Nigerian Tech Investor, Danny Oyekan debunks $40,000 loan allegation amid startup collapse
In an era where viral misinformation often outpaces the truth, Nigerian-born, Dubai-based tech investor Daniel “Danny” Oyekan is clearing the air on a controversy that has spread across blogs and social media.
Recently, a sensational report claimed Oyekan borrowed $40,000 from a friend and disappeared—a story that has now been exposed as not only false but also deeply misleading.
The Truth Behind the Claims
Daniel Oyekan is far from a mystery figure in Africa’s innovation space. As the founder of Dan Ventures and Blockfinex, he has built a reputation over more than a decade for backing blockchain solutions, Web3 startups, and digital infrastructure projects across Africa, the UAE, and North America.
In 2022, Dan Ventures invested $382,500 in Bridge Network, a blockchain platform co-founded by Kimberly Adams and Samuel Eke. Contrary to allegations of a personal loan, Oyekan’s involvement was strictly as a venture capitalist. Formal documentation confirms the investment was structured, compliant, and transparent.
Crucially, Oyekan held no operational role in the startup. His participation was limited to that of a financial backer and occasional technical advisor—standard practice in the VC world.
When Startups Fail: What Really Happened at Bridge Network
By early 2023, tensions flared between Bridge Network’s co-founders. Sources reveal that Adams, who originally executed the funding agreement, was ousted from the company in what has been described as a hostile takeover spearheaded by her co-founder, Eke.
Before her exit, Adams had arranged a partial repayment agreement with Dan Ventures. However, that agreement was never honored. To date, Adams remains the only legally recognized shareholder of Bridge Network, while Eke and his current associates have no official documentation tying them to the company.
Soon after, Bridge Network reportedly fell into disarray—plagued by staff resignations, communication breakdowns, and investor concerns about misused funds.
The Rise of a False Narrative
Amid the collapse, a series of defamatory posts targeting Oyekan emerged online—many traced to crypto-related blackmail rings previously flagged for similar tactics. The now-viral claim that Oyekan “borrowed and vanished” appears to be part of this smear campaign.
“There is no loan. No IOU. No agreement. No litigation. What exists is a failed startup and serious governance issues within it—not on my part,” Oyekan stated.
Choosing Legal Action Over Online Drama
Rather than engage in public mudslinging, Oyekan has opted for a measured and professional response. Legal documentation and petitions have been filed with relevant authorities, and his team is working to ensure that the matter is investigated thoroughly.
“This situation is unfortunate,” he noted, “but I trust the documentation and legal process to speak for itself. My focus remains on building and funding innovative ventures in Africa.”
Still Standing, Still Building
Despite the noise, Oyekan remains active in the tech ecosystem through Dan Ventures and Blockfinex. His portfolio includes a number of successful startups that are shaping Africa’s digital future—from fintech to blockchain infrastructure.
He continues to maintain a transparent presence in investment and tech circles, contradicting the baseless claims that he vanished.
A Lesson in the Age of Clickbait
Ultimately, this case is a cautionary tale about how digital misinformation can distort real business challenges. A collapsed startup with internal issues became clickbait fodder for headlines that ignored nuance and facts.
Daniel Oyekan did not take a loan. He did not disappear. What transpired was a classic startup fallout—one that he handled not with denial or drama, but with due process and documentation.
