Gamsole founder, and Techpoint Africa’s first angel investor, Abiola Olaniran dies at 36...
It's with a heavy heart that we acknowledge the passing of Abiola Olaniran, a true pioneer in the African tech and gaming scene.
He passed away on Wednesday, July 16th, at the age of 36, and was laid to rest the same day in a private ceremony.
A Legacy of Innovation and Quiet Leadership
Abiola Olaniran, the visionary founder of Gamsole, transformed a university coding passion into one of Africa's most recognized mobile-gaming brands. Despite his preference for privacy, his contributions to the continent's burgeoning tech landscape were significant and far-reaching.
Key Milestones in His Journey:
1. 2010: Led his Obafemi Awolowo University team to victory in the Microsoft Imagine Cup.
2. 2012: Incorporated Gamsole in Lagos, venturing into game development when the African gaming scene was virtually uncharted. He strategically launched on the Windows Phone store, gaining traction beyond Nigeria.
3. Early 2015: Gamsole achieved 10 million downloads across Windows Phone, Android, and feature-phone stores, a monumental achievement that highlighted African game development on a global scale.
4. 2015: Launched Gamsole's flagship endless runner, Gidi Run, in partnership with MTN, introducing innovative game monetization strategies in Africa.
5. February 2015: Recognized by Forbes Africa on its prestigious "30 Under 30" list.
6. 2016: Named by Forbes Africa as one of the "30 Most Promising Young African Entrepreneurs."
These accolades solidified his position as a continental leader in African gaming, inspiring investors and founders to see the potential of the industry.
Olaniran demonstrated what could be achieved with limited resources and persistent effort. Beyond his technical skills, he is remembered by his peers for his quiet generosity.
Abiola Olaniran's legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations of African tech entrepreneurs and game developers.