In just one year, a small Nigerian startup has processed more than ₦140 million in verified fundraisers. That startup, formerly known as OwoHQ, is now called Owave, a rebrand that reflects its ambition to take crowdfunding in Africa to the next level.
From OwoHQ to Owave
Launched in July 2024, OwoHQ set out to solve one of Nigeria’s biggest pain points: the lack of a trustworthy, transparent way to raise money for personal, social, and business needs. While global platforms like GoFundMe dominate abroad, Nigerians often face roadblocks such as payment restrictions, lack of trust, and rising fraud.
OwoHQ’s answer was to build a homegrown platform with built-in verification, secure payments, and real-time transparency features that would give donors confidence and protect fundraisers from scammers.
Now, as it celebrates over ₦140 million in fundraisers processed within its first year, the company is reintroducing itself to the world as Owave.
> “Owave represents our evolution,” says Daniel Owodunni, Co-founder and CEO. “We’ve seen first-hand how powerful and life-changing community funding can be. This rebrand isn’t just about a new name, it’s about trust, clarity, and our vision to set the pace on the global stage while eradicating fraud and false fundraising.”
Why the Rebrand Matters
The name Owave (a play on “wave”) reflects movement, momentum, and scale, exactly what the team believes crowdfunding in Africa should have. Beyond cosmetics, the rebrand signals a new chapter: a push toward greater visibility, stronger partnerships, and a product experience designed for growth.
It also underlines the platform’s global ambitions. With more Africans in the diaspora looking to support family, friends, and causes back home, Owave wants to make cross-border fundraising seamless and recognizable.
Building Trust Into Every Fundraiser
Trust has always been at the center of Owave’s model. The platform uses tighter verification for campaigns, protects donors with secure payment channels, and actively fights fraudulent or false fundraisers. The result? A platform that Nigerians and Africans in the diaspora can actually rely on.
In just a year, Owave has supported campaigns for medical bills, tuition fees, nonprofit initiatives, and small business support, showing the breadth of what’s possible when communities pool resources.
What’s Next for Owave
The Owave team seesThe its first year as only the beginning. By leaning into technology, partnerships, and user education, the platform aims to scale beyond Nigeria, becoming a leading African crowdfunding hub.
> “Our goal is simple,” Owodunni adds. “To empower individuals and communities with a platform they can rely on, whether it’s medical bills, education, small business support, or community initiatives.”
With its new name and proven track record, Owave is betting that Nigerians and eventually Africans across the continent, are ready to embrace a homegrown, transparent, and scalable crowdfunding solution.
You can check it out at www.owave.co.
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