Tope Awotona

Tope Awotona is a Nigerian–American tech entrepreneur known for founding the software company, Calendly. As of 2025, Forbes estimates his net worth at $1.4 Billion making him one of the richest Black Billionaires.

Early life and education Awotona was born in Lagos, Nigeria. His father was a microbiologist and entrepreneur; his mother worked at the local bank. Nevertheless, the two years helped him to assimilate and learn the culture while he planned to continue his father's legacy of entrepreneurship. He attended the University of Georgia, initially majoring in Computer Science, he later changed to Business Management Information Systems and graduated from Georgia's Terry College of Business His ethnicity is Yoruba.

Career Following graduation from the University of Georgia, Awotona held different corporate jobs, including working for IBM, before joining a startup company, Perceptive Software, as an accountant executive. There he was exposed to the functions of a software business. to create a communication and scheduling software company that became Calendly.

On 4 March 2025, Awotona was announced as the sole inductee into the Technology Association of Georgia's 2024 Technology Hall of Fame. The association recognized his contributions to the technology industry, including his role in building successful technology companies, creating jobs, fostering innovation, and supporting economic growth in Georgia.

On 4 July 2025, Awotona was named a recipient of the Carnegie Corporation of New York's Great Immigrants Award, recognizing him as a naturalized U.S. citizen who has made significant contributions to American society, democracy, and culture.