This Nigerian diaspora founder is using AI to predict healthcare risks in the US
Tech • 1h ago
**Bridging Continents: The Tale of Tolu Fagbola's Tech Empire**
In the Nigerian tech landscape, we often hear stories of entrepreneurs who have overcome incredible odds to achieve success. Tolu Fagbola is one such individual, and his journey is a testament to the power of innovation and perseverance. With a career spanning over two decades, Fagbola has left an indelible mark on the tech industry, from pioneering early learning management systems in Nigeria to building a self-funded tech empire that spans continents.
As a Nigerian-born, UK-based entrepreneur, Fagbola's story is a classic example of how one's roots can shape their destiny. Growing up in London with a strong connection to Nigeria, he had the unique advantage of understanding both worlds. He drew from this experience to build a career that would eventually take him to the US, where he would tackle one of the country's most pressing healthcare challenges.
Fagbola's journey began in the UK telecommunications sector, where he worked in training and development. It was during this time that he became fascinated by how technology impacts learning. He experimented with Learning Management Systems (LMS) long before digital learning became mainstream, and his curiosity led him to explore this space further.
In 2008, Fagbola partnered with a friend who was building an LMS, and together they attempted to deploy it to Nigerian banks. Although the initial attempt failed due to bandwidth limitations, the setback only fueled their determination. Fagbola's brother, an IT expert, was brought in to help rebuild the solution, and with the help of local developers, they successfully deployed it in Nigeria.
The company, LearnFlo, was born, and it went on to deliver learning solutions to numerous clients. What's remarkable about Fagbola's approach is that he and his team were willing to pivot and adapt to changing circumstances. They even used a friend with a polished American accent to create voiceovers for their content, a model that is still widely used in the industry today.
Fast-forward to the present, and Fagbola is again taking on a new challenge. Alongside his brother, a US-based tactical medic and veteran healthcare founder, he is tackling one of the US healthcare system's most expensive problems: preventing emergencies among underserved populations. With Vimedra, a company that uses voice AI and predictive algorithms to solve social needs, Fagbola is leveraging his expertise to make a