Young Innovator Series: David Onyilimba – Building Play2Learn, Revolutionizing Cryptocurrency Education

The story of David onyilimba
David onyilmba pictured on the right with co-founder Ewuola Temitope
David Onyilmba pictured on the right with co-founder Ewuola Temitope

In the fast-paced world of startups, young visionaries are not just adapting to change they are creating it. One such innovator is David Uzochukwu Onyilimba, the mind behind Play2Learn, a venture that transforms cryptocurrency education into an interactive experience.

Originally from Ihiala, Anambra State, David’s journey is one of resilience, adaptability, and an unrelenting drive to make knowledge accessible. He completed his high school education in Lagos, where he met his co-founder, Ewuola Temitope Gideon. Despite their different backgrounds, David being from Anambra and Ewuola from Osun their shared vision brought them together, leading to the creation of Play2Learn.

Play2learn games
Play2learn games

Determined to build a strong foundation, David pursued a National Diploma in Accountancy at the Federal Polytechnic, Nekede, and later earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Accountancy from the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus. Beyond academics, his passion for innovation and education led him into the technology sector, where he and his team are making cryptocurrency education more accessible through card games.

David onyilimba and play2learn games
David Onyilimba and team

A Conversation on Growth, Hard Work, and the Future

During a candid discussion with Victory Oluchi Nwadike founder of Beep Legal Tech and a longtime friend, David reflected on the struggles of being a young entrepreneur in Nigeria today.

The economic uncertainty, the pressure to succeed, and the harsh realities of adulthood have all played a role in shaping his perspective. He and Victory shared stories about how everyday luxuries are becoming out of reach for many. Yet, amidst the challenges, there remains a spark of hope.

“You do not have to do one thing for a long time,” Victory muses. “You have to be adaptable. The world is changing, and so should we.”

This mindset of adaptability is something David fully embraces.

More Than a Founder—A Builder

When asked about his role in Play2Learn, David rejects the typical ‘founder’ label in favor of something more dynamic: “I am a builder.”

He explains that his vision extends beyond just Africa Play2Learn’s impact has already reached users in the United Kingdom and Albania. But his mission is not just about expansion.

”I am rooting for everyone to overcome financial struggles, to innovate, and to be creative,” he says.

David onyilimba
David onyilimba on building Play2learn

David’s journey into entrepreneurship was not without challenges. Legal guidance played a crucial role in shaping Play2Learn. “My legal kickoff was handled by a lawyer from my brother’s company,” he recalls. After designing a prototype and testing it at events, it became clear that formal registration was the next step. With the help of a startup lawyer, Play2Learn became an officially recognized entity.

The Hard Work Behind Play2Learn’s Success

The journey of Play2Learn was built on relentless effort. Before any recognition came, David and his team spent months testing, refining, and marketing their cryptocurrency card games. They appeared at events, engaged directly with users, and gathered feedback to improve the gaming experience.

Their commitment to making cryptocurrency education fun and accessible paid off.

play2learn wins a 3,000 grant
Play2learn wins a 3,000 usd grant as 1st Runner up- from Tech cabal 2024

In October 2024, after proving their concept through hard work and innovation, Play2Learn won a three thousand dollar grant from Tech Cabal as the first runner-up in the #Moonshootbytechcabal crypto’s startup pitch. This funding was not just a financial boost but also a validation of their vision a sign that their work was making an impact. One of their team members proudly represented them at the event, standing as proof of what young innovators can achieve with dedication and resilience.

The Inspiration Behind Play2Learn

The idea for Play2Learn was not born in a boardroom it started with a simple conversation.

A former secondary school classmate Ewuola, a cryptocurrency enthusiast, approached David with the idea of creating cryptocurrency content in Pidgin English for a growing audience. They saw potential in making cryptocurrency knowledge more accessible, relatable, and engaging.

David and Ewuola
David and Ewuola- long-time friends and co-founders.

But David had an even bigger realization.

At a crowded event, he noticed how traditional games like Ludo and card games still had the power to bring people together. And then it struck him “Why not create cryptocurrency games?” to teach the basics of crypto

That question became the foundation of Play2Learn. Today, the venture uses card games as a fun, interactive way to teach cryptocurrency and blockchain concepts bridging the gap between entertainment and education.

The Power of Community and Collaboration

Victory emphasizes the importance of relationships in the startup space, especially in legal technology. Through Beep Legal Tech, she is working to make legal resources accessible to young entrepreneurs like David, helping them navigate the challenges of business formation and growth.

However, David highlights another reality—finding the right partners is not always easy.

“It is difficult to find people you can build with,” he admits. Many African founders, he notes, only look for collaborations after hearing about a startup’s success. “The struggle is real, but so is the growth,” he adds with a knowing smile.

Looking Ahead

As the conversation comes to a close, David offers a final thought, one that perfectly encapsulates his journey.

“This is the best interview I have had in a while,” he says, a genuine warmth in his voice.

David Onyilimba is not just building a company he is building a community, a movement, and a future where cryptocurrency education is engaging, inclusive, and within reach for all.

With Play2Learn, he and his team are paving the way for a new era of financial literacy, one game at a time.

 

Stay tuned for more inspiring stories in our Young Innovator Series, exclusively on Beep Legal Tech’s blog.

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