The Paystack Story, with Ezra Olubi, Co-Founder and CTO

Paystack is a technology company solving payments problems for ambitious businesses. Their mission is to help businesses in Africa become profitable, envied, and loved.
A couple of weeks ago, Stripe (an American financial service and software as a service company headquartered in San Francisco) acquired Paystack for a rumoured amount of about $200M.
In this episode of #FoundersConnect, I sat down with the CTO of Paystack, Ezra Olubi. He shared how Paystack started, why he said Yes to the idea, how Paystack raised money and eventually got acquired; his biggest life lessons and favourite failures and even talked about his personal style.
Watch, share and comment.
Check out Paystack - paystack.com/
Connect with Ezra on Twitter - / 0x
Book a 1:1 Session with me - paystack.com/pay/60wpi
Subscribe to my mailing list - eepurl.com/gpVwwH
0:23 - How would you describe Ezra?
1:16 - How was growing up for you? What experiences shaped you?
3:53 - From childhood till now, what has changed about your views on Religion?
4:50 - What was it about the Paystack idea that gave him the confidence to build it, and with Shola?
9:54 - The ways in which Ezra and Shola compliment each other.
11:48 - How do you manage all the people and teams in Paystack?
13:02 - Biggest lesson and favourite failure as a CTO?
15:15 - What mistakes did you make?
17:37 - How hard was it raising money in 2016 vs now?
22:19 - If you were going to do it all over again, what is one thing you will do differently?
23:28 - What friendships have had the most impact on you?
24:39 - How would you describe your style?
25:47 - Have you had any struggles with how people perceive you, your style?
27:50 - Do you have a lot male friends?
28:32 - Were you always androgynous?
28:56 - Do you think your style would evolve?
30:04 - Fun questions, bucket list, social media, cereal, favourite city, etc.
32:14 - What should I look for in a technical cofounder if I want to start a company?

[@successimamun5129]

For every founders connect interview I watch, I keep seeing a pattern. These founders were positioned for success long before success was a journey.

[@allenovie2436]

100% true.
“Outliers” by Malcom Gladwell, explains this perfectly

[@seankinyua9562]

how?

[@Spcokker]

2 years after, still the best interview I’ve watched.

[@kennethokoli5779]

This is a beautiful interview! Every young Nigerian should watch this and get inspired!

[@PeaceItimiofficial]

Thank you Kenneth.

[@leegyamfi8211]

This answers some questions I asked on Twitter with interest to learn from you. I hope to learn more

[@uwaifoidehenre7976]

This is a video every young Nigerian should watch .

[@seanjohn6956]

this guy is actually special. I hope he knows this

[@TomiiwoAbosede]

I, due to my work, have had to relate with some key accounts officers from Paystack. They still are the most passionate (about their company) professionals I’ve met. They think differently, not in a weird way but in an interesting way about their company. It is admirable. Shoutout to Seike and Folu.

[@abijosegun7246]

Really proud of Ezra Olubi and Shola Akinlade🙌🏾

[@nation2earth]

I don't know, it's so amazing to see an androgynous, Black, African, successful man. Its really inspirational, I wish he did more intimate talks. I'm so happy to see someone who I can relate to on many levels.
Thank you for this.
Lebo, from South Africa 🕯️

[@TerriTerriHotSauce]

His success has nothing to do with him being gay/homosexual, black or African. It's about the work he put in.

[@harchychy]

This was first of the series I watched and I loved/enjoyed it!!!
Thank you, Peace, for this.

[@bosun99uk]

Can’t believe it took me this long to find Peace, & it’s great to know more about Ezra

[@onyekachiezekwe7449]

Watching this after 2yrs, all I can say is wow! Nice interview ❤️

[@koshaconsultant]

Your spiritual perspective and journey echoes mine. Love how you articulated that. xx

[@folorunshoabiodun1376]

How am I just finding out about this channel. This is really an awesome and inspiring video. Thanks for this

[@michaeliyoha3829]

Ezra is just pleasant to watch and listen to!

[@AndrewOkiemuteAndyO]

I really love paystack, they are revolutionary. One day I will join the team

[@chimsgraphic]

Am a tech guy & I can say am hugely reserved in the real world, I love my own company. That's how most programmers are... Our world is in our head..

[@MooreDH]

Lol I’m a tech guy and I’m extremely extroverted 😂. I don’t think introversion and ability to solve problems on computers are interdependent

[@chimsgraphic]

@@MooreDH You right. Personality has nothing to do with solving problems...

[@mizta_pita]

You are a sigma Male

[@calebadeleye]

Most software guys are like that..just a few exceptions

[@TerriTerriHotSauce]

@@MooreDH When do you get time to think enough to build things from scratch? Or are you just an employee who never has "time" to build things on his own?

[@frame.56]

Why am I just watching this video 😟
This is awesome🔥
My new role model

[@VibingTech]

This is great, it's beautiful to see young Africans doing great in the tech sector.

[@bobbyutulu]

Oh wow, a relatable interview. Finally! ♥️

[@aeadedoyin]

Really wanted to hear what Ezra sounded like... and mahnn he's so calm. Qualities of top engineers, though, "dem no dey do Lau Lau" see Musk too.!
Anyways! Thanks Peace for an opportunity to listen to this genius of a human! So, so many unpacked insights❤
I've a one on one with him tomorrow, hope it goes well!🤓

[@bolaji_]

He's a Gentle dude, thanks Peace we need of this 👍👍👍

[@bolajijamesadelakun1308]

Insightful conversation, I kept this in my download for a while, waiting for the right moment to listen, and take notes.
I finally did, this is kinda like a gift for me. It was uploaded a year ago. wow, but doesn't feel like such.
Thanks, Peace Itimi for the quality of work put into your interviews.

[@sosolyricsworld]

I'm finding Ezra really interesting, especially that we share a lot of values. Glad to know it's not a lonely ride.
Great interview, I love the passion.

[@oluwatobipeter2206]

God😵! Going forward i have to carefully select channel that i subscribe too.
I am so motivated right now, just by this short interactions, Thank you Ezra, Thank you Peace

[@iszybeethefirst]

Crazzyyyy thing that I just FINALLYYYY carved out the time to watch this interview and I wished it was an hour long line this others 😩😩😩
Ezra is weirdly a mood 😂😂😂, especially at the end when he was asked any final words for his audience and he was like "Bye bye" 😂😂😂😂.
It was really an insightful interview. Enjoyed every bit of it 🔥🔥🔥

[@kanmi_daniels]

Was at Marriott Ikeja for one of their outing... Thier work culture inspired me a lot!⚡

[@turtlecrew]

Fantastic interview. As someone looking to get into the Nigerian tech space and as a human.... fab. 11 people obviously have issues.

[@abdulrafiuabdulazeez9924]

This is easily one of the best interviews I've ever watched. It had the right mix of fun and seriousness. Ezra really is a very interesting person and Peace did a great job as well. Kudos to you both.

[@PeaceItimiofficial]

Thank you for watching.

[@GamerXperienceHD]

Great inspiration for those of us starting out to create our own.

[@Lidukush]

Omg Ezra is adorable 🥺

[@LearnFilmEditing]

Very insightful interview. Alot to take in. More of this kind itimi. Cheers!

[@timialonge]

This is a very interesting & intelligent discussion! And Ezra’s look is very funny 😂 Good job Peace

[@osazeyyh]

Thank God I found this. Haven't really heard Ezra speak before. So yayyy

[@PeaceItimiofficial]

Yayyyy! Thank you for watching 💥

[@dapobelieve]

This is was so inspiring and fun, he really is a simple guy

[@thebaldblackdoctor]

Thank you for this.

[@johnayanyemi]

Commenting again cause I just got to the end part and I most say this interview is everything 🙌

[@PeaceItimiofficial]

Awww. Thank you for watching

[@christiangeorge8551]

This is a very intelligent discussion

[@victoriaoagboghidi2921]

Thank you so much Peace! I had fun watching this and learnt a whole lot. The power of story telling, keep up the good work Peace.

[@PeaceItimiofficial]

Thank you for watching.

[@adedamola8761]

This was really exciting to watch...

[@manudev2155]

great, can't wait for the next interview

[@haleenation7423]

Great to hear Ezra speak too.....and I can see the joy in your expression Peace, it for real.

[@PeaceItimiofficial]

Thank you

[@midwest042003]

Awesome. Inspiring. Thank you.

[@adenirantimilehin7206]

I loved watching this.

[@euchariaokoli6152]

Thank you so much Peace.
Ezra is an amazing inspiration.

[@PeaceItimiofficial]

Thank you for watching.

[@kevahwin]

Amazing interview 👏 Thanks @Peace for the great content. And thanks to @Ezra for sharing. Feels like thé interview took him a bit beyond his comfort zone and that is worthy of appreciation.

[@PeaceItimiofficial]

Thank you for watching.

[@adeagaisaac4541]

This is really interesting and educating at the same time... I should spend more time on this channel hence

[@IdowuObadeyi]

Fantastic interview. It felt nostalgic and refreshing at the same time hearing from a guy you last heard from when you were boys in secondary guy. Great insights from Ezra for anyone just delving into entrepreneurship & the tech start-up world

[@techteam3111]

This "delving" you use, wan cause wahala, 3 years later 😂😂😂

[@jobiej7416]

Inspiring and educational

[@nkanugodswill6301]

Such an insightful interview Peace. I'm really inspired

[@ajalasolomon2357]

I dont want this to end, so much insight. Thank you Peace!

[@PeaceItimiofficial]

Thank you for watching.

[@calebekeh7072]

very interesting interview, what i like most about him is his desire for success that made put in many years of hard work, programming is serious business, for this, i understand what he mean about his father questioning his use of computer, as a java developer myself, programmers need support, concentration and ability to find solution for problems, i so bad, when family members, friends, novice look at you some how, as if use of computer is a bad habit.
The truth is that, aside doctors, next most people, bring solution to humanities are programmers

[@fanreviewnaija8894]

Enjoying this!!

[@that.unknown]

The "made our best engineers our worst managers" is a project management professional(PMP) concept called the "Halo effect".

[@akotechonline]

What's I love about Paystack is their way of telling stories to promote their brands.
Hoping to implement that on the startup I'm working on.

[@naijaexpert6763]

ITS STORY THAT DRIVES FEELINGS ... AND PEOPLE ARE MOVED BY HOW THEY FEEL ABOUT THE REASON WHY THE PRODUCT WAS CREATED, i'm getting into UI/UX BECause of this, just to create solutions and generate ideas that make an impact

[@abdulmuizzkelani3760]

I really enjoyed this 😊

[@akinolajohn9096]

Nice, the fashion part got me though, I was still wondering what it was. I am also working with a few friends on a product and I've definitely picked stuff.

[@alex2mics795]

That man Ezra is truly an open book. I've learnt a lot from these 30 mins or so. thanks Itimi

[@PeaceItimiofficial]

Thank you for watching.

[@itunuakinware7265]

Very well done with this initiative!

[@leeoiou7295]

Ezra the great!!!!!

[@MrRudesaint]

Amazing Job by the presenter and a big admiration for the total break down of how the company started and grew

[@PeaceItimiofficial]

Thank you

[@abolajioluwatobiomitogun2164]

Great conversation!

[@OmakaSammie_SamNaija]

A lot of insights in one video!
Thank you Ezra and Peace, the excitement was felt on this end of the screen.

[@PeaceItimiofficial]

Thank you

[@avourofficial]

I like the fact that he's now a free thinker (religious wise).
also nice interview @peace, good job

[@PeaceItimiofficial]

Thank you for watching.

[@ekrystale]

Thanks for all you do Peace.

[@PeaceItimiofficial]

Thank you.

[@jumoby]

Interesting and Intelligent Interview. Worth The Time. Thanks for the insight shared.

[@PeaceItimiofficial]

Thank you for watching.

[@idowuayodeji2587]

Awesome Interview

[@ayoopopoola439]

Love the channel and the fact that you're Nigerian ❤️...
Pls it was hard to hear at a point.

[@resa_uyi]

I absolutely loved this interview. Well done Peace.

[@PeaceItimiofficial]

I’m glad you love it

[@helloebube]

This is so the best video I've watched today!
You could literally feel the passion in Ezra's voice.
Thanks Peace for putting founder's connect together 🥰🥰

[@PeaceItimiofficial]

Thank you for watching

[@ariyooluwadamilola5095]

Very insightful...

[@TheObiajuruUncut]

Another amazing interview Peace.
Welldone.

[@PeaceItimiofficial]

Thank You

[@ganiyridwan6464]

Loved thissss!!!!!!

[@PeaceItimiofficial]

Glad you did. Thank you for watching.

[@brownbeauutiie]

You can tell that he's kind. I don't know why he laughed about that. It's so obvious 😂

[@viqueturTV]

I really enjoyed this. Thanks Peace

[@PeaceItimiofficial]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thank you

[@inujohn2124]

I love this interview 🥺

[@PeaceItimiofficial]

Glad you do. Thank you for watching.

[@veraleee1791]

This was great to watch. Nice!!!

[@PeaceItimiofficial]

Thank you

[@AliyuMansuur]

i like the way he talks

[@oluwafemiodu9573]

I really enjoyed and learnt a lot from this.
Thank you!

[@PeaceItimiofficial]

Thank you for watching.

[@JayStiqs]

I just found you! You are awesome!!! Keep doing this!!!! Love it.
Edit: Audio is a lil low though.

[@ceciliaorji8894]

true
The audio is low,had to strain my ears

[@obiohagwu788]

I love this. very enlightening!

[@PeaceItimiofficial]

Awww. Glad you do. Thank you for watching.

[@Lidukush]

Looooove this interview!

[@PeaceItimiofficial]

Glad you do. Thank you for watching.

[@tomiwa1a]

Great interview Peace, I just sent to my sister as well, so much to learn.
I checked out your website as well. Your book looks super interesting.

[@PeaceItimiofficial]

Thank you for watching. 👏👏

[@akinniranyesamuelakintomid3858]

Very interesting and enlightening conversation, I learnt a lot. Thank you ✌️

[@PeaceItimiofficial]

Glad you did. Thank you for watching.

[@opeyimikaaremu5107]

Ezra is so cool and awesome. Learnt so much from him. Thank you, Peace for curating stories of cofounders who have had successes at it. Each interview has been a hit so far.

[@PeaceItimiofficial]

Thank you for watching 🤩

[@ErnyVibes]

This was highly insightful and amazing. Thank you so much

[@PeaceItimiofficial]

You're welcome 😊

[@femiabolaji1809]

Ezra is a fantastic guy.

[@PeaceItimiofficial]

Totally

[@edemaehiz]

Ezra!!!!! 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@guzimafh8558]

What I got is in getting a co-founder you both need to connect on some levels like he said it’s like marriage. Get to understand each other and having someone with same vision “like minded “ and it will be a go!

[@cramptwin]

nice staff, watching from Kenya... I'm a subscriber now

[@PeaceItimiofficial]

Thank you! 🥳🥳

[@havwiscable4199]

I enjoyed this interview. Thank you Itimi

[@PeaceItimiofficial]

Thank you.

[@briangach4365]

Your hair looks amazing queen

[@PeaceItimiofficial]

Thank you

[@Alex-dt3nx]

Awesome...dude got more money than 30BG CEO 😆. Soft money and no noise ✌🏿

[@tonymaku6648]

U nko?

[@coolmagtv6299]

What does this have to do with anything?

[@henryweb3dev]

Wow I really loved this, so inspiring..

[@PeaceItimiofficial]

Thank you

[@miracleewim]

This was a great interview.
Well done, Peace.

[@PeaceItimiofficial]

Thank you for watching🎉

[@koolamusic_]

Loved this!!! Really interesting interview

[@PeaceItimiofficial]

Glad you do! Thank you for watching

[@Gmkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk]

Enjoyed every bit of the interview

[@PeaceItimiofficial]

Thanks so much for watching

[@michaelek.mp4]

Super amazing guy. A very insightful interview 👏🏾

[@PeaceItimiofficial]

Thank you for watching. 🥳

[@alob_mtc]

I love this session 😻😻😻

[@PeaceItimiofficial]

Thank you for watching.

[@bwizacharlotte2511]

This is so nice. thanks!

[@PeaceItimiofficial]

Thank you for watching

[@ifexosuigwe]

Great work peace, keep it up & thanks for sharing

[@PeaceItimiofficial]

Thank you