How Design Drew Adeyemi Adetoyinbo to Tech

Adeyemi Adetoyinbo, a graphics designer with an impressive portfolio from various creative agencies and author of the book “Architects of the Future,” decided to learn a tech skill. During his time in the Techpreneurship program, he became recognized by peers not just for his creative and software engineering skills, but also for his love of business management.

“I was always a creative at heart,” Adeyemi recalls. “From watching my mother sew clothes to building things from scratch, I always wanted to build something.” This early passion laid the foundation for a career that evolved in unexpected ways.

Adeyemi’s formal journey into design began with basic computer training; he worked as an instructor and computer operator. “I had no idea that it would be a course that would chart my future,” he says. His design skills soon became a source of livelihood during his university years. While still a student, Adeyemi worked with creative agencies and wrote his debut book, “Architects of the Future.”

Soon, web design became Adeyemi’s obsession. Despite his achievements, he felt a pull towards learning more. Encouraged to venture into product design, he sought to understand more about tech. “I thought to myself, ‘If I learn just product design, I still won’t be able to understand what the guys at back end did,” he explains.

This curiosity led him to a pivotal conversation with his mentor, who directed him to a web development program. It was through this program that Adeyemi met Adeola Adefuye, who helped him find his way to Semicolon. “After having a taste of what tech was, I wanted more. The fact that the program at Semicolon was Techpreneurship made me more interested. I knew that you can’t be a good entrepreneur in tech if you don’t know how the product works,” Adeyemi states.

Adapting to the rigorous program was initially challenging. “The program was different and difficult — it was like moving away from my comfort zone. That one year was mind-shaping, and I’m still in awe of the things I learned, from design thinking to learning multiple programming languages, and finally business management with Henley Business School,” he reflects.

Semicolon provided Adeyemi with more than just skills; it gave him a robust network. He forged meaningful connections with peers like John Ebube Enyi and Timileyin Bamgbose, with whom he shares ideas and collaborates.

“Semicolon made me realize that I can always do more, and there’s no holding back anymore,” he asserts. Now, Adeyemi is focused on proving to himself that he can handle significant challenges. He has begun building his startup and is planning his second book.

“One thing I’ve learned is to live in the moment; the future will always secure itself. Nothing is more important to me right now than proving to myself that I can handle big things.”