Executive director, The Hive Incubator and Founder, Pristin Capital, Folajomi Adegbulugbe, has emphasised the need for financial inclusion for young entrepreneurs.
He highlighted the importance of addressing the financial challenges faced by emerging entrepreneurs.
Over the years, Adegbulugbe has been instrumental in creating sustainable financial strategies tailored to the needs of emerging entrepreneurs, redefining how the next generation can access, manage, and utilize financial resources for business success.
Due to his contributions to the entrepreneurial ecosystem, he has been recognised for his strategic leadership and innovation in providing financial solutions for young professionals and entrepreneurs.
He asserted that financial access should never be a barrier to success, particularly for young professionals with entrepreneurial ambitions. He emphasized that his focus through The Hive Incubator and other ventures is on forming strategic partnerships that help businesses scale, thereby empowering entrepreneurs to build sustainable enterprises that contribute to the economy.
As the founder of Pristin Capital, a boutique private equity firm specialising in SMEs within the consumer and consumer-facing sectors, Adegbulugbe has strategically provided early-stage businesses with funding, loans, and investment opportunities. He explained that his approach ensures both business scalability and healthy returns for investors while bridging the financial gap for young entrepreneurs.
Beyond financial solutions, Adegbulugbe leads The Hive Incubator in Akure, an innovation hub supporting startups. He has emphasised that the incubator fosters a dynamic entrepreneurial environment where young professionals can access capital, mentorship, and financial literacy programs. His ability to integrate finance, business strategy, and mentorship has positioned him as an influential figure driving economic growth across Nigeria and beyond.
Recently, Adegbulugbe was inducted as the 17th Certified Professional in the Growth category, further cementing his role as a leader in business and financial innovation.
Speaking on his guiding principles, Adegbulugbe stated that the financial challenges young professionals face are multifaceted, and solutions must be both accessible and scalable. He reiterated that empowerment has been his driving force, as providing young entrepreneurs with the right financial tools enables them to control their futures, scale their businesses, and create a broader positive impact.
Founder, The Connected Awards, Qazeem Oladejo, commended Adegbulugbe’s leadership and innovation, acknowledging the significant impact of his work on the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Oladejo noted that Adegbulugbe’s ability to transform visionary ideas into real-world solutions has made a lasting difference. He emphasised that what distinguishes him is his focus on sustainable and inclusive growth, as his ventures aim to build legacies and transform communities rather than solely achieving financial success.
Through Pristin Capital, Adegbulugbe has developed a financial system that not only funds businesses but also provides structured solutions promoting long-term sustainability. Meanwhile, The Hive Incubator continues to support startups from ideation to execution, ensuring entrepreneurs have access to necessary tools for success. Additionally, Adegbulugbe’s energy venture, Gasify, is actively transforming Nigeria’s gas retail industry.
His leadership approach is rooted in collaboration and technology. He envisions a future where young entrepreneurs are empowered not only through financial capital but also through the knowledge and resources needed to build thriving businesses and generate employment opportunities.
Adegbulugbe reiterated that building successful startups in underserved regions requires more than just capital. He stressed the importance of fostering innovation, mentorship, and shared resources. He explained that investing in young professionals does not merely support businesses but also contributes to the future of Africa.
