Allaire’s IT Management Consulting Firm Honors Tope Awotona for Black History Month
In celebration of Black History Month, Allaire’s IT Management Consulting Firm proudly recognizes the remarkable achievements of Tope Awotona, the visionary founder of Calendly, Startup Runway, and a distinguished keynote speaker.
You’ve undoubtedly heard of it if you’re not already using Calendly. Since its launch in 2013, Calendly has revolutionized scheduling, becoming a widely used tool for professionals and businesses worldwide. Awotona, a trailblazing tech entrepreneur, has built an empire, with Forbes estimating his net worth at $1.4 billion as of 2025—placing him among the wealthiest Black entrepreneurs in the world.
Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Awotona was raised in an entrepreneurial family. His father, a microbiologist and entrepreneur, and his mother, a banking professional, instilled in him a strong work ethic. According to Inc.com, his family had a long-standing tradition of business ownership—his grandmother operated a textile business, his mother and aunt co-owned a pharmacy, and his father left a corporate career to launch multiple ventures. However, tragedy struck when Awotona was just 12 years old—he witnessed his father’s passing in a carjacking. Seeking new opportunities, his family relocated to Marietta, Georgia, in 1996 when he was 15.
Demonstrating academic excellence, Awotona graduated high school two years early and was accepted into college at 15. He later earned a degree from the University of Georgia and pursued a career in software sales. Yet, his entrepreneurial spirit was relentless. After several unsuccessful ventures—including a dating site and e-commerce businesses—his breakthrough came in 2012. Frustrated with the inefficiency of scheduling meetings, he envisioned a seamless solution, leading to the creation of Calendly in September 2013. He brought his startup to Atlanta Tech Village, a renowned incubator, where he secured critical funding and support.
Today, according to Forbes, Calendly continues to thrive with a fully remote workforce and an impressive 10 million users worldwide. Awotona remains the majority owner and CEO, solidifying his place as one of America’s most successful immigrant entrepreneurs.
We celebrate Tope Awotona for his extraordinary accomplishments and enduring impact on the tech industry. His journey inspires us, reminding us that perseverance, innovation, and resilience can lead to remarkable success.
