This Nigerian diaspora founder is using AI to predict healthcare risks in the US
In this edition of Techpoint Diaspora, Tolu Fagbola shares how his background in telecoms, training, and education technology led him to build an AI-powered platform tackling preventable healthcare emergencies in the United States.
From pioneering early learning management systems for Nigerian banks in 2008 to processing billions of naira through his edtech venture, LearnFlo, Tolu Fagbola has spent over two decades bridging the gap between raw technical talent and market-ready solutions.
Now, alongside his brother, a US Army veteran and computer scientist, he is taking on the US healthcare system with Vimedra. By using voice AI and predictive algorithms to solve social needs, he aims to tackle one of healthcare’s most expensive problems: preventing emergencies among underserved populations.
In this edition of Techpoint Diaspora, Fagbola shares his journey from the UK telecommunications sector to building a self-funded tech empire that spans continents.
From Nigeria to the UK
I was born in London, but my roots are Nigerian. I had my primary and secondary school education in Nigeria, and even spent a year at the University of Ilorin. A university strike interrupted my studies, and I moved back to the UK at 18 to continue my education.
Before finding my path, I experimented academically. I started with Law but quickly realised I wasn’t going to be a lawyer. So, I switched to Communications, eventually completing my first degree in Communications and Visual Culture, followed by a Master’s in Communications Management, and later, another Master’s in Organisational Psychology and Behaviour.
My professional career began in Telecommunications around 2003. Working in training and development, I became fascinated by how technology impacts learning. Back then, I literally imagined robots standing in front of people, teaching. That curiosity led me to explore Learning Management Systems (LMS) long before digital learning became mainstream.
Building LearnFlo before EdTech was cool
In 2008, a friend of mine based in the US was building a learning management system. He would often stop over in London on his way to Nigeria, and so we decided to partner, merging his IT expertise with my training background.
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