Calendly: The $3 Billion Scheduling Platform Quietly Taking The Business World By Storm | Forbes

Nine years ago, Tope Awotona started Calendly, pouring his life savings of $200,000 into it and later quitting his job selling software for EMC. Today, the company has 10 million users and counts Lyft, Ancestry.com, Indiana University and La-Z-Boy among its customers. Revenue last year passed $100 million, double what it booked the previous year. It could double again this year.
The company, which was founded in Atlanta but no longer has any physical offices, has been profitable since 2016. Last year it raised $350 million in funding from OpenView Venture Partners and Iconiq Capital at a price that values the business at $3 billion. That means Awotona’s majority stake is worth at least $1.4 billion, after the 10% discount that Forbes applies to shares of all private companies. Awotona is one of just two Black tech billionaires in the United States, along with David Steward, the 70-year-old founder of Missouri-based IT provider World Wide Technology. “Tope could be the most successful African-American tech entrepreneur of his generation,” says David Cummings, founder of Atlanta Ventures, which led a $550,000 seed investment in Calendly seven years ago.
Calendly doesn’t have the scheduling business to itself. Square, Microsoft and Zurich-based Doodle offer competing products. But Calendly has gained traction with its sleek, consumer-friendly design and its freemium model that lets it gain paying customers with no marketing.
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[@TayoAinaFilms]

Nigeria to the world. Im so inspired 💪

[@Josh-pf9rs]

So inspired ✨️ 🙌

[@festusighalo]

More to come... Watch out for this Space

[@Good_Boy7]

Yes o! Tayo, you sabi our resourcefulness if given the opportunity.

[@emmanuelben1393]

I have been using calendly as a nigerian and didn't even know it was built by one of our own. this is really inspiring.

[@william_SMMA]

Yes ooooo I've always used the free version but I'm going pro now This is so inspiring

[@emmanuelben1393]

I have been using calendly as a nigerian and didn't even know it was built by one of our own. this is really inspiring.

[@kaden1199]

Why is it so inspiring for it to be built by one of “your own” thrrr 249 million of u

[@spencer5224]

I wish to be successful and live a better life, I hear people grabbing multi-figures on the market in this crazy days, I've tried but failed please any advice or financial growth adviser. Would really appreciate 🙏

[@binagital5665]

Mr Thomas Alex is simply the answer to investor's prayers

[@binagital5665]

His tele gram handle 👇👇

[@binagital5665]

At Trademarksss

[@binagital5665]

I highly recommend him 👆👆

[@DinhNguyen-lq9rf]

One of the best secret I have got in the market is the realization of a professional skills, with it no need to pass through the stress of self trading to avoid losses, thanks to Thomas Alex for improving my portfolios.

[@Rashaadthegr8]

Black, self-funded what's not to love. Good to see another black billionaires who didn't have to do it with entertainment.

[@aroaris843]

Yep. Exactly. Very inspirational

[@sandrap.7388]

Absolutely

[@blowme5258]

Why couldn't he do it in Nigeria?

[@compton8301]

@@blowme5258 He wanted to show Americans how to innovate.

[@blowme5258]

@@compton8301 Americans where innovating long before you came along, in fact his achievements are only possible because he is in America, a white country.

[@abdultrades1]

All Nigerians🇳🇬 watching this right now, let’s gather here and show some love ❤️

[@aster5031]

👏 👏 👏 👏 👏 👏 👏 👏 👏 👏 👏

[@suddenstutter]

Lame af

[@aster5031]

@enis Lurch why do you hate us so much? Even as we innovate and improve you hate...

[@sophiaatn5339]

@enis Lurch why? We want to age well

[@deana127]

I’ve used Calendly since early days and recommend it to all my clients. I love it. It was nice to “meet” the company founder in this video and hear his story. Now I like to product even more:)

[@c-power8393]

He funded from his own money!” Very important to acknowledge because a lot of people including the banks will not invest in a Black Man entrepreneur.

[@buravan1512]

bruh, it's very difficult to get investors... they think you'll fail, let's say that a Black man fail... he has right to fail just like a White man can fail.

[@kimeli]

even black banks?

[@Entergalactic]

@@kimeli they don’t worth that much though

[@kimeli]

@@Entergalactic does it matter?

[@DirtyEdon]

I'm soo happy to see my African doing so many positive things in the world👋🏾 in the next coming decades we are going to see hundreds of Africans billionaires in the world

[@antnam4406]

It says Nigerian! You guys like to latch on when it's positive but distance when it's negative when it comes to Nigeria.

[@DirtyEdon]

@@antnam4406 okay are Nigerians not Africans?

[@dekev7503]

@@DirtyEdon @antman is right. If its positive news, we're "all Africans", if it's negative news, it's Nigerians

[@DirtyEdon]

@@dekev7503 I don't even do that lmfao what does that have to do with me? I always show love to my Nigerians and Africans period

[@dekev7503]

@@DirtyEdon your love is well received brother. We're just tired of the way other Africans are quick to distance themselves from us when times get rough but their quick to claim us when things are good.

[@ChukwudiUnonu]

This makes me even prouder to be Nigerian!!! 🇳🇬

[@Dakingsnake]

Stop leaving. Its the second poorest country in the world. If you’re successful bring your success back home

[@aster5031]

👏 👏 👏 👏 👏 👏 👏 👏

[@nurudeen2881]

🇬🇭

[@ebensales3496]

We Nigerians

[@gundamt437]

@@Dakingsnake there are successful businesses in Nigeria, you obviously have to watch the African KZbin video section to hear about them. Besides for that, many companies in America, have origins with immigrants. So not sure why you so salty

[@emile9239]

My mum and I consistently earn massively on our investment. Courtsey to Mrs Carrie Coghill, her set skills are amazing.

[@kikky1170]

Wow.. amazing to see others who trade with Mrs. Carrie Coghill, i'm currently on my 5th trade with her and my portfolio has grown tremendously.

[@Hans-ln6yl]

I invest with Mrs. Carrie Coghill too, she charges a 10%commission on profit made after every trading session which is fair compare to the effort she put in to make huge profits.

[@lichan117]

This is not the first time i am hearing of Mrs. Carrie Coghill and her exploits in the trading world but i have no idea how to reach her.

[@richardostrander3586]

She deserves more accolades, just the same way I was going through comments and i saw this. I gave a try and bet something I never regretted.

[@emile9239]

@@lichan117 You can communicate with her on telegrm via

[@Atlas92936]

Nigerian people are incredibly hard working Kamaru Usman, this guy, the magician kid, etc

[@ekineprincepaul6177]

Nigerians are so hardworking, no matter where we find ourselves, we're gonna make it. We got success in our blood😁

[@buravan1512]

better talk less, compared to a sheer size of Nigerian population... Nigeria doesn't even have Talents to speak of... 206 million, you dont even make a car engine from scratch, ar even a radio let alone a TV set or generator, medicine. keep quite, the journey is still long.

[@BrianKabonyo]

Maybe. Or you are just many, populationwise?

[@Stickythoughts]

Google looking forward to crushing smaller startups like calendly, the startup community will not let it happen.

[@KhadiBello]

As a Nigerian and recent alumna of the University of Georgia, I am so proud!

[@abubalo]

I learned system designed through calendly. It is mind-blowingly amazing.

[@staytuned.263]

Landlord’s in Manhattan use calendly to set up tours. Its a good company, this company was a right time right place situation. Covid gave this life.

[@mrki731]

I love Calendly so much. It's just perfect. Easy to use, simple, clean. Perfect!

[@kevingarris198]

Thanks Tope! I had a client appointment this morning scheduled on your software.

[@NigerianKitchen]

💪🏾💪🏾 if government was better Nigeria could be really something. That place is stuffed full of driven talented people.

[@opekatakata1424]

If government were working, after a while, the talents will dry up. Like he said, the resourcefulness of Nigerians stems out of the fact that the environment is harsh. You're forced to be resourceful. Getting to an environment like that in the west just makes you shine.

[@NigerianKitchen]

@@opekatakata1424 I see your point. I would still say though that if you compare with other nations around the continent with troubled governments people will still speak about "those Nigerians" for good or for bad.

[@william_SMMA]

@@opekatakata1424 nah not really

[@free22]

@@opekatakata1424 Calendly was started in the US for a reason. If what you are saying were true, as soon as he moved to the US where life was easier, this guy would have just spent his day in front of the TV instead of starting a company. If Nigeria were to remove barriers, the entrepreneurial culture would really shine.

[@grahamcosgrave9239]

We started using calendly last year in our medical recruitment business in order to give over control to our candidates of our calendar in order to allow them schedule in a call at a time that suits their business days. It has transformed our business. Highly recommend! Awesome origin story!

[@william_SMMA]

Spot on The feature where you can set your availability just makes it so smooth

[@seunakinola27]

Medical recruitment business...sounds great. I would love to know more about that. Good stuff giving candidates a level of choice

[@forho2]

Wow I didn't know Calendly was started by a Nigerian. Guess I'll be supporting.

[@francoisbessing]

I love this in ways words cannot sufficiently express. I appreciate it so much and it encourages me to learn and move forward in my own ventures like Tope Awotona. Thank you big brother Tope.

[@justinhills3117]

Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts! Meeting Mr Johnson was the turning point of my life, I earned 2BTC within 2months after so many failures when i was trying to trade by myself.

[@Bk-qp2tp]

If you put money to good use, it yields more. When i mean putting it to good use, I mean investing in something that makes you profits.

[@henrydavidson6535]

Mr Johnson is my trader as well, I earned $89,560 last two months.

[@natak6893]

@@henrydavidson6535 There is no better agenda for the future than investment. As the world has developed rapidly now, there are many things you could invest in that will pay off for you for a long time to come with professional management and guidance. The stock market and the currency market are examples.

[@jackben5800]

@@henrydavidson6535 it gladdened my heart when I saw you guys talking about him, he is my trader as well, I have earned 4BTC from his platform.

[@fami1559]

Mr Johnson has helped me financially, i received 3.1btc from my last investment.

[@GratitudeGriot]

My paternal grandmother's ancestors are from Nigeria🤗 I'm claiming Tope as my own!! I've been using calendly for a few years now, so happy to learn it's black owned✊🏾

[@vixxa]

Very inspiring! Congrats to him!

[@kobayashik3820]

I need this at work ASAP. Getting everyone to agree on a time is always a nightmare.

[@inesconcetta2461]

Nice video!! Very engage from beginning to end. Nevertheless business and investment are the easiest way to make money irrespective of which part make it to oval office.

[@kanuemma1008]

Investing in cryptocurrency is the best way of getting ahead to build wealth, investing remains a priority. The cryptocurrency market has plenty of opportunities to earn a decent payouts, with the right skills and proper understanding of how the market works, I pray that anyone who reads this will be successful in life...........

[@roseking4386]

Cryptocurrency is the most profitable investment online business opportunity if only you trade with a professional broker

[@zenebebiracial9235]

How do I get a professional broker I have been wasting my time tradlng on my own and blowing up my account

[@lakijude374]

if you wanna earn well on crypto, I personally intro you to Forex Royale trade financial institution. Royale has always been the best in that institute, i have been working with them for months

[@Forex_trade3..]

How do you earn alot for money in this bitcoin mining

[@atomtopa]

They claimed he is African American, let him be the underpants bomber guy, and he will be tagged Nigerian. This is a guy who legit was born in Nigeria. Just like Elon Musk was born in South Africa. The richest man in the world is from Africa.

[@BoogieDownShoes2]

we are all from africa brother ✊🏾

[@mitch6160]

The richest man in the world took his intellect and his money out of that continent.

[@fistandpen2505]

*Change the narrative* : our resourcefulness is a result of cultural dynamism and ambition ethic, not "economic and political instability". Nigerians still outperform in the United States precisely because of less economic/political instability than back home. Bangladesh and Pakistan together have close to 400 million people and have challenges, and together may count one Forbes billionaire in total (Khan). Nigeria has variously had anywhere from 3 to 6 over the past decade and now counts a U.S. based Nigerian (and frankly as a Nigerian this is a relatively underwhelming number if you ask me). Point is, our success is due to our culture, not environmental circumstance so please embrace this :)

[@luxushauseragency]

Very impressed. Well done, keep going.

[@NathalieLazo]

To anyone watching this... GIVE YOUR BEST THIS WEEK FOR EVERYTHING YOU DO! 💪🔥

[@antnam4406]

Nigerian gang gang!

[@mikedc]

Congrats. Another brother on the billionaire list. I hold he holds or keeps his company. I'm sure he will sell to the right buyer for the right offer. Build to sell.

[@amjds1341]

Lol

[@yourmomshouse0486]

you folks are embarrassing

[@pria7538]

I hope not.

[@Entergalactic]

Nopeee

[@musicsoulmusic11]

This technology makes my life so much easier!

[@stevenmark4492]

I came here to learn how to trade after listening to a guy on radio talk about the importance of investing and how he made $460,000 in 4 months from $160k. Somehow this video has helped shed light on some things, but I'm confused, I'm a newbie and I'm open to ideas.

[@mclarendavid5935]

@Jones David That's impressive. Are you giving her your money or it does stay in your trading account? What's really the idea behind copying trades.

[@mclarendavid5935]

@Jones David Does her service available outside the UK? As her broker is registered in UK.

[@mclarendavid5935]

@Jones David Thanks dear, I'll most definitely to do that😊😊

[@bellajohn2258]

I have been seeing so many recommendations about Bell Elizabeth on social platforms trending, i think she must be good for people to talk about.

[@jameslugan5231]

@Greg You don't have to be jealous my dear, top up your investment and earn more....

[@joyrichard243]

I recommended a professional broker to you guys sometime ago,can i get person who invested with her Comment below

[@allenmfraser9648]

Same here it's four months now I started investing with her and it's been a good experience

[@davidraji3106]

Hey I did invested with her , i made huge profits Thanks for recommending her

[@o.samson4470]

Hello thanks for introducing her to us i actually did the trade with a loan from my friend and now with the profits i payed up and now am happy and comfortable

[@frankdavid2010]

Who made profits for you, am really looking for a pro who can manage my account and make me huge profits

[@marshallo4156]

She's expert Mrs Priscilla Monroe, one of the best and trustworthy broker ever

[@bolotaulepa7388]

Respect from Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea 🇵🇬💯❤ Hit us up for Security Services, Allied Strategies Group (PNG) Ltd

[@mojogrip]

RIP to Dad. I’m sure he is proud as we all are. Calendly is a superb product. It still irks me how folks pronounce your name. If they only knew the meaning.

[@schumzy]

Dude, your video's inspired me to learn to fly as a blackman. And yeah, what a story from this dude. Next level

[@margarets5264]

Please have some respect for his name and say it right it’s not Taupe but Tope!

[@tendokanyike8858]

It’s not disrespect to not get it right.. at least intentionally. Most names are difficult to pronounce. That’s a reach.

[@WorldKingLive]

Love this! #NeedMoreEntrepreneurs

[@CryptoHustleLive]

Big up brother.

[@yasinnabi]

Time is the only asset everyone has it equally, and most successful people only invest time and get rich and successful. ..

[@ugochukwuharbor5519]

Proudly Nigerian!

[@samomokan]

His name is pronounced “Toh-peh” not “Toap” 😒

[@matseporamaboli4275]

Wow! Very inspiring! Congratulations Tope Awotona!

[@WealthIdeas]

Never knew calendly founder was a nigerian

[@rhysknight8681]

This is how it's done. Ignore the people who tell you you're a victim.

[@Entergalactic]

Please stfu they are many African tech founders i am sure you don’t know, and Africans have never claimed to be victims.

[@raferaustin1627]

Well said

[@tkhannibal2476]

His credit score been 950 for a few years now. credit card limits the bank sends him a blank paper to write down what he thinks is fair.

[@sentiasatransformasi]

i didn't know that calendly's founder is a black man. mad respect! very smart n well spoken too. but the thing that i respect abt him most is the fact that he didn't flex that he is a black entrepreneurial billionaire even though prbably he is richer than jay z n dr dre combined

[@Dakingsnake]

Nigerian. Let him own his ethnicity and freedom

[@kevingarris198]

Nope, his estimated worth is 'only" 1.4 billion according to this report; roughly equivalent to theirs respectively.

[@Kayodoms]

@@Dakingsnake so he’s not black?

[@thisandthat1523]

@@Dakingsnake the rest of you are busy hawking that famous powder and getting locked up globally. Boko haram

[@blokchainjunky]

​ @Kayodoms There is a reason why we indicate the origin of every successful Nigerian person. Whenever a Nigeria commits crime, all black race groups always make sure the origin of the culprit is known and highlighted, so therefore we also make sure the origin of every successful Nigerian is known and highlighted . We will not use African or whatever. cheers.

[@v.a.l.5165]

She didn't even try to say his name correctly 😄🙄😄

[@mariammohamud1335]

i love calendly!

[@lu881]

I don't usually say things like this but... Calendly was founded by a Black dude?! What?! And Calendly is such a great tool. It works so well.

[@Brewsterman]

You’re livid aren’t you.

[@lu881]

@@Brewsterman No, just don't like that my default image for a founder of a successful SaaS tool was a couple of White guys.

[@Entergalactic]

We have many African start up and tech companies just not really highlighted by mainstream media

[@plantiron]

Do yall know the first app apple bought was an app made by a Nigerian? Sold for $854 mil. It's time to start making our mark.

[@Entergalactic]

What’s the name please

[@jasonc2407]

​@@EntergalacticChinedu Echereo back in 2013

[@MichaelScarchilli-M4Marketing]

Inspiring! Now I need to get my SAAS CRM which has a robust scheduling software out to the Real Estate niche. Help the world and help yourself.

[@elena7659]

What’s SAAS CRM?

[@MichaelScarchilli-M4Marketing]

@@elena7659 Software as a Service ... Customer Relationship Management a software such as Calendly

[@roxybryant5076]

Smart, innovative, and handsome too. Well... made my day.

[@Atlas92936]

My Professors use calendly all the time I am amazed at how simple yet effective it is

[@TheBrazenGoddess]

Oh wow, I'm sticking with calendly for life

[@Chitownsfinesthoops]

Super inspirational, salute to this man and his vision and dream

[@myivyfindstore]

A F R I C A

[@Stealt707]

Inspired by people doing african time! Next step is get acquired and make even more money!

[@fedorsmol3906]

Felicidades, es un buen ejemplo. 445 sentadillas son unos XX18LIKE.Uno muchas y un buen ejercicio. Se deja ver que hay muy buenos resultados 😍👍 Saludos desde la Cd.. de world 🌹😉💖 los mortalesi abian apreciado tan hermosa mujer.k

[@rosewaterpetals6487]

Just to say that his name is not pronounced "tope" as in rhyming with "rope". It is pronounced "toh peh".

[@damilolaoni8652]

Amazing stuff!

[@mxyzptlk...]

I'm all for black success stories. I would never want to do something like this, but it's good he has found success with this venture.

[@Entergalactic]

No one cares

[@Samuels691]

I’m so inspired 🇳🇬

[@jareda8943]

Calendly has changed my life!

[@jewymchoser]

Inspirational story and a great product!

[@demolaokeowo]

One word - inspiring

[@kennedyiboi9408]

Nigeria truly to the world!!!

[@nanayawabbanmensah876]

omo lets go

[@ROSADIANA-DSB]

Love using calendy to book my social media clients!

[@stoonookw]

This guy is amazing yo

[@awosanyaolaniyiabiodun6089]

If this guy be Igbo guy online go don full by now yeye people

[@sinnexz]

*bows in respect*

[@Umojaglobalnetwork]

Powerful story brother 🎈🎈🎊🎊🎉🎉🙏🙏

[@JamesRamonas]

🙌🏽 🙌🏽 🙌🏽

[@FeliciaQueen17]

I love my Calendly!

[@michaelmtenga5387]

So inspiring

[@holymason7]

That's the power of capitalism.

[@karlenex1]

Thank you being such an inspiration.

[@darlenemoragne-sheaff5794]

Absolutely 💯

[@nyakarundi]

congrats indeed

[@chemerejohnson668]

Congratulations🎊😊

[@soyprospera1]

Love it love it love it!! So inspiring

[@zyzzlivesinallofus7531]

Ngl Claendly has been really useful to me

[@Cloudnine2024]

I once tried had the idea to launch a calendly competitor. Than I saw how much funding Calendly had received. My idea stopped that day, no way to compete against that. Proud of this man!

[@newempire158]

Lol still do it though, we have this life let us not suffer for nothing.

[@VicenteByrne]

Wild I just signed up for this last week

[@jalabi99]

His first name rhymes with "co-pay", not with "rope". Come on Forbes, do better.

[@aquilafarrell]

The Inspiration I needed today!

[@mikedc]

He can buy a lot of jollof now

[@Entergalactic]

???

[@ZAZUtakiyaho]

You’re a weirdo get help buddy

[@devinmcgee5130]

10/10

[@jeffreymwakalobo9201]

It’s great to see my fellow Africans succeeding. There’s still hope for the rest of us out here as well.😁😁

[@estherudotong5754]

I'm binging your videos as I await new ones and I'm reminded of how much I love your mom & her attitude!

[@JakeHunter2010]

Congrats to Tope.

[@hova2781]

Very inspiring i'll be the next #Laxis Electronic

[@TheKensultant]

Incredible story..Sooo inspiring!

[@mitch6160]

Cashing in on something a pen and paper use to do. People are pathetically lazy, nowadays.

[@chuck3575]

Love this app

[@namkebanyanklariti]

Congrats dude

[@acedia4453]

So this is what happened with that inheritance I turned down from my royal cousin in Nigeria