# Hareter Babatunde Oralusi

Hareter Babatunde Oralusi is a social entrepreneur and impact investor, renowned for his significant contributions to innovation and economic development across various sectors and regions, including Africa, the United States, and Europe.

## Early life

Born on September 28, 1971, in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria, Hareter Babatunde Oralusi comes from a family with a rich cultural heritage. His father, Moses Dokun Oralusi, was a civil servant, and his mother, Adunni Abiodun Oralusi (née Bajoo), was a trader. Oralusi is the great-grandson of Chief Joseph Obawaye Oralusi, a notable nobleman and warlord in Ife. He attended the Seventh-day Adventist Primary School, Aperin Commercial School, and completed his secondary education at Ibadan Grammar School, where he was recognized by his peers as most likely to succeed as a pastor, politician, or business person.
While still in secondary school, Oralusi exhibited entrepreneurial flair by starting a small business that supplied locally-made body cream to supermarkets in Ibadan. This venture laid the foundation for his future in business and social entrepreneurship.
In 1994, Oralusi pursued a degree in theology at the Christian College in Vienna, Austria. He continued his education by earning a German Language Certification from Volkshochschulen Langenfeldgasse, Vienna, and later completed English Level C1 at Frisby College in 1998. He achieved a diploma in business informatics from Humboldt Institute and went on to earn a Master of Science degree in human resource management and organizational development from PEF Private University of Management Vienna in 2000. He furthered his education with a Level 7 Business and Management Program at Frisby College, completed in 2003, and obtained certification from The Association of Business Executives Institute, United Kingdom.

## Entrepreneurial Career

Hareter Babatunde Oralusi's entrepreneurial journey began with the founding of Tuloh International Limited in 1999, an automobile and computer sales business operating in Austria and Nigeria. The company expanded into tourism, launching Tuloh Travels & Tours in London in 2002, which later grew to offer chartered flight and luxury chauffeuring services. The flight services, covering routes between Europe and Africa, were eventually rebranded as African Direct Airline.
In 2005, Oralusi established Grovesnor Petroleum, a petroleum importation, storage, distribution, trading, and retailing company in Nigeria. This venture has since evolved into Grovesnor Energy, a renewable energy company committed to providing sustainable energy solutions to underserved communities in Nigeria.
In 2010, Oralusi founded the Nigerian Capital Development Fund (NCDF) in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Finance, focusing on investment, capacity development, and technical assistance to support government developmental objectives. His work with NCDF has been instrumental in promoting financial inclusion and economic growth in Nigeria.
In 2012, he launched additional companies, including NCDF Investment Management Plc, a licensed venture capital fund management company, and NCDF Opportunity Growth Fund, a venture capital fund focused on driving economic growth in Nigeria by investing in early-stage and mid-stage start-ups. With an initial capital of US$20 million and a target growth of US$100 million, this fund aims to empower high-potential enterprises that foster innovation, job creation, and sustainable development. Managed by NCDF Investment Management Plc, the fund is strategically positioned to bridge the funding gap in Nigeria's entrepreneurial ecosystem while delivering attractive financial returns.

## Global Impact

Beyond Nigeria, Hareter Babatunde Oralusi has made significant contributions internationally. In the United Kingdom, he founded EmergX, an impact investment firm specialising in building and operating early-stage businesses in emerging markets. He recently launched the EmergX Impact Ventures Fund. His commitment to social entrepreneurship extends to the establishment of the London School of Social Enterprise and Sustainable Economics, an institution dedicated to empowering individuals through education in social enterprise and sustainable development.
In the United States, Oralusi founded Fatherland Holdings Inc., a conglomerate serving the African diaspora consumer market. Fatherland Holdings is dedicated to creating a global ecosystem that supports cultural identity and economic opportunity, offering services across various sectors, including technology, tourism, financial inclusion, and entertainment.

## Political aspirations

Oralusi's political career began in 2005 when he joined the Peoples Democratic Party in Osun State. He contested the 2007 election for the Federal House of Representatives but stepped down during the consensus dialogue. From 2007 to 2010, he served as Senior Special Assistant to the Executive Governor of Osun State on Water Resources and Rural Development.
In 2009, he was appointed to the board of the Nigerian Labour Cooperative Society and promoted to Deputy Secretary General in 2011. During his tenure, Oralusi played a crucial role in redesigning the organization into an internationally recognized institution.
In 2014, Oralusi was the governorship candidate for Action Alliance in the Osun State Governorship Election. However, he stepped down following the intervention of King Okunade Sijuwade and Former President Goodluck Jonathan. In 2015, he served as Director General of the Forerunner Group, a presidential campaign team supporting the re-election of former President Goodluck Jonathan.

## Recognition

Hareter Babatunde Oralusi is committed to creating lasting positive change through entrepreneurship, investment, and social advocacy. His vision for a sustainable and inclusive future is evident in his work across various sectors, empowering communities and fostering economic growth. Oralusi continues to inspire the next generation of leaders and entrepreneurs, driving innovation and progress in Nigeria and beyond.