Who is Mpowa?
We believe in respect, and we are always inclusive.
Our team includes experts in Blockchain technology, global marketing, successful business people with corporate experience, entrepreneurs, filmmakers and our ‘heroes’ on the ground around the world.
Ryan Lavelle – Founder & CEO.
Ryan, a distinguished technology innovator and entrepreneur, boasts a rich background in enterprise risk software development and impactful project delivery within the banking and risk sector. Motivated by the recent surge in cryptocurrency innovation and his dedication to international development and social justice, he transitioned from banking to entrepreneurship, founding Mpowa in 2019 during the Bitcoin boom. With personal ties to Africa, Ryan witnessed the challenges faced by communities firsthand, igniting his passion for addressing poverty and underdevelopment. Guided by his commitment to clean technology and serendipitous inspiration, he conceived a highly scalable platform aimed at fostering a multi-sided marketplace. His vision is laser-focused on mass-producing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) impact projects through innovative clean technology solutions.
Jason Till – co-Founder & CXO.
Jason Till is a seasoned product and service innovator with a wealth of experience. Over his tenure, he has collaborated with esteemed global brands across various sectors, spearheading the realization of human-centred and technology-driven innovations. In his role as Partner and Global Lead of Innovation for Infosys Consulting's AI-X (Artificial Intelligence and Experience) Practice, Jason has amassed over a decade of expertise. His portfolio includes collaborations with industry giants such as Toyota, Mercedes-Benz, BP, and Barclays Bank, among others. Notably, he has played a pivotal role in enhancing their innovation capabilities, emphasizing value and human-centricity in disruptive business models, products, and services. As an adept innovation strategist and advisor, Jason has demonstrated proficiency in scaling capabilities, crafting compelling propositions, and nurturing multi-million-dollar business pipelines. Despite his strategic responsibilities, he remains deeply engaged as a hands-on design thinker, workshop facilitator, and business designer, consistently driving impactful outcomes.
Peter Peart - COO.
Peter is a seasoned veteran of the Tech Startup ecosystem, boasting 18 years of industry experience, with the last decade marked by senior executive roles. His versatile expertise spans strategy, operations, customer experience, product alignment, and program management. Peter's extensive portfolio includes collaborations with renowned entities such as Improbable, Investec Asset Management, KPMG, Octopus Electric Vehicles (a subsidiary of Octopus Energy), and the Chinese tech giant, NetEase. His knack for swiftly grasping diverse landscapes has fueled his success, evidenced by notable achievements like securing a $100 million funding for Improbable from NetEase. Peter's passion lies in team building, talent development, and impactful work, earning him acclaim for his exceptional leadership skills. With a relentless drive to make a difference, Peter continues to leave a lasting mark in the tech industry.
Nick Westall – CTO.
Nick brings over three decades of expertise in B2B tech across private equity, enterprise, and listed companies. His illustrious career includes spearheading twelve tech and service M&A deals, driving growth, turnarounds, and strategic realignment. Nick is known for crafting ground-up strategic transformations and establishing managed service organizations from inception. With a hands-on approach, he sets technical strategy, assembles top-notch teams, and ensures seamless execution. His extensive experience spans original equipment manufacturers, resellers, professional services, and managed service providers across various industries, often catering to regulated and complex environments. Nick's leadership prowess shines in navigating turnarounds for individuals, teams, and organizations, as well as managing strategic partners and demanding clientele. Renowned as a captivating speaker, he delivers compelling keynotes on AI, cyber, technology, and leadership, cementing his reputation as a thought leader in the industry.
Tom Maples – CRO.
Tom Maples is a strategic leader with a comprehensive background as a Chief Revenue Officer, expert in driving predictable revenue growth in the technology sector. His robust approach to sales, marketing, and leadership has underpinned the successful expansion of businesses across EMEA and America. With a military background that honed his leadership skills, Tom's career reflects a consistent track record of developing winning strategies in challenging and competitive environments. His experience includes turning innovative ideas into lucrative realities, significantly growing revenue, and building high-performing teams. His role as a CRO is complemented by his time in the British Army, which provided a foundation of discipline and strategic planning.
Patrick Mazzota - Advisor (Blockchain Architecture).
With over 28 years of experience in technology and consulting, Patrick has become a distinguished advisor in the data, technology, and blockchain sectors. Specialising in the development of trustless systems, Patrick has co-authored numerous innovations for Ethereum startups and provided expert advice on smart contract architecture. He brings extensive experience working with scaleup and tech-giants alike, with a client list that includes Microsoft, Amazon, Google, Uber, and Airbnb. Currently, Patrick contributes their wealth of knowledge and experience as an advisor and leader in the tokenization and blockchain work, with a keen interest in supporting impactful social change.
Stephen Sharp – CMO.
Stephen is a seasoned Marketing Director with a remarkable track record. He notably founded, managed, and successfully sold a top-tier communications agency, catering to prestigious clients such as Vodafone, BMI Healthcare, and Nokia. Additionally, he served as the Communications Director for the UK's National Government Awareness Campaign for Internet safety, collaborating with various governmental and regulatory bodies, including the Cabinet Office and UK Police forces. Stephen's expertise lies in business-to-business marketing, where he partners with business owners to align sales strategies with targeted marketing campaigns, fostering growth and facilitating exit strategies. His agency boasted a global presence, with offices in key cities worldwide. Notably, he was recognized as a finalist for B2B Businessman of the Year in 2012, underscoring his significant contributions to the industry.
Julian Oliver.
Julian Oliver FRSA is a content creator with a diverse portfolio across various platforms. With a rich background in storytelling, Julian has left a mark on the industry through partnerships with giants such as Amazon Prime, Discovery Channel US, and National Geographic Channel US. His filmmaking journey has led him to the most challenging and remote corners of the globe, from the Amazon rainforest to war-torn Afghanistan and the enchanting landscapes of the Arabian Peninsula. Currently, Julian spearheads groundbreaking feature documentaries and series spanning America, Arabia, Europe, and Southeast Asia, while also advocating for social causes domestically in the UK and in crisis zones worldwide. He is a passionate advocate for women's health in conflict areas and champions initiatives addressing homelessness, penal system reform, and youth suicide prevention through sports. In the tech sector, Julian collaborated with InnovateUK, pioneering a revolutionary platform connecting emerging creators with industry giants, fostering innovation and collaboration in the digital realm. With an unyielding commitment to storytelling and social impact, Julian continues to push the boundaries of technology to tackle global challenges head-on.
Faizal Daniels – Regional Manager (Africa).
Faizal is a seasoned political and community activist, driven by an unwavering commitment to uplifting the impoverished, oppressed, and marginalized regions and nations worldwide, rooted in a steadfast pan-Africanist perspective. With multiple degrees in politics and international relations, he brings extensive experience from leadership roles across the executive and legislative branches of government. From the Union Buildings to Parliament, provincial, and local government, Faizal has championed change and consulted on Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) initiatives. His fervent dedication stems from a belief that the current world order is fundamentally flawed and unjust, rigged against the underprivileged. Faizal strives to be a catalyst for recalibrating systems towards greater justice, equality, and humanity. As a rural South African native, he sees life as an ongoing learning experience, constantly working in the trenches of change and evolution to create a more beautiful and equitable world. With a profound belief in compassion and Ubuntu, Faizal endeavours to infuse these values into every aspect of his work, whether tackling complex issues like Blockchain or fostering innovation.
Dr Ikechi Agbugba – Head of Sustainability.
Ikechi is a seasoned applied economist with extensive expertise spanning food and agriculture, development studies, project management, entrepreneurship, food security, and agricultural IT. He excels in crafting project proposals, delivering impactful initiatives in South African communities, and securing funding from prestigious sources like the EU Horizon, NUFFIC, ARC, and WRC, aligned with the UN's SDGs agenda. Notably, he's consulted twice for the UN's International Organisation for Migration, contributing to diaspora-focused projects in the Netherlands. As an EUTECH Advocate and Board Member for the Food, Farming, and Fisheries Alliance, Ikechi engages in various capacities, from expert consultation to speaking engagements. He collaborates with agribusinesses globally, advising on innovative business models for transformative change. A proponent of the 'Brain Re-Engineering Concept and Reimagination (BRECR),' he champions SDGs realization. Recognized with awards like 'Agro-Economist of the Year' and the 'Global Emerging Leader Award,' Ikechi holds esteemed academic positions worldwide, contributing significantly to research in food economics and agribusiness since 2003.
Dr Boikanyo Trust Phenyo – Director, Heroes Academy.
Boikanyo is a multifaceted individual, serving as a university lecturer, business manager, and Prince 2 qualified Project Manager. She holds directorship positions in Botswana Community UK, African Tourism Showcase, and We Do Foundations & Extensions. Boikanyo's expertise extends to lifestyle consultancy and pageant direction, where she has served as a VIP Judge for prestigious national pageants. In 2013, she received a special invitation to the Commonwealth Nations Reception at Buckingham Palace, hosted by The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh, where she had the privilege of meeting the entire Royal Family. Boikanyo's presence has graced numerous TV shows, and her contributions have earned her accolades, including the title of Peace Missionary bestowed by the Diplomatic Mission, Peace and Prosperity.