In Lagos, Nigeria, a young Ayo Disu’s world was shaped by the bustling energy of enterprise and the meticulous world of tax governance.
Ayo's mother, a director in the tax office for the revenue service, and his father, an entrepreneur, provided a backdrop of business acumen and leadership that would come to define Disu’s own entrepreneurial spirit.
It was this fusion of fiscal discipline and entrepreneurial zeal that sparked Disu’s curiosity in the world of business. At the tender age of 16, a pivotal encounter with a private equity firm owner would set him on a path of discovery. “I was just very curious,” Disu shares, “one of the books that my dad gave was about Warren Buffet, and I soon got into the concept of private equity.”
This curiosity earned him an internship and Disu’s journey took him from the shores of Nigeria to the prestigious Cass Business School, where he was surrounded by ambitious peers, further igniting his love for business. Despite a brief stint back in Lagos, working on digital transformation and fundraising initiatives, Disu felt the need to rescale himself, leading him to specialise in innovation at the University of London.
It was there that Disu stumbled upon a concept that would shape his future: the search fund. “This concept of a search fund, which I’d never heard about in my life, was basically a combination of private equity and entrepreneurship,” he explains. The idea of buying and growing a business, as opposed to starting from scratch, resonated with him deeply.
With a focus on e-commerce and FMCG, akin to his father’s business, Disu envisioned creating a conglomerate of small family-run businesses. His academic excellence, marked by awards for both his business plan and thesis, underscored his potential. Yet, it was the practical application of his ideas that truly captivated him. On November 15, 2020, Disu’s vision materialised with the establishment of Octillion Capital.
Octillion Capital: Embracing the Underdog Status
Ayo Disu’s entrepreneurial spirit demonstrates the power of self-belief in the face of scepticism. “I initially encountered sceptical reactions to my ideas, but I liked it because it meant that I was underestimated,” he says. “People didn’t see me as a threat,” Disu recalls, and this perception allowed him to operate under the radar, turning disbelief into a personal motivator. “If people don’t believe in me, I’m just going to believe in myself even more,” he asserts, a mindset that has been a cornerstone of his approach to business.
Capital was another hurdle, intertwined with the need for experience. “Before we bought our first business, I know we probably looked at over 200 deals,” Disu admits, highlighting the relentless pursuit and resilience required to break through in the industry. Despite numerous rejections, Disu and his team persevered, transitioning from selling a mere concept to presenting a proven track record. This shift from concept to credibility marks a significant milestone for Octillion Capital. Disu’s unwavering belief in his vision and his ability to leverage initial challenges as opportunities for growth have been pivotal in the company’s evolution.
Along with his Octillion co-founder, Kunle Campbell, Disu has set his sights on a mission that transcends mere profit-making. “Our mission is to fight this epidemic of toxic and ultra processed foods,” Disu declares, pinpointing the detrimental impact of such products on society’s well-being. Octillion’s focus is clear: to champion the cause of healthy consumption in the sectors of food and beverage and health and beauty.
Disu’s approach is not just about offering alternatives; it’s about fostering a culture of informed choices and education over coercion. This philosophy extends to Octillion’s brands, like Lean Caffeine, which prides itself on being free from mycotoxins, pesticides, and heavy metals, embodying the company’s commitment to clean, traceable, and beneficial products.
With all of this, it comes as no surprise that for Ayo leadership is about integrity. “A good leader is one that is honest and self-aware,” he states, emphasising the importance of acknowledging one’s own deficiencies while striving for a greater cause. Disu believes in the symbiotic relationship between profit and purpose, asserting that “profit is a force multiplier for good.”
Octillion’s ultimate goal for their brands is to create a long-term bond with customers. “Our brand is your friend for life, and it’s a good friend,” he says, encapsulating the essence of what Octillion seeks to achieve: a relationship with customers built on trust, quality, and a shared vision for a healthier life. It’s a call to action for mindful consumption and a healthier future, championed by leaders who believe in the power of profit to propagate good.
Forging Ahead: Octillion Capital’s Visionary Path
When it comes to the future, Disu’s blueprint is not just ambitious but also altruistic. Whilst emphasising the importance of financial health across the portfolio, profitability is not the sole endgame; Disu is equally focused on the societal impact. The envisaged Octillion store, a physical embodiment of the company’s ethos, would showcase their brands alongside emerging ones, fostering a community of innovation. It’s a concept that mirrors the success of trailblazers, yet with a unique Octillion twist.
Disu’s long-term vision encapsulates a dual mission: to nurture and acquire brands that align with Octillion’s values and to “leave the world in a better place than we found it.” It’s a sentiment that resonates deeply with the company’s ethos of progress and philanthropy. Collaboration is a cornerstone of the company’s strategy, as Disu acknowledges the synergy between capital and policy. “We work with people that are in the policy world because that’s where a lot of the things will really take shape,” he explains.
Disu’s parting words serve as an open invitation to join their mission: “If there’s anyone that’s interested in our mission. then reach out to us.” It’s a call to action for those who share their vision of a profitable yet impactful future.
