How two ex-bankers are bridging tech talent, opportunity gap

In an era where career transitions are becoming increasingly common, two former corporate bankers, Tolulope Omotola and Onome Jike, are leading a quiet revolution connecting aspiring tech professionals with real-world project opportunities through ReCreaX – an innovative-driven platform.

With operations in Nigeria and the United Kingdom, ReCreaX is fast emerging as a solution to one of the tech industry’s biggest hurdles- experience.

For many transitioning into tech, especially those with corporate backgrounds, securing roles without a solid project portfolio has proven nearly impossible.

This remains true regardless of certifications or bootcamp credentials. “Can you share your project experience?” is a question that has dashed the hopes of many job seekers in tech interviews.

Recognising this recurring obstacle, Omotola and Onome set out to create a solution that benefits both sides of the equation. Skilled individuals are in need of practical experience, while small businesses lack the technical capacity to bring their ideas to life.

“We saw firsthand how small businesses struggled to get funding without a minimum viable product, and how professionals trying to pivot into tech couldn’t get hired without real projects,” the partners said.

To bridge the gap, they establish their business. “ReCreaX was built to bridge that gap,” they added.

Founded in 2024, ReCreaX is not just another edtech platform. It is an innovation and learning ecosystem. The platform allows businesses to upload genuine project ideas, which are then vetted before being assigned to aspiring tech talents.

These talents gain hands-on experience by working on actual solutions, under the guidance of mentors who are industry professionals. Each project is treated as both a learning opportunity and a business development initiative.

From app development to digital platforms, ReCreaX matches teams of learners with real startups in need of technical execution. This ensures both parties gain substantial value.

“Every project is a dual-impact initiative,” Onome explained. “Talents build portfolios and businesses get functional solutions they may not have otherwise afforded.”

A standout feature of ReCreaX is its mentorship model, which brings experienced professionals into the fold as guides.

These mentors help ensure deliverables meet quality standards while nurturing the next wave of tech professionals. Mentors can choose to volunteer or charge for their time, allowing flexibility in engagement.

Since its soft launch in April 2024, it has attracted over 700 users across Nigeria, the UK, South Africa, Kenya, and beyond, completing seven high-impact projects to date.

One notable case involved a UK-based healthtech startup that collaborated with ReCreaX talents to develop a full MVP, mobile and web applications, at a fraction of traditional costs. This helped launch a platform to support the UK’s health and care system.

With growing traction and user adoption across emerging markets, the platform is setting its sights on ambitious growth targets.

It aims to onboard 5,000 talents and support up to 100 businesses within the next three years.

“Our vision is to build a sustainable ecosystem where learning and innovation happen together,” Omotola said. “We’re not just training people. We’re preparing them for real, meaningful careers,” she added.

The platform operates on a remote-first model, promoting flexibility and inclusivity. The platform’s focus remains rooted in bridging the gap between raw potential and practical opportunity, while helping businesses innovate without being limited by technical constraints.

As the global demand for tech talent continues to surge, ReCreaX’s model may well prove to be a blueprint for inclusive, experience-driven learning in the future of work.