Flutterwave, a leading payments technology company in Africa, made history on February 24th as its CEO, Olugbenga GB Agboola, rang the closing bell at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). This marks a major milestone for the Nigerian fintech company, which recently closed a Series D funding round, raising $200 million and achieving a valuation of $3.8 billion.
Agboola, who founded Flutterwave in 2016, rang the bell alongside the company’s management team and investors, symbolizing the company’s successful fundraising efforts and growth trajectory. The bell-ringing ceremony was broadcast live on CNBC, reaching a global audience of investors and tech enthusiasts.
Speaking about the experience, Agboola expressed his excitement at the opportunity to ring the closing bell at the NYSE, calling it a “huge honor and privilege.” He also highlighted the significance of the moment for the African tech ecosystem, stating, “For us to be able to be here and represent our continent is a big deal. It’s a big deal for me, it’s a big deal for my co-founders, and it’s a big deal for our team.”
Flutterwave’s recent funding round was led by New York-based investment firm Avenir Growth Capital, with participation from existing investors such as Tiger Global Management and DST Global. The company plans to use the funds to expand its operations across Africa and beyond, as well as invest in new product development and talent acquisition.
Since its founding, Flutterwave has grown rapidly, with over 290,000 businesses and individuals using its platform to make and receive payments across Africa. The company has also formed partnerships with major players in the fintech and e-commerce spaces, such as PayPal and Jumia, further cementing its position as a leading player in the African tech scene.
As the African fintech landscape continues to evolve and expand, companies like Flutterwave are poised to play a key role in driving economic growth and financial inclusion across the continent. With its recent funding and NYSE bell-ringing ceremony, Flutterwave and its CEO Olugbenga GB Agboola are demonstrating that African tech companies are capable of achieving global success and recognition.
