Dupsy Abiola
Modupeola Abiola | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:B-da North London, United Kingdom |
| Nationality | British |
| Other names | "Dupsy" Abiola |
| Occupation | |
| Known for | Intern Avenue, Dragons' Den |
| Parents |
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Modupeola "Dupsy" Abiola (born March 1982) is a British-Nigerian entrepreneur and business leader, currently holding the position of Global Innovation Officer at International Airlines Group (IAG). She is the founder and CEO of Intern Avenue, a digital platform designed to connect students and recent graduates with potential employers. In 2013, Dupsy was recognized on the Thomson Reuters Power List as one of the most influential black female entrepreneurs in the UK. Her profile was further elevated after securing investment from Peter Jones during her appearance on the tenth series of BBC’s Dragons' Den.
Early life
Dupsy was born in London and is the daughter of Chief M.K.O. Abiola, a notable Nigerian businessman and philanthropist, and his wife Dele Abiola. Growing up in North London alongside her mother and five siblings, she exhibited entrepreneurial talent early on by creating a successful puzzle magazine business at just nine years old. Her father’s enduring legacy played a crucial role in shaping her professional aspirations.
Family life
Her father, who held the title of 14th Aare Ona Kakanfo among the Yoruba people, was a distinguished advocate for civil rights and democracy in Nigeria. He won the country’s first free presidential election in June 1993; however, the military government annulled the results and subsequently detained him indefinitely. This sparked widespread national and international condemnation, with figures such as U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan calling for his release. The era was marked by protests and political violence affecting civil rights activists and members of the Abiola family. Chief Abiola passed away unexpectedly on 7 July 1998—the day he was due to be freed—when Dupsy was sixteen years old. The unresolved nature of his death remains a deeply personal matter for her.
Education
Despite facing significant challenges during her upbringing, Dupsy achieved academic distinction, earning awards including the Frederica Lord Bursary and an International English Speaking Union Scholarship. She completed her secondary education at South Hampstead High School before pursuing law at New College, Oxford. While at Oxford, she served as an elected member of the JCR committee and was actively involved in public speaking and legal debates. In 2004, fashion designer Tom Ford publicly commended her during an event at the Oxford Union.
Legal career
Following university, Dupsy was awarded both the Lord Denning and Eastham Scholarships by the Honourable Society of Lincoln's Inn and embarked on her legal profession at the Bar. After completing her studies at Inns of Court School of Law, she was called to the Bar in 2006. She undertook her pupillage at 22 Old Buildings before working as an employed barrister within private practice. Her caseload included challenging and high-profile matters such as litigation related to Wembley Stadium.
Intern Avenue
After departing from her legal profession, Dupsy embarked on her initial entrepreneurial journey by founding Intern Avenue in late 2010. This London-based platform officially launched in the autumn of 2012, coinciding with the city's expanding technology sector, and attracted favorable coverage from national outlets and tech publications such as Wired. The website ceased operations by January 2023.
In November 2018, Abiola earned a spot on the Financial Times list highlighting the 'Top 100 minority ethnic leaders in technology.'
International Airlines Group
In January 2018, she took on the role of Global Innovation Chief at the International Airlines Group.
Television and reception
Dupsy featured on Channel Four in February 2012, engaging in a discussion about entrepreneurship alongside Business Minister Mark Prisk MP. On 7 October 2012, she presented Intern Avenue on BBC's Dragons' Den during Season 10, Episode 5, where she secured investment proposals from prominent entrepreneurs Peter Jones and Hilary Devey. This marked the first successful pitch by a recruitment company on Dragons' Den since 2004. Peter Jones commended her as a "genuine entrepreneur in the making" and described her pitch as "exceptional."
External links
- 21st-century English businesspeople
- 21st-century English lawyers
- 1982 births
- Living people
- Businesspeople from London
- English people of Nigerian descent
- English people of Yoruba descent
- Alumni of New College, Oxford
- Yoruba businesswomen
- Yoruba businesspeople
- Abiola family
- Yoruba women lawyers
- Yoruba lawyers
- 21st-century Black British women
- 21st-century Black British people
- 21st-century English businesswomen
- 21st-century English women lawyers
- People educated at South Hampstead High School