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Tolu Alabi
Co-founder & CEO at Cleva (YC W24) | ex-Stripe, Amazon, Goldman | Stanford MBA
Professional Background
Tolu Alabi is an innovative entrepreneur and technology enthusiast dedicated to transforming the financial landscape for non-US residents through her latest venture, Cleva. Cleva is a pioneering banking platform that simplifies the process of receiving payments in USD and managing finances, catering specifically to a demographic often overlooked by traditional banking solutions. Her deep passion for leveraging technology to enhance user experiences drives her to create solutions that not only meet practical needs but also empower underserved communities.
Tolu's impressive career trajectory includes significant contributions to leading tech giants such as Stripe and Amazon, where she excelled as a Product Manager. At Stripe, she played a crucial role in product development, contributing to the company’s mission of increasing the GDP of the internet through seamless payment solutions. Her time at Amazon saw her as a Senior Technical Product Manager in both the Augmented Reality and Logistics divisions, where she utilized her technical expertise to drive innovation and efficiency.
Education and Achievements
Tolu's commitment to her personal and professional development is evident in her impressive academic background. She holds a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) from Stanford University Graduate School of Business, a prestigious program known for cultivating leaders in business and technology. During her time at Stanford, she honed her strategic thinking and leadership skills, preparing her for the dynamic environment of the tech industry.
Prior to her advanced studies at Stanford, Tolu earned a Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science and Mathematics from Grinnell College. Her strong foundation in these disciplines paved the way for her work at Goldman Sachs, where she developed sophisticated trading execution algorithms for the Foreign Exchange desk. This experience was pivotal in shaping her analytical skills and understanding of financial technologies.
Organizations
Throughout her career, Tolu has demonstrated a remarkable ability to lead and innovate. She co-founded Cleva and has been instrumental in its development, successfully participating in Y Combinator's W24 batch, which emphasizes her entrepreneurial spirit and the promising nature of her business venture. Before Cleva, she was the Founder and CEO of Next in Line (NIL) Africa, a platform aimed at empowering African youth through technology.
In addition to her leadership roles, Tolu’s early career included various impactful positions. She contributed as an Entrepreneur In Residence at IT Inkubator GmbH, which allowed her to mentor emerging entrepreneurs while refining her business acumen. Tolu’s time at WhatsApp Inc. as a Growth MBA Intern further expanded her experience in tech-focused environments, where she focused on strategies to enhance user engagement and retention.
As a former FX Algorithmic Quant at Goldman Sachs, Tolu played a critical role in optimizing trading strategies and improving execution efficiency. Her experiences as a Technology Summer Analyst and in academic roles as a Research Assistant, Teaching Assistant, and Math Lab Tutor at Grinnell College showcase her versatility and commitment to continuous learning, both professionally and in an academic setting.
Achievements
Tolu Alabi's career is marked by numerous achievements and contributions in the fields of technology and entrepreneurship. Her successful navigation of complex roles at major corporations demonstrates her adaptability and expertise in technology product management. Tolu’s work on Cleva holds the potential to significantly impact the financial experiences of non-US residents, making it a vital addition to the fintech ecosystem.
Moreover, her academic achievements, including her dual undergraduate degree in Computer Science and Mathematics, reflect her strong analytical capabilities and problem-solving skills. Her participation in Y Combinator exemplifies her innovative mindset and her ability to attract attention and support for her entrepreneurial endeavors.
Overall, Tolu Alabi continues to be a prominent figure in the tech industry, showcasing her ability to bridge the gap between technology and finance. Her journey is not only an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs and innovators but also a testament to the positive impact that technology can have on diverse global communities.
