In the landscape of African innovation, few figures cast a shadow as long or as impactful as Dr. Ola Brown (née Orekunrin).
A medical doctor, helicopter pilot, and venture capitalist, she has spent nearly two decades dismantling the barriers between life-saving care and the millions who need it. This week, we celebrate her transition from the frontlines of emergency medicine to the high-stakes world of healthcare infrastructure financing.
Dr. Brown’s journey began with a profound personal tragedy. While practicing medicine in the UK at just 21 years old, she lost her younger sister in Nigeria due to a lack of specialized medical transport. Refusing to let her grief remain passive, she trained as a helicopter pilot and moved to Nigeria to build the bridge her sister lacked: Flying Doctors Nigeria.
Launched in 2007, it became West Africa’s first indigenous air ambulance service. Under her leadership, the service has expanded its footprint across 45 countries, responding to over 15,000 urgent care requests and revolutionizing medical evacuation in the region.
While Flying Doctors addressed immediate crises, Dr. Brown recognized that long-term survival for Africa required systemic change specifically, capital. This realization led to the founding of HealthCap Africa, a pan-African investment firm dedicated to a healthier world.
Through HealthCap, Dr. Brown has become one of the continent’s most formidable investors, focusing on healthtech, fintech, infrastructure and gender parity.
A lifelong learner, Dr. Brown holds an MBBS, a Master’s in Finance and Economic Policy, and is currently pursuing a PhD in Finance focused on digital currency. Her expertise has made her a global voice on economic policy, with appearances at the World Economic Forum and the Qatar Economic Forum.
In 2022, she was conferred with the National Honour of Member of the Federal Republic (MFR) for her services to healthcare and entrepreneurship.
Most recently, she released her latest book, Journey to Series A, a playbook for African founders navigating the complex world of venture capital.