MOGUL MONDAY: THE RISE OF KUNLE SONAME
In 2016, Bet9ja had a monthly turnover of $10 million, according to KPMG.
His Early Life and Start:
Kunle Soname hails from #Remo , #OgunState , #Nigeria . He pursued his secondary education at Government College #Lagos and later earned a degree in Political Science from #LagosStateUniversity ( #LASU ) in 1996. His foray into public service began in 2003 when he was elected as the Executive Chairman of Ikosi-Isheri Local Council, a position he held until 2011.
Major Moves:
• #Bet9ja (2013): Co-founded with Ayo Ojuroye, Bet9ja quickly became Nigeria’s leading sports betting platform, revolutionizing the industry with innovative features and widespread offline accessibility.
• Remo Stars FC (2004): Established to nurture local football talent, the club has risen to compete in the Nigerian Premier League’s top division.
• C.D. Feirense (2015): Soname made history by becoming the first Nigerian to acquire a European football club, purchasing a 70% stake in Portugal’s C.D. Feirense.
• ValueJet (2018): Venturing into aviation, he founded ValueJet, a Nigerian airline that commenced operations in 2022, offering scheduled passenger services across various Nigerian cities.
Challenges and Momentum:
Navigating Nigeria’s complex business landscape, Soname faced numerous challenges, from regulatory hurdles to market competition. His strategic thinking and resilience have been pivotal in overcoming these obstacles, earning him recognition as a visionary leader in both sports and business sectors.
Lessons for Entrepreneurs:
• Diversify Strategically: Soname’s ventures span sports, aviation, and entertainment, showcasing the importance of strategic diversification.
• Invest in Community: His commitment to developing local talent through Remo Stars FC underscores the value of community investment.
• Embrace Innovation: From Bet9ja’s user-friendly platform to ValueJet’s hybrid airline model, innovation has been central to his success.
This Monday, let Kunle Soname’s journey inspire you to pursue your entrepreneurial dreams with passion, resilience, and strategic vision.
