By Ayo Onikoyi

Daniel Jayeoba, co-founder and CEO of Guideli, has emerged as a trailblazer in the field of immigration and legal technology.

His journey from being a leading attorney in Nigeria to revolutionizing the immigration process in the United States is a testament to his innovative spirit and perseverance.

Before venturing into entrepreneurship, Jayeoba was a prominent figure in Nigeria’s legal landscape, particularly at Banwo & Ighodalo, one of the country’s top corporate law firms. He played a pivotal role in shaping the firm’s fintech practice, orchestrating landmark deals such as Mastercard’s strategic expansion into Nigeria. His work laid the groundwork for Africa’s digital financial infrastructure, showcasing his ability to navigate complex legal and technological challenges.

Jayeoba’s experience in the United States, where he pursued an MBA at Harvard Business School, exposed him to the challenges faced by immigrants. Despite his background in law, he found the immigration process daunting due to fragmented information and expensive legal services. This personal struggle led him to co-found Guideli, a settlement management tool designed to simplify the relocation process for immigrants. Guideli leverages AI to provide personalized relocation resources and streamline visa applications, setting it apart from existing solutions.

Guideli’s impact in the U.S. has been significant, addressing a critical need for cohesive immigration support. The platform has gained recognition for its innovative approach, being accepted into the Techstars Detroit Fall 2023 cohort. This validation highlights Guideli’s potential to transform the immigration experience for thousands of individuals. Jayeoba’s leadership has also earned him the Yale School of Management’s Henry F. McCance Entrepreneurial Award, further underscoring his influence in the legal tech space.

Despite the challenges of navigating the U.S. business landscape as an international entrepreneur, Jayeoba has successfully positioned Guideli as a key player in the immigration support sector. The startup faces competition from established companies like Legalpad and Boundless Immigration, but its personalized AI-driven approach has resonated with users and legal firms alike. Jayeoba’s vision for Guideli is not only to assist immigrants but also to create a more efficient and accessible immigration process, which could have far-reaching implications for the U.S. and global communities.

Daniel Jayeoba’s journey from a leading legal advisor in Nigeria to a pioneering entrepreneur in the U.S. reflects his commitment to innovation and problem-solving. Through Guideli, he is making a high impact in the U.S. by addressing the complex challenges faced by immigrants, and his work continues to inspire and transform the legal tech landscape.