Gabriel Iruaga, a distinguished tech leader, entrepreneur, and senior product manager, is reshaping the fintech and tech education sectors across Africa. As the founder of RendCore, a fintech company specializing in peer-to-peer currency exchange and international remittance solutions, and Embold Lab, a tech innovation hub focused on mentoring aspiring professionals in software development, UI/UX design, data analytics, and digital marketing, Iruaga is creating impactful solutions to address key challenges in the industry.
With over nine years of experience in retail banking, customer service, financial analysis, and digital business strategy, Gabriel has seen firsthand how structured guidance can drive meaningful success. Before founding RendCore and Embold Lab, Gabriel honed his expertise at First Bank, Nigeria’s leading commercial bank, where he developed a deep understanding of customer trust, digital transformation, and the banking system.
The Vision Behind RendCore:
RendCore was born out of Gabriel’s personal frustration while pursuing his master’s degree in the UK. Faced with the complexity of sending money across borders and limited access to foreign exchange, Gabriel saw an opportunity to build a better, simpler platform. RendCore now provides a peer-to-peer currency exchange service, making remittances faster, safer, and more accessible.
Empowering Future Tech Leaders with Embold Lab:
With Embold Lab, Gabriel is not only changing the fintech industry but also paving the way for the next generation of tech professionals. What started as a small online community has evolved into a structured mentorship program that transforms beginners into skilled professionals within 8-12 weeks. The program equips learners with real-world projects and practical skills, building confidence and enabling them to succeed in their careers.
Shaping Africa’s Fintech Future:
Gabriel’s academic research focused on digital transformation in Nigeria’s fintech sector, uncovering that customer experience is the true driver of successful digital transformation. His findings highlight that the most successful fintech companies aren’t just those with the latest technology, but those that prioritize empathy, speed, and ease of use.
Despite facing challenges such as fragmented regulations and limited access to global financial systems, Gabriel is committed to making RendCore a trusted platform for cross-border transactions in Africa. Through partnerships and community-driven approaches, he is working to overcome these hurdles and ensure that users can trust and rely on the platform.
AI and Emerging Technologies in Africa’s Financial Future:
Looking forward, Gabriel sees artificial intelligence (AI) as a transformative tool for the future of financial services. At RendCore, the integration of AI promises to enhance fraud detection, improve exchange rate fairness, and personalize user experiences. Gabriel envisions a future where AI empowers individuals across Africa, from farmers to freelancers, with tools to improve financial decision-making.
Mentorship and Community Building:
Gabriel’s passion for mentoring and building tech communities is deeply personal. Having grown up in an environment where many brilliant individuals lacked access to opportunities, he is committed to creating pathways for others to succeed. His mentorship and community-building efforts extend to over 5,000 Nigerian students, providing them with the digital skills necessary to thrive in today’s economy.
The Future of RendCore and Embold Lab:
Gabriel’s vision for RendCore is to become Africa’s leading platform for cross-border transactions, helping individuals and businesses move money quickly and safely. With Embold Lab, his goal is to build a pan-African learning ecosystem, expanding access to quality tech education and mentorship across the continent.
Gabriel Iruaga is a tech leader and entrepreneur with over nine years of experience in the banking and fintech sectors. He is the founder of RendCore and Embold Lab, which focus on creating innovative solutions in peer-to-peer currency exchange, remittances, and tech education. Gabriel holds an MSc in International Management with Digital Business from Teesside University, UK. He is passionate about empowering individuals through technology and mentorship, especially within the African context.
