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Resilience and Reward: How a Hackathon Sparked a Global Opportunity

Adventure Travel

November 22nd, 2022, marked a pivotal moment when 22-year-old Oluwadamilare Ololade emerged victorious at the inaugural Tourism Hackathon Nigeria. His winning innovation, Travel Bunny, was a testament to his talent and ingenuity. While Damilare celebrated his well-deserved triumph over 26 other bright participants, behind the scenes, a less visible but equally crucial journey unfolded.

The path to launching the hackathon had been fraught with challenges. Initial local support proved elusive, with numerous doors closing and promises unkept. However, a turning point arrived with the invaluable support of the UN Tourism (formerly UNWTO) team. Even then, the crucial element of a winner’s prize remained unsecured until the eleventh hour. A representative from UNWTO offered a game-changing proposition: sponsoring the winner’s attendance at a global UN conference in 2023. It was an opportunity seized without hesitation.

The subsequent year was a whirlwind, dedicated to bringing the second edition of the hackathon to life. This endeavor was a true labor of love, made possible by the unwavering commitment of a resilient team and loyal collaborators who refused to be discouraged.

Throughout the uncertainties, Damilare’s conduct was exemplary. Despite delays in the realization of his prize trip, he remained patient, focused, and incredibly gracious. His integrity served as a powerful motivator, fueling the determination to persevere.

Last year saw our paths diverge in exciting ways. Damilare’s innovative spirit led him to another significant victory, securing a substantial ₦10 million (~ USD 6,000) grant and technical support at Wema Bank’s Hackaholics 5.0. Simultaneously, I had the honor of speaking at the 1st UN Tourism Africa & Americas Summit in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

As time moved forward and the intensity of those early days began to recede, an unexpected email arrived last week, bringing with it a profound sense of fulfillment.

The 2nd UN Tourism Africa & Americas Summit is scheduled to take place next month in Livingstone, Zambia. And representing Nigeria on this global stage will be none other than Oluwadamilare Ololade. 🙌🏾🇳🇬

The joy this news brings is difficult to articulate. A vision nurtured over the years has come full circle.
Deep gratitude is owed to the incredible individuals who played a vital role in this journey: Natalia Bayona and ELCIA GRANDCOURT, thank you for your unwavering belief in this vision. Addaia Arizmendi, your behind-the-scenes magic was indispensable. Ifeoma Okafor-Obi, Niyi Aderibigbe, Segun Ogunleye, and Dr. Hakeem Onasanya, thank you for your crucial local incubation support.

To my dedicated team – Tope, Shade, Wemimo, Jide, Ovo, Sadiq, and John – your tireless efforts were the bedrock of this success. And thank you, Amaka, for providing us with a platform in Year 2.

Together, we have transformed an initial idea into an impactful platform that has:
✅ Supported 15 promising startups,
✅ Empowered over 150 tech-savvy entrepreneurs
✅ Received international recognition at the G20 India Summit 2023 as a leading model for digitalization in tourism.

My commitment to championing innovation and nurturing talent across the African continent remains steadfast. I am always eager to collaborate with those who share this vision.

Here’s to the power of bold ideas, the resilience of dedicated builders, and the enduring nature of dreams.
Let’s continue to build together. 💛🌍

Who is afraid of failure?

Life

3x startup founder, but where are your battle scars? Here’s one right here.
We would stay committed until there’s nothing left to give.
And when there’s nothing left to give, we would burn it to the ground.
Just so that another rose can grow from that concrete.
Reset, recharge and then go again.
Drown out the voices that tell you that you aren’t good enough.

“You can’t fake influence” – KDot 2025

Saved by the Clock

Life

A Night to Remember at the Communitech Startup Bootcamp Showcase

Some moments in life are exciting and emotional, this was one of them. Stepping onto the stage to present KintraceAI for the first time at the Communitech Startup Bootcamp Showcase was a moment I won’t forget. The room was full of energy, with founders and an engaged audience. You’d never guess it was freezing outside.

My presentation started smoothly. I talked about KintraceAI, our mission, and the work we’re doing. But as I reached the end, I got to the most personal part, why this project means so much to me. KintraceAI isn’t just about technology; it’s about keeping memories alive, starting with my late father’s story. We’re using KintraceAI to create his autobiography so that his experiences and wisdom live on.

At that moment, emotions took over. It became hard to speak. Just when I felt overwhelmed, the clock saved me. I had run out of time and had to step off the stage.

The night was full of emotions, pride, gratitude, and reflection. But more than anything, I feel thankful. Thankful for the chance to share KintraceAI, for the amazing founders who shared their visions, and for the startup community that keeps pushing forward.

A big congratulations to every founder who participated, and a special shout-out to the winners, Dimitri Njila and Adanna Amechi. This is just the beginning. There’s a long journey ahead, but we’re building something truly meaningful.

To everyone who has supported me, thank you. Your belief in this mission keeps me going.

Here’s to keeping memories alive and shaping the future. Let’s keep building.

Kintrace Merch Has Landed!

Stuff

Where to begin? First off, a huge shoutout to the talented designers at Greyscale Design Co., led by Jide Akinlabi – they did an absolute madness with the brand identity! I still remember the excitement when I first saw the logo; it instantly stood out from the pack.

Now, seeing it on the merch, I’m convinced we made the right choice. The design just pops!

See if you can interpret the logo. There are at least two visual representations in it—Bonus points if you get the third one that recently emerged (because good things always work in 3’s 😉).

Special thanks to my friend CAN LIAO for making this happen. Your support means the world!

Also, I’m thrilled to say that 2025 is off to a flyer – exciting things are already in motion, and the Kintrace journey is just getting started. 🚀

Stay tuned for more updates from the Kintrace community. Let’s make this year unforgettable!

2024 LinkedIn Rewind by Coauthor

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In 2024, I discovered that reinvention isn’t just about changing direction – it’s about having the courage to bring your whole story.

When I shared my story about having a “toxic relationship with entrepreneurship” early this year, I didn’t expect it to become a transformation catalyst. Yet here we are, with Kintrace officially incorporated and a community of 3,000+ followers joining our mission to ensure no story is lost.

Key moments that shaped our journey:

→ Successfully completed the Communitech Startup Bootcamp
→ Spoke at the 1st UN Tourism Africa & Americas Summit
→ Advanced through the MBET program at the University of Waterloo
→ Built Kintrace from concept to incorporated company
→ Grew LinkedIn community by 150% (mostly on days when nothing seemed to happen)

Three posts that resonated deeply with our community:

“Toxic Relationship with Entrepreneurship”
On the courage to start again in a new country
“After over a decade of hard work, I was exhausted. I felt like I had little to show for it regarding success…”
https://lnkd.in/gGPtC8sR

“Loss, Love, and Legacy”
On honoring my father’s memory through purposeful work
“My father was the embodiment of integrity, compassion, and strength…”
https://lnkd.in/gGNK7MG9

“KintraceAI is Now Officially Incorporated!”
On persistence leads to momentum
“Through consistency, I managed to grow by over 150% followers this year…”
https://lnkd.in/g6AM9dpf

Looking ahead: 2025 is about scaling Kintrace’s impact while staying true to our mission – helping families preserve their stories and cultural heritage. We’re not just building a platform; we’re creating a legacy.

To every immigrant carrying their story across borders, to every entrepreneur rebuilding after setbacks, and to my father whose legacy guides every step – our stories matter. They deserve to be preserved, shared and celebrated.

Join us: www.kintrace.ai

Exciting Updates Ahead

Life

I’ve got a couple of updates to share!

✨ KintraceAI is now officially incorporated! Whoop whoop! 🎉

Yesterday, we reached out to 75 of our earliest supporters, those who’ve helped shape our product with invaluable feedback. Your input has been crucial, and we’re so grateful for your support!

Now, let’s dive into something I’ve been reflecting on: Has my LinkedIn activity paid off? 🤔

At first, I said “Yes” without hesitation, but I decided to back it up with data. Here’s what I found:

📈 I’m about to hit 3,000 followers (up from 2,994 when I started drafting this post). While that might not sound huge, over 1,200 followers joined this year alone, averaging 100 new followers per month.

What’s fascinating? Most days, I gained zero followers. But through consistent posting, I grew by 150% this year, proving that persistence pays off.

This mirrors the entrepreneurial journey, with lots of ups and downs, but with steady effort, growth is inevitable.

But beyond the numbers, LinkedIn has opened incredible doors for me:
🌍 A private conversation with the Chief Brand Officer of one of the world’s most valuable companies, a surreal moment.
🎯 Found a reliable assistant after years of struggling with recruitment. A true game-changer.

Here’s the kicker: I’m not a LinkedIn guru. I’ve simply committed to posting at least once a week (sometimes more, sometimes less). Imagine if I developed an actual strategy. That’s definitely on my 2025 to-do list.

So, yes, LinkedIn has brought both quantitative and qualitative benefits. Thank you to my 3,000+ followers for being part of this amazing journey. Here’s to the next 3,000 and beyond!

🚀 Join our waitlist if you haven’t already: www.kintrace.ai

Kintrace is Growing!

Adventure Life Stuff

At Kintrace, our journey has been anything but straightforward. What began six years ago as a simple hypothesis has evolved into an AI-driven storytelling platform redefining how families preserve their heritage.

Our path has been marked by persistence, pivots, and a deep commitment to solving a fundamental human need: keeping family stories alive. We underwent a critical reset after relocating to Canada and enrolling in the Conrad School of Entrepreneurship and Business. Our focus shifted entirely to customer validation, ensuring that our platform meets the needs of families wanting to document their unique narratives.

We’re proud to embrace an African proverb that resonates deeply with our mission: “It takes a village to raise a child.” At Kintrace, this isn’t just a saying it’s our operational philosophy. Our growth is a collective effort, supported by a community of storytellers who believe in our vision.

Recently, we experienced a significant milestone that validates our approach. A family channel, already experienced in documenting stories, chose to migrate their entire network of storytellers to our platform. This 43.33% community growth is more than a number, it’s a testament to the trust families are placing in Kintrace to preserve their most precious memories.

We’re building more than a platform. We’re creating a future where no story is lost, and where every family narrative is cherished and preserved through cutting-edge AI technology. Our commitment is simple: empower families to document, share, and protect their unique histories.

In the coming weeks, we’ll be showcasing the transformative power of Kintrace. We invite you to be part of this exciting movement. Join our waitlist and help us ensure that your family’s stories continue to inspire generations to come.

Together, we’re keeping stories alive.

Graduation Day

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After an incredible 6 weeks, I’m thrilled to share that I’ve completed the Communitech #StartupBootcamp! The journey concluded with Storytelling Pitches to an amazing panel of experts:
  • Steve Currie, VP at Graphite Ventures
  • Andrew Moss, Founder of Circle of Impact Community
  • Ellen Johnson, Founder Success Manager, Communitech
  • Matthew Robertson, Director of Capital Services, Communitech

From pitching KintraceAI at the University of Waterloo (8 pitches, 10 minutes each) to this 3-minute, no-slides challenge. I’ve grown immensely (even if I went 6 seconds over 👀).

The bootcamp was a game-changer, thanks to:
✅ Top-notch programming and curriculum
✅ Brilliant growth coaches and advisors
✅ Unparalleled support from Communitech

Special thanks to Angela Bruce and Justine Leblanc for their stellar leadership, and to my incredible cohort—you’ve set the bar high!

💡 Can’t wait for our January pitch event with family and friends. Stay tuned!

Here’s to building community and pushing boundaries. Here’s to Communitech! 🙌

Finding Inspiration: Where Stories Come to Life

Adventure Life Nature Travel

“We need stories to understand ourselves.” – Salman Rushdie

At Kintrace, we believe that inspiration for storytelling can be found in the most unexpected places. Recently, our journey of discovery led us through a day of meaningful exploration that reinforced our mission to preserve family narratives.

To commemorate our 6th anniversary, we embarked on a journey through Waterloo’s rich tapestry of stories. Our day began in a local bookstore, where we encountered Yahaya Baruwa, author of “Struggles of a Dreamer” – a powerful novel chronicling an immigrant’s journey. Baruwa’s own story is remarkable; his family emigrated to Canada in 2001 when he was 12, and his novel has resonated with over 55,000 readers.

The Waterloo Museum’s exhibition, “Waterloo From Above 200 Years of Change,” offered a profound testament to the power of preserving stories. The exhibition traced the city’s transformation from early Indigenous communities to its current vibrant landscape. One particularly moving narrative was that of Levi Carroll, a Black freedom seeker whose family history is deeply interwoven with Waterloo and Kitchener’s historical fabric.

What struck us most was the exhibition’s innovative approach to storytelling. Historic maps, aerial images, and even LEGO recreations of iconic structures demonstrated the myriad ways we can connect with and preserve our past. It’s a reminder that stories are not just about words, but about creating meaningful connections across time and space.

These experiences reaffirmed Kintrace’s core mission: building a future where no story is lost. Every family has a unique narrative waiting to be discovered, preserved, and shared.

We’re curious: Where do you find inspiration for stories? What narratives in your family or community deserve to be remembered?

At Kintrace, we’re committed to helping you capture and celebrate those irreplaceable moments that define who we are.

A Week of Loss, Love, and Legacy

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This past week was one of the most challenging times in my life, filled with both deep sorrow and unexpected moments of hope.

Sunday morning brought the heartbreaking news of my dad’s passing. Even in grief, life continued. I completed a group presentation on Tuesday, drawing strength from the values my father taught me.

   

On Wednesday, I attended Communitech Week 2. Charles Plant shared new ways to measure market sizing, and Heather Galt talked about identifying the ideal customer profile. The day’s highlight was meeting Kitchener’s mayor, Berry Vrbanovic. He told me, “I have an Ayo on my team,” referring to Ayo Owodunni. Funny enough, this was the second mayor I’ve met while wearing this turtleneck – maybe it’s my lucky outfit.

  

Yesterday, my brother achieved something incredible – earning his Master’s degree in Civil Engineering and Construction Management from the University of Derby. His success reflects the hard work and sacrifice our dad always inspired in us.

Sitting here, my heart feels heavy with loss but full of gratitude. My father embodied integrity, compassion, and strength. Knowing him meant understanding what it truly means to live with purpose.

November will always be the month we lost him, but also the month we celebrate his amazing life and legacy.

Thank you for everything, Dad. ❤️