Nigerian based Fintech Company; Flutterwave has been listed as one of the 2021 TIME100 Most Influential companies in the world.
According to TIME, the digital- payment service was selected as one of the companies shaping the future and making extraordinary impact around the world.
The firm was highlighted as being able to rapidly set up digital storefronts for thousands of businesses when the pandemic hit the world.
The firm was named a ‘Pioneer’ amongst other tech giants like Twitter and Apple.
The list, which was divided into five different categories namely, Pioneers, Leaders, Innovators, Disruptions and Titans, makes Flutterwave the only African company to make the list under the ‘Pioneer’ category.
The co- founder and CEO, Flutterwave, Olugbenga Agboola compares the infrastructure of digital transactions across nations and platforms (think credit cards, debit payments and digital wallets) to plumbing.
“You don’t want to think about it, you just want it to work,” he said.
According to him, when the pandemic lockdowns hit brick-and-mortar businesses in Africa, they were able to recharge retailers across board, thereby throwing them a lifeline.
Agboola revealed he named the free campaign “keeping the lights on.”
Flutterwave hit tech-unicorn status in March when it secured $170 million in Series C funding from global investors, valuing the company at more than $1 billion.
To assemble the list, TIME solicited nominations across various sectors including technology, entertainment , healthcare, industry experts as well as global network of editors and correspondents.
According to TIME, evaluation of each one was based on key factors, including relevance, impact, innovation, leadership, ambition and success.
“Together, these businesses and the leaders who steer them are helping to chart an essential path forward, ”he added.
Other companies that were listed under the ‘Pioneers’ section includes, Bumble, Savage X Fenty by Rihanna, Roblox, Darktrace, Terracycle, Klutch Sports Group amongst others.
– Thisday