Joseph Akintolayo
I think, create, build products and solve problems that matter
About Me
Joseph Akintolayo is a polymathic founder who thrives at the intersection of story, strategy, technology, and human-centered design. Best known as the founder of Deposits (acquired by Ingo Payments in 2024), he has built a career at the nexus of fintech, innovation, and the public good. His ventures span embedded finance, civic technology, philanthropy, AI, and storytelling—each focused on designing systems that clarify complexity, level the playing field, and scale human impact.
Whether in boardrooms or on global stages, Joseph proves that aligned strategy, compelling narrative, and ethical purpose aren't trade-offs—they're the blueprint for real innovation and lasting change.
Career Highlights
- Founder/CEO, Deposits Inc. (2019-2024) - The "Shopify of banking" acquired by Ingo Payments; raised millions from ATX Venture Partners, Lightspeed, Cabal Fund; delivered multiples return to investors at exit.
Active Projects/Ventures
- SpendRule (Stealth)
- Quantix Inc. (Professional services and consulting)
- Toon Up Animation (African global storytelling)
- SocialSafety.net (Largest charity database using AI, ML, and NLP for eligibility screening)
- PhilanthroLab (Digital agency & social-good tech)
- Renaissance Innovation Labs (Innovation lab & developer education)
Key Achievements
- Google Founders Fund Winner (2022) - $100,000 non-dilutive grant, 1 of 2 Dallas startups selected
- Cartoon Network Africa Creative Lab Winner (2018) - "Garbage Boy and Trash Can" reached 1M+ viewers
- Crisis Response: Created MyCARESAct (2020) - Preserved $10M+ value for 100+ Black-owned businesses during COVID-19 crisis
- Quest Award Winner (2020) - Dallas Black Chamber's highest entrepreneur honor.
Impact at Scale
- Enabled 70% faster product launches for 50+ financial institutions and startups through Deposits platform
- 100,000+ monthly active users across platforms
- 500+ African developers trained through Renaissance Labs
- 30+ coding school graduates now working at major tech companies
- Millions in savings generated for nonprofits through PhilanthroLab's solutions
Leadership & Recognition
- Recognized thought leader in embedded finance
- Board Member: National Bankers Association, Dallas Black Chamber
- Advisory Roles: African American Credit Union Coalition, Social Venture Partners Dallas
- Speaker: SXSW, Finovate, Money 2020
- Published Author: PYMNTS, CUInsight, YEC
Media Coverage
- TechCrunch: "Deposits Raises $5M for Digital Banking Platform"
- Dallas Morning News: "Google Grant Winner Building 'Shopify of Banking'"
- Dallas Innovates: "Ingo Payments Acquires Deposits"
- PYMNTS: "The New Value Equation 2025"
- Dallas Business Journal: "MyCARESAct Success Story"
Personal Background & Values
Based in Dallas, Texas, Joseph is 35 years old, husband to Abi and father to two children. As a sickle cell warrior he brings hard-won insights about resilience and systemic barriers to everything he builds. His faith and lived experience fuel his conviction that we each have a role in building a world that works for everyone—a conviction that drives every product he creates and every problem he chooses to tackle.
Work with Me
I'm always interested in connecting with fellow innovators, entrepreneurs, and organizations. Whether you're looking for strategic guidance, partnership opportunities, or want to explore how we can collaborate to build solutions that matter, I'd love to hear from you.
Get in touch: Connect with me through the social links below or reach out directly to explore how we can work together to build a better future.