Tom Adeyoola: Visionary Tech Entrepreneur and Executive Chair of Innovate UK
Who Is Tom Adeyoola?
Tom Adeyoola is a name synonymous with innovation, leadership, and the relentless pursuit of progress in technology, sustainability, and entrepreneurship. As the Executive Chair of Innovate UK, Adeyoola has become one of Britain’s most influential figures in the innovation ecosystem, guiding the nation’s efforts to turn cutting-edge research into real-world solutions. With over 25 years of experience in technology, product innovation, and strategic business growth, his career spans from pioneering digital fashion technology to championing diversity in venture capital and sustainability-focused enterprises.
Born in June 1977 in the United Kingdom to a Nigerian father and Norwegian mother, Adeyoola’s multicultural background and inclusive worldview have shaped his approach to business and leadership. Now in his late forties, he continues to inspire the next generation of innovators, blending commercial insight with a deep commitment to social and environmental impact.
Early Life and Education of Tom Adeyoola
Tom Adeyoola’s early education took place at St Paul’s School in London (1990–1995), where he demonstrated leadership potential from a young age. He served as Vice-Captain of the School, chaired the Politics and Economics Society, and represented his institution in the European Youth Parliament. Adeyoola’s involvement in sports—particularly rugby, athletics, and football—reflected his team-oriented mindset and competitive spirit.
He later pursued Economics at the University of Cambridge (1995–1998), where he graduated with MA (Hons). During his time at Cambridge, Adeyoola was a first-year representative, captain of the college football team, and a member of several extracurricular societies, including CADS Drama and Christ’s Voices. His studies in economics and his early exposure to innovation and collaboration laid the foundation for a career dedicated to bridging technology and social progress.
Tom Adeyoola’s Early Career in Business and Technology
After graduating, Adeyoola began his professional journey as a Business Analyst at ZS Associates (1999–2000). His analytical skills and strategic thinking quickly propelled him into roles with major technology and telecommunications companies, including Sportal Ltd (2000–2001), where he worked as a Commercial Integration Manager, and Three UK (2001–2002), where he served as a Financial Analyst.
His next major step came with Marquis Jet Europe (2002–2003), where he worked as Vice President of Strategy, contributing to the development of high-value client experiences in luxury aviation. Following that, Adeyoola joined Filmbank Distributors Ltd (2003–2004) as a Senior Analyst, focusing on media and entertainment partnerships. These experiences honed his ability to merge creative industries with data-driven strategy—an approach that would later define his entrepreneurial success.
Leadership at Inspired Gaming Group
Between 2005 and 2008, Adeyoola worked at Inspired Broadcast Networks and later Inspired Gaming Group, where he advanced from Strategy Analyst to Head of Gaming Products. His responsibilities included overseeing casino, bingo, and gaming software products across an international network of over 40,000 machines. Under his leadership, Inspired achieved over 70% UK market penetration within 18 months and expanded globally into Asia, Europe, and the United States.
Adeyoola’s tenure at Inspired Gaming was marked by innovation, operational excellence, and strategic foresight—qualities that would soon underpin his own entrepreneurial venture.
The Founding of Metail: Revolutionising Retail Technology
In 2008, Tom Adeyoola founded Metail, a retail technology company that revolutionised the fashion industry through virtual fitting technology. Metail’s mission was to make clothing fit for everyone by digitising garments for online try-ons. Combining artificial intelligence, computer vision, and physics modelling, Metail allowed consumers to create 3D body models and virtually “try on” clothing before purchase.
During Adeyoola’s 11-year leadership, Metail raised over $32 million, built a team of 40 employees including 11 PhDs, and produced more than 2.7 million consumer body models. The company secured 20 granted patents and collaborated with global brands such as Puma and Lidl. In July 2019, Metail was acquired by TAL Group, a Hong Kong-based apparel manufacturing giant that produces one in six men’s dress shirts sold in the United States.
Metail’s success not only showcased Adeyoola’s technological acumen but also positioned him as a pioneer in sustainable fashion tech—a field integrating innovation with environmental consciousness.
Extending Impact: Non-Executive and Advisory Roles
Following Metail’s acquisition, Tom Adeyoola channelled his expertise into advisory and board roles across a range of impactful ventures:
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Elvie (2013–2017): Non-Executive Director at a women’s health technology company that launched the world’s first silent wearable breast pump and smart pelvic floor trainer.
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Verco (2019–2023): Non-Executive Director helping the company triple in size and enhance its mission toward a zero-carbon world before its successful acquisition.
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Do Nation (2016–2024): Director of an environmental behaviour change platform promoting individual and corporate sustainability actions.
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SPOKE (2020–2024): Supported the company in integrating mindfulness, hip-hop, and spoken word to connect with Gen Z audiences.
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RUKA Hair (2020–Present): Advisor and investor in a brand producing premium hair extensions for black women, celebrating authentic texture diversity.
Through these ventures, Adeyoola solidified his reputation as a tech investor committed to inclusion, creativity, and environmental responsibility.
Championing Diversity: Extend Ventures and Capital Angel Network
Tom Adeyoola’s passion for equity in innovation led to the founding of Extend Ventures in 2020, a black-led, non-profit organisation dedicated to improving access to venture funding for underrepresented founders. Under his co-leadership, the group published the landmark “Diversity Beyond Gender” report—now a key reference for venture capital diversity analysis across the UK.
Extend Ventures expanded its collaborations with major partners including Innovate UK, Atomico, Nasdaq, and JP Morgan Foundation, influencing the funding landscape for ethnic minority entrepreneurs.
In 2022, Adeyoola also co-founded the Capital Angel Network (CAN), bringing together alumni from St Paul’s Girls’ School, St Paul’s Boys’ School, and Hammersmith Academy. The initiative builds a “virtuous flow of new capital” between alumni networks, schools, and businesses, creating opportunities for both independent and state-educated entrepreneurs.
Executive Leadership: Tom Adeyoola at Innovate UK
In April 2025, Tom Adeyoola assumed the role of Executive Chair (CEO) of Innovate UK, the United Kingdom’s official innovation agency under UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). Innovate UK drives national research and development, supporting sectors such as AI, sustainable fashion, clean energy, and the creative industries.
Under Adeyoola’s leadership, Innovate UK is expected to strengthen Britain’s position as a global innovation leader, ensuring that government-funded research translates into tangible, scalable economic growth. His appointment has been widely welcomed as a move toward modernising the organisation’s approach, focusing on diversity, climate-positive technologies, and industry collaboration.
His leadership vision integrates entrepreneurial agility with public service accountability, balancing innovation risk with societal value.
Board Memberships and Creative Pursuits
Beyond his corporate achievements, Adeyoola serves as a Non-Executive Director on the main board of Channel 4, contributing to the broadcaster’s Audit & Risk and Nominations Committees. His governance work ensures the continued alignment of Channel 4’s public mission—representing unheard voices—with modern business strategy.
Interestingly, Adeyoola’s creativity also extends beyond business. From 2002 to 2006, he managed and performed in a London-based post-funk band called Bussetti, blending jazz, hip-hop, and electronic styles. This early artistic experience mirrors his interdisciplinary approach to innovation—where creativity, data, and human insight meet.
Personal Life and Values
Tom Adeyoola lives in London and Cambridge with his wife and two daughters. His personal values are deeply shaped by his upbringing in a multicultural family and his parents’ emphasis on education, community, and hard work. His father, a Nigerian immigrant, and his mother, of Norwegian descent, both worked in public-facing roles that instilled in him the belief that progress should always serve people.
Today, Adeyoola continues to advocate for diversity in tech, ethical entrepreneurship, and sustainability-driven innovation—principles that echo throughout his professional and personal journey.
FAQs
1. How old is Tom Adeyoola?
Tom Adeyoola was born in June 1977, which makes him 48 years old as of 2025.
2. Who is Tom Adeyoola’s wife?
Tom Adeyoola is married, though his wife’s name has not been publicly disclosed. He has mentioned that his wife inspired the idea behind his fashion-tech company Metail, when she expressed frustration about the difficulty of finding clothes that fit properly online. The couple live in London and Cambridge with their two daughters.
3. Who are Tom Adeyoola’s parents?
Tom Adeyoola was born in the UK to a Nigerian father and a Norwegian mother. His father worked as a bus driver, and his mother worked in day nurseries, shaping his belief in hard work, humility, and social responsibility.
4. What is Tom Adeyoola known for?
He is best known as the Founder of Metail, a pioneering fashion technology company, and currently serves as the Executive Chair of Innovate UK. His work focuses on innovation, sustainability, diversity in tech, and digital entrepreneurship.
5. What is Tom Adeyoola’s educational background?
Tom Adeyoola studied Economics at the University of Cambridge, where he earned an MA (Hons) degree. Before that, he attended St Paul’s School in London, where he was a student leader, athlete, and society chair.
Conclusion: Tom Adeyoola’s Enduring Legacy
From a Cambridge-educated economist to the Executive Chair of Innovate UK, Tom Adeyoola has built a career defined by curiosity, courage, and compassion. His work with Metail transformed online fashion. His leadership with Extend Ventures and Innovate UK demonstrates his commitment to creating a more equitable, sustainable innovation ecosystem.
In every role—entrepreneur, investor, advisor, and mentor—Adeyoola embodies the essence of modern British leadership: technologically advanced, socially conscious, and globally minded. His journey stands as a testament to what can be achieved when innovation serves both profit and purpose.
