From WhatsApp Group to ₦50 Million: Linia Finance’s Rise Shows Power of 3MTT Community

A few years ago, Linia Finance was just an idea shared among friends in a WhatsApp group. Today, the Nigerian fintech startup has raised over ₦50 million in grants and competition prizes. It has launched a financial management platform to public acclaim. The company recently celebrated its launch with over 500 attendees and more than 1,000 beta sign-ups.

Built by 3MTT Fellows

Linia Finance was founded by Bassey Asuquo, a Cohort 1 Fellow of the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) Programme, alongside his co-founders. As the company grew, many team members came from the same programme. Today, nearly 90 percent of Linia Finance’s workforce are 3MTT Fellows and Alumni. They work in product management, design, marketing, software engineering, operations, and technology leadership.

For Asuquo, seeing the company reach this stage is deeply meaningful. “Seeing Linia Finance come to life with the support of other talented professionals who also passed through 3MTT is incredibly fulfilling,” he said. “It shows what is possible when people are given access to the right skills, opportunities, and community. Today, we’re not only building a company; we’re creating opportunities for fellow Nigerians.”

Jobs, Grants, and Ecosystem Growth

The startup’s growth has become a notable example of entrepreneurial activity from Nigeria’s digital talent ecosystem. Beyond building a product, Linia Finance has created jobs, attracted external validation through grants and awards, and positioned itself for expansion.

Eliezer Ajah, Head of Job Creation at 3MTT, said the company represents the long-term value of investing in talent. “What excites me most is that we witnessed the beginning of this journey. To see an idea that started as conversations among Fellows evolve into a company creating jobs, attracting funding, and planning for expansion is both inspiring and validating.”

Enugu’s Growing Tech Hub

The company’s success also shines a light on the growing innovation ecosystem in Enugu State. Enugu has gained recognition as a hub for digital talent and technology entrepreneurship. Linia Finance’s recent launch event, held in partnership with the Global Pizza Community, drew professionals, entrepreneurs, and remote workers from across the ecosystem. The event exceeded its target for early adopters and product testers. The strong response suggests a growing appetite for locally built technology solutions designed for African users.

As Linia Finance prepares for its next chapter, its story serves as a reminder. Some of the most impactful companies begin with something simple: a shared idea, a community of builders, and the determination to turn possibility into reality.