Solape Akinpelu’s consecutive win of the Aurora Tech Award signifies a remarkable achievement not only for herself but also for the burgeoning Nigerian tech ecosystem and the broader movement towards gender equity in technology entrepreneurship. Her fintech platform, Hervest, emerged victorious among a highly competitive pool of global startups, underscoring the innovative potential emanating from emerging markets and the growing recognition of women as key drivers of technological advancement. This second consecutive win for a Nigerian woman further solidifies the country’s position as a hotbed of tech talent and reinforces the impact of initiatives like the Aurora Tech Award in empowering women founders. Akinpelu’s success serves as an inspiration for aspiring female entrepreneurs globally, demonstrating that with dedication, innovation, and the right support systems, they can break barriers and achieve remarkable success on the international stage.
The Aurora Tech Award, an initiative of the global mobility and urban services platform inDrive, shines a spotlight on the often-overlooked talent pool of female founders in emerging markets. It addresses the significant gender investment gap by providing not just financial support but also access to invaluable resources such as investor networks, industry mentorship, and strategic partnerships. This holistic approach to empowerment goes beyond mere recognition, offering tangible tools and opportunities for these women-led ventures to scale and achieve their full potential. The award’s focus on identifying high-potential founders, regardless of gender, emphasizes the meritocratic nature of the selection process and highlights the impressive business acumen and innovative solutions being developed by these women entrepreneurs. By fostering a supportive ecosystem and connecting these founders with key players in the tech industry, the Aurora Tech Award acts as a catalyst for growth and innovation, propelling these businesses towards greater success.
The 2025 edition of the Aurora Tech Award saw a dramatic increase in applications, reflecting the growing awareness and impact of the initiative. The doubling of applications from the previous year, with submissions from 116 countries, underscores the global reach and appeal of the award. The diverse geographical representation among the finalists, spanning regions like MENA, Latin America, Central Asia, and the Asia-Pacific, highlights the global nature of the competition and the emergence of innovative ventures from various corners of the world. This broad participation not only strengthens the award’s credibility but also fosters cross-cultural exchange and collaboration within the global tech community. The inclusion of ventures across a spectrum of sectors, including artificial intelligence, fintech, and health tech, demonstrates the wide-ranging impact of female-led innovation and the potential for these technologies to address critical global challenges.
The culmination of the Aurora Tech Award at the SHE CAN conference in Cairo further amplifies the message of female empowerment and entrepreneurship. Hosted by Entreprenelle, an organization dedicated to supporting women entrepreneurs, the conference provided a fitting backdrop for celebrating the achievements of these remarkable founders. The event’s impressive attendance of over 7,000 participants signifies the growing momentum and interest in supporting women-led businesses. The convergence of the Aurora Tech Award and the SHE CAN conference creates a synergistic platform for networking, mentorship, and knowledge sharing, fostering a vibrant ecosystem of support for female entrepreneurs. This collaborative environment empowers these women to forge connections, learn from each other’s experiences, and access valuable resources to propel their businesses forward.
inDrive’s commitment to social impact extends beyond the Aurora Tech Award, encompassing various initiatives through its non-profit arm, inVision. These programs focus on critical areas such as education, gender equality, science, and the arts, demonstrating the company’s dedication to positive social change. By investing in these areas, inDrive aims to create a more equitable and sustainable future, leveraging its platform and resources to address pressing societal challenges. This commitment to social responsibility aligns with the broader mission of the Aurora Tech Award, which seeks to empower women and promote gender equality within the tech industry. The combination of for-profit business success and impactful philanthropic initiatives positions inDrive as a socially conscious company driving positive change on multiple fronts.
inDrive’s rapid growth and global expansion highlight the company’s success in the competitive mobility and urban services market. With over 300 million downloads and its ranking as the second most downloaded mobility app globally in 2024, inDrive has established a significant presence in the industry. Its diverse service offerings, ranging from ride-hailing to freight delivery and task assistance, cater to a wide range of user needs, contributing to its widespread adoption. The company’s expansion across 48 countries and over 888 cities demonstrates its ability to adapt to different markets and cultures, solidifying its position as a major player in the global mobility landscape. This rapid growth and global reach provide a strong foundation for inDrive’s continued success and its ability to support initiatives like the Aurora Tech Award, further amplifying its impact on the global tech ecosystem and beyond.
