Updated
Updated · AfroTech · Jul 17
Shegun Otulana Launches Harmony Venture Labs After $1.25 Billion Exit
Updated
Updated · AfroTech · Jul 17

Shegun Otulana Launches Harmony Venture Labs After $1.25 Billion Exit

1 articles · Updated · AfroTech · Jul 17

Summary

  • Harmony Venture Labs is Otulana’s new AI-forward venture studio, built to co-create and co-invest in B2B software startups after his 2021 $1.25 billion exit from Therapy Brands.
  • The Birmingham-based model targets gaps common in emerging tech hubs—thin talent pools and weaker capital networks—by concentrating founders, operators and funding in one studio.
  • HVL already lists startups including ListedKit.ai, PackPay, DealTree and SupplyFlo, and also works with corporations and institutions to turn industry problems into new ventures.
  • Otulana said the long-term aim is to seed Birmingham and the broader South with dozens of startups over the next 10 to 20 years, keeping more company-building momentum in Alabama.

Insights

How replicable is Birmingham's tech success, or does it all depend on one visionary founder?
With 96% of B2B companies invisible to AI, how can new startups truly stand out?
Do venture studios trade founder freedom for a higher chance of success?