In this episode of Real with Rayo, I sit down with venture capital investor and Refaini founder Dolapo Morgan to unpack what it truly means to become investment-ready as a founder.

We explore Dolapo’s journey from strategy and consulting into venture capital and entrepreneurship, and how faith, creativity, and conviction have shaped the way she builds and invests.

Dolapo also breaks down venture capital in simple terms, shares what investors actually look for when meeting founders, and explains the most common mistakes early-stage entrepreneurs make when trying to raise funding too soon.

In this conversation, we cover:

• What venture capital really is — and what investors actually do

• What investors look for when evaluating founders and startups

• The foundations every early-stage founder should have before raising capital

• The most common mistakes founders make when trying to raise funding too early

• The realities of building startups in Africa and why the continent matters right now

• Advice for women founders navigating confidence and capital

• Dolapo’s 3-step playbook for refining your business and becoming investment-ready

If you’re building a business, thinking about raising capital, or simply curious about how investors evaluate ideas, this episode offers both practical insight and encouragement for founders at every stage.

Full video episode available on YouTube.

In this episode of Real with Rayo, I’m joined by Ria Kalsi, founder and CEO of Matriarch, to talk about grief education and the life lessons many of us were never taught.

We explore identity, belonging, bias, and the realities of DEI in the workplace, as well as the importance of self-advocacy and personal growth. Ria shares how her own experiences shaped the work she does today and why learning how to navigate grief and life’s challenges is such an important part of our development.

In this episode we discuss:

• Why grief education is something we should all learn

• The idea of “life education” and what school doesn’t teach us

• Identity, belonging and navigating bias

• DEI and creating more inclusive workplaces

• Self-advocacy and embracing personal growth

• Why sometimes courage simply looks like getting out of bed

A thoughtful conversation about resilience, growth, and the courage it takes to keep going.

Connect with us:

Real with Rayo: @realwithrayo

Arayo: @arayoa

Ria: @riakalsi

Matriarch: @Mtrrch

Full video episodes available on YouTube.

It’s not too late to lock in.

If this year hasn’t gone how you planned, this episode is your reset.

This week on Real with Rayo, I’m joined by Elena Asimakopoulos — bestselling author and founder of Hotter Richer Fitter challenge — who has generated over £100,000 through side hustles she built from scratch.

We talk about:

• Rebranding your identity

• Building multiple income streams

• Choosing discipline over motivation

• Creating momentum when you feel behind

• Becoming “hotter, richer and fitter” in a sustainable way

If you’re an ambitious young professional, creative, or aspiring entrepreneur who knows you’re capable of more — this conversation will challenge you to raise your standards.

Your reset doesn’t need to wait for next year. It starts with a decision — and every small action counts.

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to follow, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs a reset.

Connect with us:

Real with Rayo: @realwithrayo

Arayo: @arayoa

Elena: @elenaa.everyday

Full video episodes available on YouTube.

Hey real ones, in this episode of Real with Rayo, I speak with Mel Anyamene — founder of Out of Office Collective, a luxury travel community for young professionals and creatives — about the real cost of community and why IRL connection matters more than ever.

We explore the shift from online engagement to in-person belonging, the rise of small but deeply engaged communities, and why brands and creators are prioritising connection over convenience. Mel shares her journey building OOOC, her playbook for cultivating community, and how finding your people can bring you closer to your ikigai (purpose).

Perfect for anyone interested in community building, the creator economy, modern friendship, luxury travel, and meaningful connection.

You can join the OOOC here: https://bio.site/outofofficecollective

I’d love to know how this landed for you so connect with me:

📧 [email protected]

YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Twitter: @RealwithRayo

Love,

Rayo

Hey real ones, from a kitchen table idea to shelves in Selfridges and Ocado, Niyi Olopade has built Novice Kitchen into one of the coolest condiment brands in the UK. In this episode, we dive into his journey of turning curiosity into craft, the realities of fundraising and retail, and how food can be a tool for storytelling, healing, and connection. Niyi shares what it means to grow from novice to master in entrepreneurship, creativity, and life.

You can check out Novice Kitchen here: www.thenovicekitchen.com

I’d love to know how this landed for you so connect with me:

📧 [email protected]

YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Twitter: @RealwithRayo

Love,

Rayo

Hey real ones, In this episode, I dive into the Butterfly Effect and how the smallest choices shape our biggest outcomes. I share why the process itself is the journey — even when it feels lonely, messy, or uncertain — and why chasing “one big thing” often keeps us stuck. We’ll talk about trusting your intuition in the building phase, leaning into small daily actions, and finding meaning in the waiting season. If you’ve ever wondered whether your effort really matters, this conversation is your reminder that every little step counts.

Connect with me:

📧 [email protected]

YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Twitter: @RealwithRayo

Love,

Rayo

Hey real ones, In this episode, British-Nigerian rapper DEELA breaks down how she’s built her bold personal brand — from her Lagos roots to global co-signs like Flo Milli and Baby Keem — and the fearless choices shaping her music, visuals, and identity.

She also plays my Wicked Babe or Good Girl game, shares truths every creative needs to hear, and reveals her secrets to navigating visibility and standing out as an independent artist.

Let me know how this episode lands for you.

Connect with me:

📧 [email protected]

YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Twitter: @RealwithRayo

Love,

Rayo

Hey real ones - ever feel like you’re doing all the right things but nothing’s happening? Yeah, same.

This episode is for anyone navigating a season of slow growth, silent effort, or uncertainty.

I’m diving into the Invisible String Theory — the idea that what’s meant for you is already connected to you — and exploring how this relates to invisible effort, delayed gratification, and trusting the process even when nothing seems to be happening.

If you’ve been building in silence, working on yourself, or feeling stuck… this is your reminder that it’s still working.

Connect with me:

📧 [email protected]

🎙 YouTube / Insta / TikTok / Twitter: @RealwithRayo

Love,

Rayo

Hey Real Ones, In this episode, I’m joined by the brilliant Tosin Victoria (aka Baby Girl Tos) — a content creator known for her hilarious, relatable, and entertaining videos on YouTube. I genuinely see her as a trailblazing creative, and in this conversation, we dive into her comeback story and what it really takes to find creative success.

We talk about the highs and lows — from burnout to resets, navigating the journey, and reigniting your spark. If you’re a creative or just in need of some inspiration, this one’s for you.

Connect with me:

📧 [email protected]

YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Twitter: @RealwithRayo

Watch Tosin’s channel:

🔗 youtube.com/@tosvictoria

Love,

Rayo

Hey real ones, I’m so excited to have Tiwa on the podcast! Someone I truly admire for her purposeful, powerful work in helping people build unshakable confidence.

Dating in today’s world can feel like a performance — where confidence is tested, ghosting is normalised, and rejection feels personal. In this episode, we discuss how we stay rooted in our worth while navigating love, dating apps, and everything in between.

Whether you’re in a situationship, healing from heartbreak, or just figuring it all out, this one’s for you. You matter, simply because you exist. Let’s get into it.

Tiwa’s website: https://www.confidentandkillingit.com

Connect with me:

[email protected]

YouTube / Insta / TikTok / Twitter: @RealwithRayo

Love,

Rayo