Meet Kayode Fadahunsi, founder of AVA Capital, holding over $20 million stake after NGX listing

Olukayode Fadahunsi, a seasoned Nigerian investment banker with more than two decades of experience in capital markets, is stepping into a new phase of influence following the public listing of AVA Capital Plc, a financial services group where he plays a central leadership role.

AVA Capital Plc officially debuted on the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) on July 31, 2026, listing 5 billion ordinary shares at N7.5 per share through a listing by introduction. The move signals the firm’s transition into the public market, aimed at strengthening its institutional credibility rather than raising fresh capital.

At the heart of the company’s rise is Fadahunsi, who serves as Managing Director and Vice Chairman of AVA Capital, while also leading Prosperis Holding Company Limited, the investment vehicle through which he controls a significant stake in the business.

Fadahunsi’s $21 million stake and strategic control

Through Prosperis Holding Company Limited, Fadahunsi holds a 76.9% stake in AVA Capital, equivalent to 3.85 billion shares. Based on the listing price, this stake is valued at approximately N28.85 billion ($21.1 million).

The structure reflects a deliberate two-layer strategy: Prosperis functions as a holding and capital allocation platform, while AVA Capital operates as the execution engine delivering investment banking, asset management, securities trading, and trusteeship services.

From capital markets insider to ecosystem builder

Fadahunsi’s career trajectory mirrors that of many top-tier investment bankers who transition into founders after years within institutional finance.

He previously held senior roles at leading Nigerian financial institutions, including Director of Investor Relations at United Bank for Africa (UBA Plc), Managing Director of Capital Markets at United Capital Plc, and Managing Director at United Capital Securities Limited.

These roles placed him at the core of Nigeria’s financial system, spanning investor relations, deal structuring, and securities execution, experience that now underpins his current ventures.

His transition into entrepreneurship led to the creation of Prosperis Group, a private investment holding company headquartered in Lagos. Founded around 2017, Prosperis has evolved into a multi-sector ecosystem with operations across about nine Nigerian states and roughly 10 investee companies.

AVA Capital’s evolution and financial standing

AVA Capital Plc traces its roots to January 28, 2014, when it was incorporated as a private limited liability company. It later secured a license from Nigeria’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to operate as a capital market operator across public and private equity segments.

In 2025, the company received regulatory approval to convert into a public limited company as part of its long-term strategy. It subsequently rebranded from AVA Capital Partners Plc to AVA Capital Plc in February 2026.

AVA Capital’s financials point to a growing but still emerging institution. The group reported revenue of N3.46 billion ($2.54 million), total income of N1.86 billion ($1.37 million), and profit after tax of N1.02 billion ($750,000). Total assets stood at N110.96 billion ($81.4 million), with retained earnings of N1.05 billion ($770,000).

Strategic positioning and outlook

Fadahunsi’s broader strategy centers on building an integrated financial ecosystem capable of serving governments, corporates, and high-net-worth individuals. By combining capital raising, asset management, and execution capabilities within a single structure, the model enhances control over deal flow and revenue streams.

Despite its progress, AVA Capital appears to be an emerging or mid-tier player in Nigeria’s highly competitive financial services sector, a position that presents both growth opportunities and execution risks. Still, the listing marks a milestone in Fadahunsi’s evolution from institutional banker to ecosystem builder, positioning him to scale a multi-entity financial platform in one of Africa’s largest capital markets.