Professional Summary
Professional Overview
Tomie Balogun is a highly accomplished entrepreneur and investor with a diverse background in the technology and finance industries. As the Founding Partner and CEO of Twelve HQ, he oversees the strategic direction and operational management of the company, a leading technology and investment firm in Nigeria. Tomie's expertise spans product management, business strategy, and venture capital, with a particular focus on the West African market.
Experience Summary
Current Roles
- Founding Partner & CEO, Twelve HQ (2020 - Present): Tomie leads the strategic vision and day-to-day operations of this innovative technology and investment firm, driving growth and delivering value for its portfolio companies.
- Member of the Board of Advisors, Regxta (2024 - Present): Tomie provides strategic counsel and industry insights to this emerging fintech startup, leveraging his extensive experience in the Nigerian and West African markets.
- Chairperson of the Board, Midlothian Angel Network (2024 - Present): In this role, Tomie oversees the network's investment activities and supports the growth and development of early-stage startups.
- Lead LP (LAF3), LoftyInc Capital Management (2021 - Present): Tomie serves as a lead limited partner, contributing his expertise and capital to this prominent venture capital firm focused on investing in African startups.
Past Roles
- Non-Executive Director & Angel Investor, Midlothian Angel Network (2021 - 2024): Tomie provided strategic guidance and early-stage investment support to promising startups in the network.
- Techstars Mentor, Techstars (2023 - 2024): Tomie lent his expertise and insights to founders participating in Techstars' accelerator program, helping them navigate the challenges of building and scaling their businesses.
- Product Manager, West Africa, GREYSTONE PARTNERS LIMITED (2014 - 2016): In this role, Tomie was responsible for developing and launching new products and services tailored to the West African market.
- Assistant Manager, Airtel Nigeria (2013 - 2014): Tomie held various positions within Airtel Nigeria's business planning and analysis team, contributing to the company's growth and strategic initiatives.
- Consultant, Manufacturing, Agribusiness & Services, IFC - International Finance Corporation (2012): Tomie provided strategic consulting services to the IFC, advising on projects in the manufacturing, agribusiness, and services sectors.
- Business Analyst, Alliance Consulting, Nigeria (2007 - 2011): Tomie gained valuable experience in business analysis and consulting, working with clients across various industries.
Academic Background
Tomie holds a Bachelor's degree in Industrial and Production Engineering from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria.
Areas of Expertise
- Entrepreneurship and startup management
- Product development and launch
- Venture capital and angel investing
- Business strategy and growth planning
- Financial analysis and modeling
- Stakeholder management and collaboration
Professional Impact
Throughout his career, Tomie has demonstrated a strong track record of driving growth and innovation in the technology and finance sectors. As the Founding Partner and CEO of Twelve HQ, he has led the company's transformation into a leading player in the West African tech ecosystem, fostering the success of numerous startups through strategic investment and operational support.
Tomie's contributions extend beyond his direct business roles. As a Chairperson of the Board at Midlothian Angel Network and a Techstars Mentor, he has leveraged his expertise to support the development of early-stage ventures, helping founders navigate the challenges of building and scaling their businesses.
Tomie's leadership and industry impact have been recognized through his appointment to the Board of Advisors at Regxta, a promising fintech startup, and his role as a Lead LP at LoftyInc Capital Management, a prominent venture capital firm investing in African startups.
Conclusion
Tomie Balogun is a visionary entrepreneur and investor who has made significant contributions to the technology and finance sectors in Nigeria and the broader West African region. With his proven track record of driving growth, fostering innovation, and supporting the development of early-stage startups, Tomie is poised to continue shaping the future of the African tech ecosystem.
