Ifeoma Uddoh is changing the narrative for Nigerian women in finance. As the founder and CEO of Shecluded, Nigeria’s first fintech platform built specifically for women’s financial growth and inclusion, she is addressing one of the continent’s most persistent gaps, which is equitable access to capital.
Raised in a single-parent household after her father’s passing, Ifeoma witnessed firsthand the struggles many women face when it comes to financial security. Later, while working in seed funding and consulting roles at firms like PwC and IROKO Partners, she noticed a troubling trend. Women were largely missing from investment conversations.
That gap inspired her to act.
In 2019, she launched Shecluded in Lagos, Nigeria, with a mission to give women the resources they need to grow their businesses and personal finances. Shecluded doesn’t just provide capital. It offers financial education, community building, and personalized guidance. The impact has been far-reaching.
Ifeoma’s work in advancing financial inclusion has earned her speaking invitations from top platforms like First Bank, FinTech Asia, the Tekedia Institute, and Johns Hopkins University. Her thought leadership has made her a recognized voice in gender-focused venture financing.
In 2021, Ifeoma received support from the Google Black Founders Fund. The following year, she clinched the SelectUSA pitch competition title and earned recognition as a Halcyon Fellow, joining a prestigious network of high-impact social entrepreneurs.
Most recently, Ifeoma added another honor to her growing list of accolades. On 26 May 2025, she emerged as the Growth-Stage Venture Winner at the 2025 Female Founders DealRoom. The event was part of the KPMG Africa Private Enterprise Venture Summit. The competition showcases top female entrepreneurs from East, Southern, and West Africa. It offers them access to investors, mentorship, and post-funding support.
The DealRoom is a collaborative initiative backed by KPMG and other major financial stakeholders. It helps female-led startups and scale-ups grow and thrive. Finalists pitch their ventures to top Pan-African investors and participate in masterclasses, funder peer-learning sessions, and high-level networking.
Ifeoma has a strong background in industrial mathematics and holds an MSc in Management Science and Operations Research. This foundation makes her as analytical as she is mission-driven. She combines strategic thinking with grassroots insight and relentless advocacy. Together, these qualities are transforming how Nigerian women access funding, build businesses, and achieve long-term financial wellness.
