Vantage: My Life, Starting Out and Startups

by Olumide Soyombo

Africa is now the land of unicorns, but before unicorns, there were numerous stories that captured the power and pioneering spirit of the continent’s techpreneurs. Enter Olumide Soyombo who discovered the Personal Computer as a teenager and with the nudging of his father, became an entrepreneur. Set against the backdrop of the evolution of Africa’s emergence on the tech scene and the pivotal role and leadership offered by Nigerians and the country’s contemporary culture, Vantage tells the story of Olumide’s pioneering role. With rare insights into the backroom of ventures, balanced with the candour of playing hard, the tales speak to the spirit of partnerships being both business and personal.

290 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 12, 2023

Reviews

[Ifeoma · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could give this book 7 stars I would. Olumide connects the thread and dots of his life in an engaging narrative that carries you the reader in his vivid imagination as he walks through childhood, adolescence and adulthood in his personal and professional life as well as career and investment decisions. I’ve already bought extra copies to give out to friends. I highly recommend this book

[Abdurrazak Maiwada · Rating 4 out of 5]

After I got this book, I didn't know I'd be reading it any time soon. For one, I had, and still have, countless books waiting to be read. But then I needed to slide in for the praises, table of contents, and the smell of the book. That's how what those plus more features impressively and effortlessly lured to the end. It took me from Sunday evening to Monday afternoon. Even though the test run was on Saturday which was when I realised that these pages must be dug.

Stories are essential part of life. And within the pages of this book is an important story of the Nigerian techpreneur Olumide Soyombo. In porous language, he chronicles his life, starting from Benin with his entrepreneur father and his family, shining on his early adventurous life.

Stated unambiguously a few times in the book, this work isn't set to be prescriptive, rather a recounting of about 2 decades of experience through entrepreneurship and investments. It's, henceforth, expected that, with his or her unique lens/vantage point, the reader distills the values and learn by a worthy journey in especially the Nigerian clime, but Africa and beyond.

Vantage, for me, holds insights consequential beyond neglect which aren't just for (potential) entrepreneurs, but for everyone trying to make positive change in their personal life. More than business, there are lessons in family, friendship, universal values, spirituality, charity, books and so on.

I recommend this book to everyone.

[Netonna Agu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Olumide is one of the most important players in Nigeria’s burgeoning tech scene, having co-founded Bluechip, his technology solutions company, and more importantly, for his work in angel investing. He was an early investor in big names such as PiggyVest, Moniepoint, and others. In this book, he chronicles his journey and highlights the lessons he has learned along the way. For anyone curious about this pivotal industry or looking to innovate in Nigeria/Africa’s tech scene, this book is a must-read.

[Muhammad Tahir · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beyond the business lessons, which is why (I presume) anyone would want to read the book. I think the personal lessons, - lessons on parenting, and life in general - make this book worth it.

I am left with a few questions to ponder over:
1. What advantage/privilege do I have over others in my current position?
2. How do I utilise the advantage to further myself, my family and the humanity at large?
3. How do I become an intentional parent, and ? But I guess you have to be an intentional person first to be an intentional parent.

All in all, I enjoyed reading this.

[Iyanuoluwa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommended

[Wale · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book. It sparks reflection as a lot of the writer’s experiences are relatable.