Dupsy Abiola: The Trailblazing Innovator Transforming Global Business and Climate Tech
Who is Dupsy Abiola?
Dupsy Abiola is a British–Nigerian entrepreneur, investor, and board director whose professional journey bridges law, technology, and global innovation. A graduate of the University of Oxford and the Inns of Court School of Law, she began her career as a commercial barrister before moving into the world of startups and corporate innovation. Today, Dupsy Abiola is widely recognised as a leading voice in emerging technologies, sustainable development, and inclusive entrepreneurship.
Her passion lies in driving progress that benefits both people and the planet. Over the past two decades, she has worked across industries from aviation and banking to climate technology, leading initiatives that redefine how businesses innovate.
Early Life and Education
Dupsy Abiola was born in London, England, and is the daughter of the late Chief M.K.O. Abiola, one of Nigeria’s most prominent entrepreneurs and political figures. Growing up in a diverse and ambitious household inspired her to combine intellect with impact. She attended South Hampstead High School (GDST), where she received several academic awards including the Frederica Lord Scholarship and the English-Speaking Union Scholarship.
Her academic excellence led her to New College, University of Oxford, where she studied Law (BA). During her time there, she was active in mooting, debating, and student representation. She later trained at the Inns of Court School of Law, earning a Lord Denning Scholarship and Eastham Pupillage Scholarship from the Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn — a recognition reserved for exceptional legal scholars.
In 2018, she furthered her business education at the University of California, Berkeley – Haas School of Business, completing an executive programme in Venture Capital and Investments.
From Barrister to Entrepreneur
After qualifying as a barrister, Dupsy joined DWF in London, where she handled high-profile commercial litigation. However, her entrepreneurial instincts soon guided her towards technology and innovation.
In 2010, she founded Intern Avenue, a data-driven recruitment platform designed to connect students and graduates with paid internships and entry-level jobs. The platform was ahead of its time — harnessing technology and data analytics to match young talent with employers.
Her innovation gained national attention when she appeared on BBC’s Dragons’ Den in 2012, where she impressed investors and became known as the “Dragons’ Den Slayer.” Intern Avenue served over 550 companies, including major blue-chip firms, and supported more than 75,000 candidates in securing meaningful employment.
Under her leadership, the startup won numerous accolades such as:
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Europa Award for Best Recruitment Startup in Europe (2013)
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Google Campus Mobile MVP Pitch Winner (2012)
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Innovate UK Technology Grant (2015)
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Cisco Big Innovation Semi-Finalist (2013)
In 2017, Intern Avenue was acquired by Bright Network, marking a successful exit for the entrepreneur.
Corporate Leadership and Innovation
Following her success in entrepreneurship, Dupsy transitioned to leading large-scale innovation within global corporations.
Head of Global Innovation – International Airlines Group (IAG)
From 2017 to 2023, she served as Head of Global Innovation at IAG — the parent company of British Airways, Iberia, Aer Lingus, and IAG Cargo. At IAG, she led Hangar 51, the company’s flagship innovation and corporate venture capital programme. Her work focused on accelerating R&D, investing in startups, and championing sustainability initiatives.
Under her leadership:
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IAG conducted over 500 R&D projects per year (pre-pandemic).
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The group invested in 12 startups, achieving two successful exits within four years.
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Sustainability projects included partnerships with ZeroAvia (hydrogen-powered aircraft) and LanzaJet (sustainable jet fuel).
Her work gained widespread recognition in technology and aviation circles, earning her features in The Times and other major publications.
World Economic Forum – Global Future Council Leader
From 2018 to 2023, Dupsy was part of the World Economic Forum’s Global Future Council on Mobility, where she helped shape discussions on sustainability, transport, and innovation. She contributed to white papers on urban mobility and true-cost pricing for air travel, influencing policy conversations at Davos and beyond.
VP Chief of Staff – Monzo Bank
Between 2023 and 2024, she served as VP and Chief of Staff at Monzo Bank, one of the UK’s most successful digital banks. There, she supported CEO TS Anil in scaling Monzo’s operations and advancing its mission to make money work for everyone.
Board Roles and Current Leadership
Essentra plc – Non-Executive Director
Since 2022, Dupsy has been a Non-Executive Director at Essentra, a FTSE 250 company and global manufacturer of industrial components. She sits on the Remuneration, Sustainability, and Nomination Committees, helping guide the company’s environmental and governance strategies. In 2024, she was shortlisted for the Dame Helen Alexander “NED to Watch” Award, a prestigious recognition of Britain’s most promising boardroom leaders.
Venture Café London – Strategic Advisor
As of 2025, Dupsy is a Strategic Advisor at Venture Café London, part of a global innovation network supported by the Advanced Research and Invention Agency (ARIA). Her role involves developing partnerships that unite leaders in AI, robotics, deep learning, quantum computing, and climate technology.
Founding Innovation Partner – Climate Tech Initiative
Since 2024, she has been a Founding Innovation Partner for a Climate Tech Initiative focused on accelerating innovation in decarbonisation and sustainability.
Honours and Recognition
Dupsy Abiola’s work has earned her a long list of accolades:
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Financial Times Top 100 Black and Ethnic Minority Leaders in Technology (2018)
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Computer Weekly Top 50 Most Influential Women in Tech (2020 & 2022)
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Evening Standard Entrepreneur of the Year Nominee (2017)
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The Guardian Power List: Top 100 Most Influential Black Britons (2016)
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Business Cloud Top 100 Women in Tech (2016)
Her achievements have also been highlighted in The Times, Financial Times, BBC, and Guardian.
Social Presence and Public Engagement
Beyond boardrooms and board meetings, Dupsy maintains a strong personal presence online. Her Instagram (@msabiola) and Twitter/X (@DupsyAbiola) accounts showcase a balance of professional insight and personal adventure. She describes herself as an “Ex-barrister and tech founder turned globetrotter”, reflecting her passion for travel, innovation, and lifelong curiosity.
Through these platforms, she often shares perspectives on entrepreneurship, sustainability, and the future of work — encouraging young professionals, especially women and under-represented founders, to pursue leadership in technology.
FAQs
1. What is Intern Avenue and how is Dupsy Abiola connected to it?
Intern Avenue was a recruitment technology platform founded by Dupsy Abiola to connect students and graduates with paid internships and entry-level roles. It helped thousands of young professionals find career opportunities before being acquired by Bright Network in 2017.
2. When did Dupsy Abiola appear on Dragons’ Den?
Dupsy Abiola appeared on BBC’s Dragons’ Den in 2012, where she pitched her company Intern Avenue and impressed investors with her vision to make recruitment more accessible through technology.
3. What is Dupsy Abiola’s educational background?
She studied Law at the University of Oxford (New College) and trained as a barrister at the Inns of Court School of Law, where she received the Lord Denning Scholarship. She also completed an executive programme in venture capital at the University of California, Berkeley – Haas School of Business.
4. What is Dupsy Abiola’s role at Venture Café London?
As a Strategic Advisor at Venture Café London, Dupsy Abiola supports innovation networks across the UK, working with the Advanced Research and Invention Agency (ARIA) to connect leaders in AI, robotics, and climate technology.
5. What industries has Dupsy Abiola worked in?
Dupsy has worked across multiple sectors — from law and technology to aviation and banking. Her roles at IAG (British Airways group) and Monzo Bank showcase her leadership in corporate innovation and emerging tech.
Legacy and Vision
Dupsy Abiola represents a new generation of innovation leaders who blend corporate influence with social purpose. Her trajectory from the courtroom to the cutting edge of global technology underscores her commitment to inclusive progress, sustainability, and ethical innovation.
In her own words, her mission is to “help organisations harness emerging technology to create better outcomes for people and the planet.” Whether she is advising startups, shaping sustainability strategy for a FTSE 250 firm, or mentoring founders at Venture Café, her impact is visible across industries and continents.
With her legal acumen, entrepreneurial spirit, and passion for social impact, Dupsy Abiola continues to inspire a generation of innovators who believe that technology can and should serve humanity’s greater good.
