"Confidence Grows Through Action" | A Conversation with Ebuonla Ajayi, Founder of Present

Ebuonla Ajayi is a founder, builder, and one of the ten entrepreneurs who completed the very first APNI Founders Circle cohort. She is the founder of Present, a school management platform designed to modernise how Irish primary schools operate. In this conversation, she shares what brought her to entrepreneurship, what the Founders Circle taught her, and what keeps her going when self-doubt creeps in.

What problem are you solving, and when did you first know it was your problem to solve?

I’m solving the issue of outdated systems that many primary schools in Ireland still rely on. Irish primary schools have very limited choice when it comes to management software, and many educators and parents complain about systems not being user-friendly or efficient. I first realised this was a problem worth solving when I reflected on my own experience in education and started researching how schools currently operate day-to-day.

What did your idea look like when you walked into the Founders Circle and how is it different now?

When I first joined the Founders Circle, the idea was still quite broad. Since then, I’ve been able to define the vision for Present much more clearly. I’ve also conducted market research and spoken to potential users, which helped me better understand what educators, parents and schools actually need from the platform.

On the journey

What's the hardest thing you've had to believe about yourself or your idea to keep going?

Probably believing that I’m actually capable of doing this. Entrepreneurship can make you doubt yourself a lot, especially in the early stages, but I’ve learned that confidence grows through action. Sometimes the biggest challenge is simply backing yourself and continuing to work hard even when things feel uncertain.

Was there a moment during the programme where something clicked, a conversation, a session, or a piece of feedback; that changed how you saw what you were building?

One major thing that clicked for me was realising that I should start talking about Present now, even before it’s fully built.

I used to think everything had to be perfect before sharing it, but the programme showed me that building publicly helps you create awareness, gather feedback, and build a community around the product while it’s still evolving.

On identity and context

Does being African, and building in Ireland specifically, shape how you think about your work? How?

Yes, definitely. Being a Black founder in Ireland can come with challenges, including prejudice or feeling like you don’t always see people who look like you in these spaces. That can sometimes discourage people from even trying. But it’s also motivated me to keep building and hopefully encourage other people who may feel the same way.

What does the Irish startup ecosystem get right for founders like you , and where does it fall short?

I think organisations like the LEOs do a great job of providing support, funding guidance and resources for early-stage founders. But I do think there should be more programmes like the Founders Circle that focus on practical advice, mentorship, and genuine networking opportunities. Those spaces can make a huge difference, especially for underrepresented founders.

On the future

What does success look like in 12 months?

Success for me would be having real schools and families actively using Present, continuously improving the platform based on feedback, and seeing the app genuinely make a positive difference in the lives of educators, students and parents.

What do you wish someone had told you before you started?

That you really can do it. Sometimes self-doubt becomes the biggest obstacle. I also wish someone had told me not to be afraid of asking questions or reaching out to people — everyone starts somewhere, and most people are more willing to help than you think.

Quick Fire Round

What’s the biggest myth about being a founder?

That founders have everything figured out or are some kind of business geniuses. Most of us are learning as we go.

9–5 or Entrepreneurship?

Right now, a bit of both. Working a 9–5 in the same industry you want to build in can actually help your entrepreneurial journey a lot — you just need to learn how to balance both.

Idea or execution — which matters more and why?

Execution, definitely. So many people have great ideas, but ideas alone don’t create impact. The world only benefits when you actually take action and build something.

Finish this sentence: “The Irish startup ecosystem will be ready for founders like me when ___”…more diverse founders feel seen, supported and represented, and when access to opportunities, funding and networks feels genuinely inclusive for everyone.

Ebuonla Ajayi is the founder of Present. She was part of the inaugural APNI Founders Circle cohort in 2026. Follow APNI for more conversations from the Founders Circle series.