In a recent conversation with Business Insider Africa, Falansa recounts his remarkable journey—a path that gracefully weaves together his background in physics education, an internship at a major news application, and his emergence as a prominent figure in Nigeria’s tech ecosystem. How does one shift from traditional fields to the dynamic world of technology? In Falansa’s case, the answer lies in tenacity, curiosity, and a willingness to embrace learning at every stage.
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While the buzzwords surrounding artificial intelligence (AI) can sometimes overshadow meaningful progress, Falansa stands out by focusing on tangible outcomes. “We’re focused on what’s real,” he asserts, noting the trust established with clients including Uber and TikTok. Such endorsements serve as early validation of Lingtec.AI’s innovative approach, which prioritizes delivering value over chasing fleeting trends.
Operating at the intersection of African linguistics and AI, Falansa perceives this intersection as not merely rare, but profoundly relevant on a global scale. In a world where language serves as both a bridge and a barrier, he is determined to facilitate communication in a multidimensional manner that acknowledges the rich tapestry of African languages.
Early Career
Before co-founding Lingtec.AI, Abayomi began his professional journey in product management—an initiation that started as an internship at a news application. His career trajectory quickly ascended; he transitioned to roles such as Product Operations Manager at companies like the Phoenix Browser and Koo app.
This phase of his career was pivotal. Localizing foreign apps for Nigerian users equipped him with crucial skills. It honed his ability to define features, manage engineering teams, and, perhaps most importantly, embrace accountability. These lessons were not mere stepping stones; they laid the groundwork for his entrepreneurial ambitions, instilling a sense of responsibility and perseverance that has driven his success.
Abayomi candidly reflects on a recurring theme throughout his career—the feeling of being underestimated. Rather than perceiving this underestimation as a hurdle, he sees it as a strategic advantage. It fuels his passion and determination; there’s something inherently powerful about proving skeptics incorrect.
One of his significant breakthroughs was unexpectedly catalyzed by a social media exchange. During a Twitter interaction with his mentor, an opportunity emerged—an offer to join VeerOne AI (formerly BNN) without the traditional interview process. Imagine the serendipity of it all! This role immersed him in a culturally diverse, globally distributed team, allowing him to gain profound insights into the global AI landscape.
Being the only Black individual on the tech team, he initially faced challenges, but these experiences illuminated the stark underrepresentation of African and Asian languages in AI datasets. This revelation sparked the ambition behind Lingtec.AI, igniting a drive to bridge those gaps. A pivotal question emerged for him: How can technology truly reflect the world’s diversity?
Yet, the relentlessness of the startup environment in Nigeria can be daunting. When asked how he navigates this challenging terrain, Abayomi points to the “audacity” of Nigerians; a collective resilience that has birthed many of Africa’s unicorn startups, even in the face of infrastructural and systemic challenges.
He firmly believes that with unwavering consistency, high-quality output, and a relentless spirit, Nigerian founders can not only keep pace but excel in the global marketplace. “Success is not simply about talent; it’s about attitude,” Abayomi insists.
Financial Growth
Financially, Lingtec.AI has begun to attract attention. Their largest single deal to date was valued at an impressive $25,000, with a commendable profit margin of $15,000. As Abayomi reflects on his own professional growth, he recounts his salary journey—from ₦72,000 in 2019 to a remarkable $2,000 four years later. It’s a testament to how determination paired with opportunity can yield transformative outcomes, an exhilarating reminder of personal and professional evolution.
Touching on the often-difficult matter of fund management, particularly in a budding ecosystem, Abayomi offers candid advice. He warns against reckless spending and emphasizes the importance of delayed gratification. “Startup funds should serve the business, not personal wants,” he advises. It’s a reminder that in the world of startups, every financial decision can echo—a ripple effect that can lead either to success or setback.
While he acknowledges the occasional specter of fund mismanagement, he believes these cases are more the exception than the rule—a sentiment that underscores the importance of diligence and accountability among fellow entrepreneurs.
Advice for New Entrants in Tech
For those individuals entering the tech industry from non-tech backgrounds and yearning to make their mark in AI and innovation, Abayomi extends a message of encouragement steeped in his own experiences.
A physics graduate himself, he underscores that today’s digital economy is not just abstract; it’s borderless and increasingly merit-based. “Tech requires diligent effort and commitment, but the barriers are lower than ever before,” he reflects. The possibilities are immense—each person has a unique contribution to make.
For those still searching for their niche, Abayomi highlights the burgeoning potential of language-related roles in AI. With the growing demand for multilingual support, especially for African languages, this area presents an emerging goldmine for individuals fluent in these languages. Who knows? Your passion for a language could very well be the key to understanding the next frontier in technology!
In an age characterized by rapid technological advancement, stories like Falansa’s serve as a beacon. They remind us that with curiosity, resilience, and the courage to defy expectations, one can forge a path of innovation and impact, leaving an indelible mark on the world.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.
