Biography of Ifeoma Uddoh: Founder and CEO of SheCluded -Entrepreneur
Biography of Ifeoma Uddoh:
Early Life and Challenges
Ifeoma Uddoh’s journey to success is one that speaks of
resilience and determination. Growing up, she faced the early loss of her
father, but it was her mother’s strength and unwavering support that shaped her
resilience. Despite the challenges, Ifeoma's journey has been nothing short of
inspiring. Her story is not just one of academic and professional success but
also one of overcoming personal hardships that have shaped her into the leader
she is today.
From Pharmacy to Tech
Initially, Ifeoma aspired to pursue a career in pharmacy.
However, a pivotal conversation changed the course of her future. Despite not
owning a personal computer during her studies, she was drawn to the world of
technology. This conversation led her to pursue a different path, one that
would eventually lead her to become a tech trailblazer and founder of
SheCluded.
Academic Pursuits
Ifeoma's academic background was grounded in Industrial
Mathematics, which she studied at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri
in Nigeria. Her dedication to her education led her to further her studies in
the UK, where she obtained a Master’s degree in Management Science and
Operations Research from Lancaster University. This combination of technical
and management expertise provided her with a strong foundation to navigate the
entrepreneurial world.
Early Career: Gaining Resilience
Her professional journey began with internships at Echo Bank
and Diamond Bank, where she honed her resilience and work ethic. These
experiences played a crucial role in shaping her understanding of the financial
world and the challenges faced by women in accessing capital. Ifeoma’s time at
PwC opened her eyes to the larger tech investing space, where she noticed the
significant gender gap in funding and opportunities for women entrepreneurs.
The Genesis of SheCluded
The inspiration behind SheCluded, Ifeoma's fintech company,
came from her own struggles as a woman trying to access financial services
during her third pregnancy. She saw firsthand how women often struggle with
accessing capital, which sparked her passion to create a solution that would
support women entrepreneurs in Nigeria and beyond. SheCluded was born out of
her desire to bridge the funding gap for women-led businesses.
SheCluded’s Mission and Vision
SheCluded’s mission is to empower women entrepreneurs by
addressing the gender financing gap. The company aims to create a financial
ecosystem where women have equal access to capital, mentorship, and networking
opportunities. Through its innovative approach, SheCluded leverages big data
and alternative data sources to assess creditworthiness, ensuring that women
entrepreneurs have the financial support they need to grow their businesses.
Biography of Ifeoma Uddoh: Founder and CEO of SheCluded -Entrepreneur# Startup#empower women entrepreneurs#address the funding gap#SheCluded story
Leveraging Alternative Data
One of SheCluded’s most innovative features is its use of
alternative data to assess credit risk. By analyzing both social and financial
data, SheCluded is able to create comprehensive profiles for loan applicants.
This approach not only helps in determining creditworthiness but also enables
the company to support women entrepreneurs who may have otherwise been
overlooked by traditional financial institutions.
Strategic Partnerships for Growth
Ifeoma's strategic vision for SheCluded includes forming
partnerships across Africa to enhance women’s banking services. By
collaborating with other organizations and institutions, SheCluded aims to
scale its impact and create more opportunities for women across the continent.
This collaborative approach is key to fostering long-term growth and
empowerment for women in business.
Championing Financial Inclusion
Financial inclusion is at the core of SheCluded’s mission.
Ifeoma is passionate about ensuring that women have equal access to financial
services, which is often a barrier to growth in emerging markets. Through
SheCluded, she is not only providing access to capital but also offering the
necessary tools, resources, and mentorship that enable women entrepreneurs to
thrive.
Recognition and Awards
Ifeoma’s groundbreaking work has not gone unnoticed. She was
recognized as one of the Top 5 Female Entrepreneurs by the UK Tech Hub in 2020.
She has also been the recipient of the prestigious Google for Startups Black
Founders Fund in 2021. In addition, she won the 2022 SelectUSA Tech Pitch
Competition and was named a 2022 Halcyon Fellow. These accolades reflect her
innovative approach and dedication to empowering women in business.
Fostering a Community of Women Entrepreneurs
One of the most impactful aspects of SheCluded is its
ability to build and nurture a community of over 20,000 female entrepreneurs.
This community is not only about providing financial services but also about
creating a space where women can share knowledge, collaborate, and support one
another. Ifeoma’s leadership in building this community has been instrumental
in empowering women and fostering a culture of mutual support.
Breaking Gender Bias in Lending
Ifeoma has been a strong advocate for breaking the
subconscious biases that often exist in lending decisions. Traditional
financial institutions tend to overlook women entrepreneurs, often due to
gender-based assumptions. SheCluded’s innovative approach to credit assessment
challenges these biases, ensuring that women have an equal opportunity to
access capital.
Scaling and Expanding Reach
As SheCluded continues to grow, Ifeoma has her sights set on
expanding the company’s reach. She envisions scaling the business to other
African countries, where there is a significant need for financial services
tailored to women. The goal is to create a continent-wide ecosystem that
supports women’s financial independence and sustainability.
Lessons in Entrepreneurship
Ifeoma’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience
and vision. Her story offers invaluable lessons on overcoming adversity,
seizing opportunities, and the importance of community in entrepreneurship. She
encourages other aspiring women entrepreneurs to shift their mindsets, seek
mentorship, and build strong networks to succeed.
A Transformative Future for Women Entrepreneurs
Looking ahead, Ifeoma remains committed to transforming the
financial landscape for women entrepreneurs. Through SheCluded, she aims to
provide not just capital but also the tools, education, and support needed for
long-term success. Her work is reshaping the way women approach
entrepreneurship and is opening doors to a future where women have equal access
to the resources they need to succeed.
Timeline for story
Early Life: Ifeoma faced the loss of her father, influenced
by her mother’s strength.
Before 2015: Initially aspired to be a pharmacist but
transitioned to tech.
2015: Completed Master's in Management Science and
Operations Research at Lancaster University.
Early Career: Interned at Echo Bank, Diamond Bank, and
worked at PwC, focusing on the gender financing gap.
2019: Founded SheCluded to empower women entrepreneurs and
address the funding gap.
2020: SheCluded leverages alternative data to assess
creditworthiness for women-led businesses.
2020: Recognized as one of the Top 5 Female Entrepreneurs by
the UK Tech Hub.
2021: Received the Google for Startups Black Founders Fund.
2022: Won the SelectUSA Tech Pitch Competition and became a
Halcyon Fellow.
2023: Built a community of over 20,000 female entrepreneurs,
expanding SheCluded’s impact across Africa.
