Photography: Charlie Surbey
In this series, Investec Private Banking explores the people behind some of the UK's most extraordinary companies
What do you do when you can't find the right entry level talent for jobs within a business? If you're Dupsy Abiola (above), you quit your position as a barrister and build a company as the solution.
"Intern Avenue solves a problem for two groups," says Abiola, its founder and CEO. "For employers we allow them to very quickly identify the right high quality talent for their needs. And for candidates we suggest the best opportunities that are a good fit for their profile. Effectively we're an online matchmaker."
Algorithms power this matchmaking platform, suggesting the right people for specific jobs and companies, based on candidates' and employers' profiles. The company's backbone took two years to build, launching in 2012. It was a bold move, but tenacity runs in the family.
Dupsy Abiola with her barrister's court dress wig; an African carving from her sister; Abiola's father, pictured with Nelson Mandela; 2013 Europa business award; her favourite Louboutins.
Photography: Charlie Surbey
"My father used to say, 'whatever you do in life, try and make a difference – go out, be bold and do bold things,'" says Abiola. It's a mantra he lived by himself.
As a young man, Dupsy's Nigerian born father Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola was awarded a prestigious scholarship to study accountancy in the UK. From that foundation he built an impressive career, including global business, philanthropy and, later, politics. Despite winning Nigeria's first free election, in 1993, Moshood would never lead his country. Detained by Nigeria's military leadership, he abruptly died in prison in 1998.
Moshood's amazing life has inspired millions – including his own children.
"I'm lucky to have come from a family of high achievers. It's something to aspire to," says Dupsy. "A driving force."
Her mother was just as influential for the Abiola children, instilling in them the idea that education was a key enabler – the one thing that once gained, could never be taken away. It makes sense that Abiola would go on to start a company that helps young people make the most of their hard-earned education.
Many have applauded the cause. Intern Avenue won a Europa Award in 2013 for best recruitment startup and has been short-listed for several others. When Abiola spoke at 2014's Digitising Europe event, her startup was endorsed by German chancellor Angela Merkel.
Abiola isn't slowing down either. The site has just had a major redesign and its new app will follow. European expansion is also planned. So what's her secret?
"Stay positive," she says with a smile. "Take the things that seem like problems and turn them into opportunities."
To find out more about Intern Avenue, visit www.internavenue.com
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