YC-Backed Fintech Startup Payhippo Has Appointed Dami Olawoye as its New CEO

Payhippo is a leading fintech company in Nigeria that helps small and medium-sized enterprises to grow by providing their business access to quick and seamless loans.

Payhippo is a YC-backed startup that has over 3,000 active SMEs on its SME platform and has disbursed about N30 Billion to businesses of different scales since its inception in 2019.

Dami Olawoye who was formerly the startup’s finance chief has been deemed fit for CEO duties, now that the outgoing CEO and co-founder, Zach Bijesse will be joining the startup’s board of directors.

Olawoye who during his tenure as finance chief contributed to Payhippo’s expanded product offerings. He also spearheaded fundraising initiatives and launched a partnership platform.

After his appointment, the new CEO expressed that he is deeply honoured to have been made the CEO of Payhippo.

He said: “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 to scale up and create jobs,”

Dami’s predecessor, Zach Bijesse, who now joins the company’s board of directors said: “As I transition from CEO to board member, I’m especially grateful to Chioma, Uche, and Dami for their contributions to Payhippo’s success. They are the ones who helped build this company from scratch, and I’m excited to continue watching it grow up,”

Last year, the YC-backed fintech startup acquired Maritime Microfinance Bank to enable its users to accept deposits from its customers and integrate with NIBSS. This is a step towards seeing their vision of helping SMEs to enlarge and expand come to pass.

Dave Uduanu, CEO of Access Pensions, who is an angel investor at Payhippo in light of the company’s change in leadership said: “Payhippo is poised to capitalize on the growing demand for asset financing in Nigeria. I do not doubt that Dami, Chioma, and Uche will continue to build a successful business together. I have known Dami for many years and have been impressed by his vision, leadership, and execution skills,”