M51 Community Spotlight: Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges - A Conversation with Ayo from Alberta Innovates

Meet Ayo, Champion of Capital Access and Founder of the Black Business Venture Association

In the world of innovation, few individuals sit at the intersection of finance, technology, and community building quite like Ayo. With a career spanning investment and commercial banking and the public sector, Ayo has spent years championing entrepreneurs and driving meaningful change. As a leader at Alberta Innovates and the Co-Founder of both the Black Business Ventures Association (BBVA) and Clavis Studio, he is dedicated to expanding access to capital, supporting underrepresented founders, and pushing the boundaries of AI in interior design. 

We sat down with Ayo to explore his journey, the evolution of his work, and his insights on the future of innovation. 

A Career Rooted in Innovation and Impact 

Ayo’s career has been anything but linear. Initially set on becoming an aeronautic engineer, he pivoted into finance, working in investment and commercial banking before transitioning to the public sector. His shift to Alberta Innovates was a turning point—one fueled by his passion for supporting entrepreneurs and advancing technology. 

Beyond his role at Alberta Innovates, Ayo co-founded Black Business Venture Association (BBVA), an organization dedicated to empowering underrepresented founders in tech. “Everyone should have access,” he says. “Breaking barriers, building bridges, and connecting people to resources is what truly drives me.” He also co-founded Clavis Studio, a tech platform that merges AI and interior design, helping users bring their creative visions to life. 

One of his latest projects is the Movement51 Founder Lab, launched in partnership with Alberta Innovates. "We recognize the importance of supporting diverse founders and ensuring they have the tools to grow their businesses," he notes. 

Looking Ahead: The Future of Technology and Business 

As Alberta Innovates continues to evolve, Ayo is focused on expanding access to capital access for startups and scale-ups in Alberta through various initiatives he’s leading. At BBVA, the goal is to deepen its impact and grow alongside the founders it supports. 

When it comes to the broader tech landscape, Ayo is keeping a close eye on AI’s rapid evolution. “AI models are redefining what’s possible,” he notes. “I predict Agentic AI will soon be the norm—running as personalized assistants that understand your peculiar preferences, personality, and needs, combined with deep knowledge across disciplines to enhance human efficiency. But with that comes challenges around privacy, security, and our ability to distinguish between reality and AI-generated content or AI-driven interactions.” 

Words of Wisdom for Founders 

For those embarking on their entrepreneurial journey, Ayo offers practical advice: “It’s hard. A lot of people make it look glamorous, but the truth is, it takes grit and commitment. The key is to never lose sight of why you started—when you see the impact of your work, it is rewarding and motivates you to keep going.” 

His advice for women navigating funding and leadership challenges? “Step out of your comfort zone to ask for support and referrals. Seek coaching and mentorship from community members who have knowledge and years of experience in what you’re trying to do or something similar. Leverage non-dilutive funding such as grants as you plan your financing strategy, which could include private capital as well” And the best advice he’s ever received? “Slow down. Appreciate the moment. Startups expand and contract, but even if one doesn’t succeed, the value it creates—the lives it impacts—matters.” 

As The51 and Movement51 continue to support female founders, Ayo is proud to see partnerships such as these with Alberta Innovates to drive meaningful change. “The work you’re doing is critical,” he says. “It’s important, it aligns with our mandates, and it’s something I deeply appreciate being a part of.” 

From breaking barriers to building bridges, Ayo’s journey is a testament to the power of passion for tech, resilience, and community.