Flutterwave, a Nigerian fintech company has been named a “pioneer” on TIME’s 2021 list of the 100 Most Influential Companies in the World.
In a list, which includes big guns like Apple, Twitter, and Stripes, the Nigerian firm makes history as the only African company on the list for this year. The list which was divided into five (5) categories is of Pioneers, Leaders, Innovators, Disruptors, and Titans.
TIME reports that Flutterwave was chosen for its efforts geared at recharging retailers following the pandemic which slowed travel in Nigeria.
Flutterwave co-founder and CEO, Olugbenga Agboola explained that the digital payment provider launched a free promotion called ‘keeping the lights on’.
Amid the pandemic lockdowns that devastated businesses in Africa, the digital-payment service was able to rapidly set up digital storefronts for 20,000 customers, throwing them a lifeline.
Agboola compares the infrastructure of digital transactions across nations and platforms, “You don’t want to think about it, you just want it to work.”
Recall that Flutterwave emerged to tech-unicorn status in March when it secured $170 million in Series C funding from global investors, valuing the company at more than $1 billion.
However, TIME gathered nominations from its global network of editors and correspondents, as well as industry experts, to compile the list. Health care, entertainment, transportation, technology, and a range of other industries are among those represented in the 100-name list.
The relevance, impact, innovation, leadership, ambition, and success of each company were then evaluated.
Other companies listed under ‘Pioneers’ include Rihanna’s SAVAGE X FENTY, Bumble, Beyond Meat, Hello Sunshine, Strava, Klutch Sports Group.
