About us
Founded on lessons learned the hard way.
Our story
Talent isn't the problem. Access is.
IADEBAYO Foundation was born from one entrepreneur's conviction that building a business shouldn't be harder than it needs to be.
Dare Adebayo started his first business shortly after secondary school and his second while still at university. Like many first-time founders, he learned through trial and error — navigating setbacks, making costly mistakes, and spending long periods trying to figure things out without the guidance of experienced entrepreneurs.
What transformed his journey wasn't working harder; it was gaining access to the right support. Through startup accelerator programmes, he found mentors, practical business education, and a community of founders who challenged his thinking and accelerated his growth. Those experiences changed not only the way he built businesses but also the opportunities available to him.
Across Africa, countless talented young entrepreneurs don't struggle because they lack ambition or potential. They struggle because they lack timely access to practical knowledge, experienced mentors, and a supportive entrepreneurial community.
Determined to help close that gap, Dare founded Embark Entrepreneurship Academy — the flagship programme of IADEBAYO Foundation.
Through Embark, we provide free entrepreneurship education, experienced mentors, and a collaborative community for undergraduates, recent graduates, and early-stage entrepreneurs across Africa, equipping them to build sustainable, high-impact businesses.
Our mission is simple: to ensure the next generation of African entrepreneurs begins its journey with the guidance, knowledge, and support that many founders only wish they had from day one.
Vision
To be the foremost organization grooming young people to be entrepreneurs and change-makers.
Mission
Provide a platform to inspire, groom, empower, and mentor young people to acquire skills, become creative, innovative, and enterprising.
Our impact
The story so far, in numbers.
What we believe
Five convictions guide everything we do.
- Entrepreneurship can be taught.
- Young people should have access to practical entrepreneurial education early.
- Sustainable businesses create sustainable communities.
- Mentorship accelerates success.
- Leadership and character are as important as business skills.
Our core values
How we show up.
Our team
United by a shared belief.
With diverse expertise across business, education, technology, operations, and leadership, we are dedicated to supporting young entrepreneurs with the knowledge, mentorship, and opportunities they need to succeed.
