Ade Abayomi Olufeko (born in 1980), is an American-born designer, technologist, and entrepreneur primarily active in Lagos. He is best known for his contributions to international humanities, with his influence reaching across the United States, Africa, Asia, and Europe through direct interactions, leveraged by Consortiums, advocacy groups, and artistic collectives. He is the founder of Visual Collaborative, an American platform collaborating with diverse experts on socio-economic issues.
In 2003, he earned the IBM Gerstner Award for exceptional service during a malware epidemic. His significant contributions in technology, the creative sector, and keynote speeches at prestigious institutions like University Of Oxford, Yale University, and Harvard Business School have gained widespread recognition.
As the pioneering chairperson of the Creative and Entertainment Group at LCCI, Olufeko wielded influence, driving a notable change by advocating for the protection of intellectual property owned by creative professionals.
Early life and education
Ade Olufeko was born in Minneapolis, a city in the Upper Midwest. He hails from royal Ijebu linage, both his parents were active entrepreneurs. He spent his childhood in Lagos, Nigeria, specifically in Surulere, a mainland city, during the country's Second Republic. He received his primary education at Unilag Staff School and later attended St. Gregory's College in Obalende for his secondary education.
In the mid-1990s, he returned to Minneapolis for further studies at Henry High. During his time there as a student, he served as a guest speaker to his IB classmates in English literature, providing insights on themes of culture shock. For a period, he also resided in the historic Stevens Square. He is an alumnus of Metropolitan State University, where he pursued studies in computer science and multimedia.
Career
Work as technologist, IBM and Visual Collaborative
Olufeko's technology career began during the dot-com era, where he delved into motion graphics, internet technologies, and hardware while employed at companies like Ameritech, a 3M spinoff Imation, and IBM. His focus developed into digital strategy and information architecture, providing consulting services to diverse industries, including media, technology, health, and finance. Later, he relocated to New York City, joining the media conglomerate Warner Music Group. Notably, he served as a Front-End engineer for PayPal, Bank of America, and various American celebrities of different music genres online.
In 2007, Olufeko established Visual Collaborative, a platform deeply grounded in socioeconomics, uniting his passions for media, creativity, and technology. Since its inception, he has teamed up with more than 150 artists from different cities showcasing their diverse talents. In 2015, he returned to oversee and curate the platform, shining a spotlight on a wide range of artists and multidisciplinary creatives. Then, in 2016, he took a brief break from his role at Visual Collaborative to share his expertise as a management consultant with IBM's Interactive Experience service line, contributing to innovation in the tech industry.
Impact, Keynote lectures and panels
Olufeko's lectures explore the intricate interplay of technology with contemporary concerns like governance, ethics, innovation, and culture. In 2019, he took center stage as the opening keynote speaker at Yale University's African Peace and Development conference, also participating as a panelist discussing Innovation and Development in Africa. Shortly after, he moderated a panel at Columbia University focusing on the business aspects of art and literature. Georgetown University invited him in 2018, where he delivered impactful talks and engaged in a fireside chat exploring the relationship between the African value chain and cognitive design.
From 2011 to 2017, Olufeko shared his insights at renowned institutions like Oxford University, Harvard Business School, Carnegie Mellon and Lagos Business School.Business Day commended his presentations for their emphasis on innovation, multidisciplinary design, and collaborations. In 2016, Covenant University invited him to discuss technology and governance in Nigeria alongside other thought leaders.
Insights, Advocacy, and Sungbo’s Eredo
In 2017, Olufeko's astute observations of the Nigerian technology landscape earned him recognition from Incubate Africa. During the same year, he demystified unaddressed complexities in African social interactions during an interview on Victoria Island's Smooth 98.1 FM radio station.