bobbyutulu
    @bobbyutulu3 жыл бұрын

    Oh wow, a relatable interview. Finally! ♥️

  • @osazeyyh
    @osazeyyh2 жыл бұрын

    Thank God I found this. Haven't really heard Ezra speak before. So yayyy

  • @PeaceItimiofficial

    @PeaceItimiofficial

    2 жыл бұрын

    Yayyyy! Thank you for watching 💥

  • @itunuakinware7265
    @itunuakinware72658 ай бұрын

    Very well done with this initiative!

  • @frame.56
    @frame.563 жыл бұрын

    Why am I just watching this video 😟 This is awesome🔥 My new role model

  • @timialonge
    @timialonge3 жыл бұрын

    This is a very interesting & intelligent discussion! And Ezra’s look is very funny 😂 Good job Peace

  • @michaeliyoha3829
    @michaeliyoha38293 жыл бұрын

    Ezra is just pleasant to watch and listen to!

  • @christiangeorge8551
    @christiangeorge85513 жыл бұрын

    This is a very intelligent discussion

  • @withmodo
    @withmodo2 жыл бұрын

    What's I love about Paystack is their way of telling stories to promote their brands. Hoping to implement that on the startup I'm working on.

  • @naijaexpert6763

    @naijaexpert6763

    2 жыл бұрын

    ITS STORY THAT DRIVES FEELINGS ... AND PEOPLE ARE MOVED BY HOW THEY FEEL ABOUT THE REASON WHY THE PRODUCT WAS CREATED, i'm getting into UI/UX BECause of this, just to create solutions and generate ideas that make an impact

  • @bolaji_
    @bolaji_3 жыл бұрын

    He's a Gentle dude, thanks Peace we need of this 👍👍👍

  • @obiohagwu788
    @obiohagwu7883 жыл бұрын

    I love this. very enlightening!

  • @PeaceItimiofficial

    @PeaceItimiofficial

    3 жыл бұрын

    Awww. Glad you do. Thank you for watching.

  • @adeagaisaac4541
    @adeagaisaac4541 Жыл бұрын

    This is really interesting and educating at the same time... I should spend more time on this channel hence

  • @sosolyricsworld
    @sosolyricsworld3 жыл бұрын

    I'm finding Ezra really interesting, especially that we share a lot of values. Glad to know it's not a lonely ride. Great interview, I love the passion.

  • @ainaifeoluwa951
    @ainaifeoluwa9513 жыл бұрын

    lol..crazy but honest and true to himself. I like that!

  • @aeadedoyin
    @aeadedoyin2 жыл бұрын

    Really wanted to hear what Ezra sounded like... and mahnn he's so calm. Qualities of top engineers, though, "dem no dey do Lau Lau" see Musk too.! Anyways! Thanks Peace for an opportunity to listen to this genius of a human! So, so many unpacked insights❤ I've a one on one with him tomorrow, hope it goes well!🤓

  • @emmanueleze8782
    @emmanueleze87823 жыл бұрын

    Nice interview... Loved every part of this interview... But is that painting on his fingers 🤔

  • @AliyuMansuur
    @AliyuMansuur2 жыл бұрын

    i like the way he talks

  • @Lidukush
    @Lidukush3 жыл бұрын

    Looooove this interview!

  • @PeaceItimiofficial

    @PeaceItimiofficial

    3 жыл бұрын

    Glad you do. Thank you for watching.

  • @veraleee1791
    @veraleee17913 жыл бұрын

    This was great to watch. Nice!!!

  • @PeaceItimiofficial

    @PeaceItimiofficial

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thank you

  • @bolajijamesadelakun1308
    @bolajijamesadelakun13082 жыл бұрын

    Insightful conversation, I kept this in my download for a while, waiting for the right moment to listen, and take notes. I finally did, this is kinda like a gift for me. It was uploaded a year ago. wow, but doesn't feel like such. Thanks, Peace Itimi for the quality of work put into your interviews.

  • @turtlecrew
    @turtlecrew3 жыл бұрын

    Fantastic interview. As someone looking to get into the Nigerian tech space and as a human.... fab. 11 people obviously have issues.

  • @ganiyridwan6464
    @ganiyridwan64643 жыл бұрын

    Loved thissss!!!!!!

  • @PeaceItimiofficial

    @PeaceItimiofficial

    3 жыл бұрын

    Glad you did. Thank you for watching.

  • @ayoopopoola439
    @ayoopopoola4393 жыл бұрын

    Love the channel and the fact that you're Nigerian ❤️... Pls it was hard to hear at a point.

  • @vicsystems
    @vicsystems3 жыл бұрын

    I enjoyed the video👍

  • @koolamusic_
    @koolamusic_3 жыл бұрын

    Loved this!!! Really interesting interview

  • @PeaceItimiofficial

    @PeaceItimiofficial

    3 жыл бұрын

    Glad you do! Thank you for watching

  • @JayStiqs
    @JayStiqs3 жыл бұрын

    I just found you! You are awesome!!! Keep doing this!!!! Love it. Edit: Audio is a lil low though.

  • @ceciliaorji8894

    @ceciliaorji8894

    3 жыл бұрын

    true The audio is low,had to strain my ears

  • @avegurhomes_places
    @avegurhomes_places3 жыл бұрын

    Inspiring

  • @nkenchorosemeke5458
    @nkenchorosemeke5458 Жыл бұрын

    Funny guy! Lol. I remember his cats back in the days in Abuja 🤣

  • @johnayanyemi
    @johnayanyemi3 жыл бұрын

    Commenting again cause I just got to the end part and I most say this interview is everything 🙌

  • @PeaceItimiofficial

    @PeaceItimiofficial

    3 жыл бұрын

    Awww. Thank you for watching

  • @viqueturTV
    @viqueturTV3 жыл бұрын

    I really enjoyed this. Thanks Peace

  • @PeaceItimiofficial

    @PeaceItimiofficial

    3 жыл бұрын

    Glad you enjoyed it. Thank you

  • @bwizacharlotte2511
    @bwizacharlotte25112 жыл бұрын

    This is so nice. thanks!

  • @PeaceItimiofficial

    @PeaceItimiofficial

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for watching

  • @gbengaodugbemi
    @gbengaodugbemi3 жыл бұрын

    31:00 homeboy loves SF because it reflects his core - Tech and sexual/gender minority reception. I love SF too, it’s just a too damn expensive city, arguably the most expensive city in America.

  • @calebekeh7072
    @calebekeh70729 ай бұрын

    very interesting interview, what i like most about him is his desire for success that made put in many years of hard work, programming is serious business, for this, i understand what he mean about his father questioning his use of computer, as a java developer myself, programmers need support, concentration and ability to find solution for problems, i so bad, when family members, friends, novice look at you some how, as if use of computer is a bad habit. The truth is that, aside doctors, next most people, bring solution to humanities are programmers

  • @gloriaUgwuokeTv
    @gloriaUgwuokeTv3 жыл бұрын

    So lovely

  • @mubricks
    @mubricks3 жыл бұрын

    Nice video. It'll be nicer if the audio was louder 👍

  • @haleenation7423
    @haleenation74233 жыл бұрын

    Great to hear Ezra speak too.....and I can see the joy in your expression Peace, it for real.

  • @PeaceItimiofficial

    @PeaceItimiofficial

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thank you

  • @oluwafemiodu9573
    @oluwafemiodu95733 жыл бұрын

    I really enjoyed and learnt a lot from this. Thank you!

  • @PeaceItimiofficial

    @PeaceItimiofficial

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for watching.

  • @ekrystale
    @ekrystale3 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for all you do Peace.

  • @PeaceItimiofficial

    @PeaceItimiofficial

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thank you.

  • @brownbeauutiie
    @brownbeauutiie3 жыл бұрын

    This is the most honest interview on the internet.. and it has such low views.. Humans are dumb.

  • @ifexosuigwe
    @ifexosuigwe3 жыл бұрын

    Great work peace, keep it up & thanks for sharing

  • @PeaceItimiofficial

    @PeaceItimiofficial

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thank you

  • @henryweb3dev
    @henryweb3dev3 жыл бұрын

    Wow I really loved this, so inspiring..

  • @PeaceItimiofficial

    @PeaceItimiofficial

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thank you

  • @cramptwin
    @cramptwin2 жыл бұрын

    nice staff, watching from Kenya... I'm a subscriber now

  • @PeaceItimiofficial

    @PeaceItimiofficial

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thank you! 🥳🥳

  • @johnayanyemi
    @johnayanyemi3 жыл бұрын

    'Not turn engineers into engineering managers' lol. Really insightful interview.

  • @PeaceItimiofficial

    @PeaceItimiofficial

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for watching.

  • @victoriaoagboghidi2921
    @victoriaoagboghidi29213 жыл бұрын

    Thank you so much Peace! I had fun watching this and learnt a whole lot. The power of story telling, keep up the good work Peace.

  • @PeaceItimiofficial

    @PeaceItimiofficial

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for watching.

  • @consortiumexpert
    @consortiumexpert3 жыл бұрын

    Great stuff. But please, check the volume of your video. It is somehow poor. Thank you.

  • @alob_mtc
    @alob_mtc3 жыл бұрын

    I love this session 😻😻😻

  • @PeaceItimiofficial

    @PeaceItimiofficial

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for watching.

  • @tomiwa1a
    @tomiwa1a3 жыл бұрын

    Great interview Peace, I just sent to my sister as well, so much to learn. I checked out your website as well. Your book looks super interesting.

  • @PeaceItimiofficial

    @PeaceItimiofficial

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for watching. 👏👏

  • @ogeenext
    @ogeenext3 жыл бұрын

    Great 👌

  • @jumoby
    @jumoby3 жыл бұрын

    Interesting and Intelligent Interview. Worth The Time. Thanks for the insight shared.

  • @PeaceItimiofficial

    @PeaceItimiofficial

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for watching.

  • @inujohn2124
    @inujohn21243 жыл бұрын

    I love this interview 🥺

  • @PeaceItimiofficial

    @PeaceItimiofficial

    3 жыл бұрын

    Glad you do. Thank you for watching.

  • @chimaobiakuche7665
    @chimaobiakuche76653 жыл бұрын

    This is beautiful but the Audio is kind of low. I am literally finding hard to hear anything.

  • @miracleewim
    @miracleewim3 жыл бұрын

    This was a great interview. Well done, Peace.

  • @PeaceItimiofficial

    @PeaceItimiofficial

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for watching🎉

  • @Gmkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk
    @Gmkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk2 жыл бұрын

    Enjoyed every bit of the interview

  • @PeaceItimiofficial

    @PeaceItimiofficial

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks so much for watching

Келесі