I’m usually fascinated by people taking unconventional leaps, and even though this is a bit common at Moniepoint, it is nonetheless interesting. Interesting enough that I believe it deserves a blog post of its own. 

One of such stories is that of our VP of Mergers & Acquisitions. Peter Oriaifo used to be an investor in Moniepoint - yes, you read that right. A pretty early investor who believed in our vision. Today, many years later, Peter is driving our growth and expansion from within. 

Naturally, I sat down with him to understand why he moved. Peter’s career has always been at the intersection of finance and technology in unexpected but profoundly impactful ways, and in the next few minutes, you’ll find out how.

Hi Peter, let’s take it back to the beginning. How did your career start off?

Hi Chidinma. Younger me was fascinated with technology; you would usually find me dismantling computers for fun. This led me towards being a computer science major.

However, an internship in finance unexpectedly veered my path towards the financial sector. This decision was not a departure from my tech roots but an expansion, blending my understanding of coding with the financial world.

Post-graduation, I ventured into the financial services sector, influenced by an uncle who was in the Nigerian banking sector. My time at a boutique investment bank was instrumental in refining my expertise in growth strategies, acquisitions, and mergers, particularly within the community banking sphere. Here, I was a part of historic transactions, including handling the acquisition of JIKO by a fintech company, marking the first fintech acquisition of a bank in U.S. history—a testament to being at the right place at the right time. Witnessing another acquisition - Radius Bank's by Lending Club, helped seal my excitement for this path. 

I tried out becoming a product manager but ultimately started off as a consultant, when I couldn’t land a role. I specialised in evaluation and growth strategies for high-growth tech and life science companies. During this period, a lot of fintech companies came to my plate. One of them was Toast, which gave a foundational prep to what working in Moniepoint would be like as they share some similarities. 

Sounds like equal parts fun and intense hard work. Let’s talk about investing in Moniepoint. How did that happen?

It certainly was a lot of work; but I had to learn, so I was happy to do the work. I knew I wanted to do more in the African tech space, and it was a delight to join the  Oui Capital team to do this. Our early investment in Moniepoint was not just a financial decision but a belief in the company's vision to redefine banking for the Nigerian consumer. My role transcended mere investment; it was about nurturing and supporting an ecosystem where every startup's success story is a collective victory.

Aha. That’s brief but packed. So why did you choose to do the work from within?

Joining Moniepoint as VP of Mergers and Acquisitions speaks to my belief in the company and commitment to driving sustainable growth within the African tech ecosystem, particularly at a juncture marked by ‘funding winters’ and economic volatility. Today, as I witness Moniepoint's influence from local markets to family gatherings, my conviction in the path we're carving for financial inclusivity and empowerment in Africa only strengthens.

Moniepoint, with its extensive resources and strategic position within the market, emerged as the perfect platform for me to execute this vision. The company stands at the forefront of the ecosystem's consolidation, offering a beacon of hope and a pathway for businesses facing adversity. My role in M&A is pivotal in this context, enabling Moniepoint to bolster its own growth while assisting other companies in gracefully concluding their stories or embarking on new chapters.

…but why Moniepoint specifically?

Moniepoint ticks the box for me in a lot of ways. Some of the reasons why I decided to join Moniepoint include: 

• Impact on small businesses: The work at Moniepoint significantly supports small businesses, and I find this important and fulfilling. The impact is a driving force for me, emphasising the company’s role in fostering economic growth and empowerment at the grassroots level. One instance that stands out for me is Moniepoint’s critical role during the cash crunch period, where it served as a lifeline for many businesses in Nigeria. The ability to make a tangible difference during challenging times reinforces my belief in the company’s mission and its importance to the community. 

• Company's Trajectory: Moniepoint's rapid growth and the dynamic nature of its business also excite me a lot. I see working at Moniepoint as an opportunity to accelerate a career within a fast-paced, ever-evolving environment that continues to grow in importance and impact. The quality of talent at Moniepoint, across all levels, stands out to me. I’m inspired by the people I work with, including specific colleagues like Habib, a data engineer whose skill and work ethic is outstanding.

• Company culture and environment: The phenomenal work culture at Moniepoint makes it a vibrant and enjoyable workplace. The remote work dynamic at Moniepoint is particularly attractive, especially in the post-pandemic world where the concept of work has evolved. I appreciate that the organisation doesn’t confine productivity to a traditional office environment. It allows for a more balanced and enjoyable approach to work. 

Enough of the serious side of you for a minute. What’s life like outside of work?

Outside the walls of mergers and acquisitions, I’m an avid collector of African art in general. I have a deep appreciation for culture and heritage. You will find me collecting, going to, and visiting African art exhibitions. 

I also have a love for music and travelling, as I have a curious mind and am open to new experiences. I would love to visit Marrakech as my next destination as I’ve heard a lot about the country and its tourist scene.

Marrakech is certainly a vibe. Thank you for speaking with me, Peter. It’s been a pleasure. 

If you made it this far. Thank you for reading. With every new challenge and opportunity, we're not just changing the game at Moniepoint; we're redefining it. But here's the thing— we’re always looking for more stories like this. Moniepoint is on the lookout for curious minds, passionate hearts, and daring spirits who believe in making a real difference.

If that sounds like you, join us at Moniepoint. Let's innovate, impact, and inspire together. Your next big adventure awaits!