Tope Awotona’s Calendly Revolutionizes Scheduling in the Tech Industry

Tope Awotona, a Nigerian-American entrepreneur, has made a significant impact in the tech industry with his innovative scheduling platform, Calendly.

Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Awotona moved to the United States at 15 and later graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in Management Information Systems.

Awotona’s journey to success was not without challenges. He faced personal tragedy when his father was murdered in a carjacking at the age of 12, which instilled in him a determination to make his life impactful.

Before launching Calendly, Awotona tried various business ventures, but they didn’t yield the desired results. However, his frustration with the tedious process of scheduling meetings led him to create Calendly in 2013.

Despite having no technical expertise, Awotona hired a Ukrainian software firm to build the initial product. He invested his life savings, liquidated his 401(k), and maxed out his credit cards to fund the project. Today, Calendly is a leading scheduling automation platform used by over 20 million individuals and businesses worldwide. The company’s valuation soared to $3 billion in 2021, making Awotona one of the few Black tech billionaires in the United States.

Awotona’s leadership philosophy prioritizes humility, focus, and substance over hype. He believes in building a robust product and prioritizing sustainable growth over vanity metrics.

His commitment to fostering a culture of innovation and inclusion has made Calendly a successful and desirable workplace. Awotona’s success story serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds.