Jessica Colaço
Jessica Colaço is a Kenyan technology innovator, researcher, and leadership coach whose work has had a profound impact on East Africa’s innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem. She is best known as the co-founder of Brave Venture Labs, a leadership and talent advisory firm based in Nairobi that focuses on building high-performance teams, developing leaders, and transforming organizations. Through Brave, Jessica has played a critical role in equipping entrepreneurs and executives with the tools and mindsets needed to thrive in fast-changing business environments.
Her professional journey began in computer science, and she quickly established herself as a pioneer in the Kenyan tech scene. As the Founding Manager of the iHub Nairobi in 2010, Jessica helped create one of Africa’s most influential innovation hubs, nurturing startups, fostering collaboration, and connecting Kenyan tech talent with global opportunities. She also worked as the Research Lead at iHub, where she spearheaded projects on mobile technology, data science, and user experience research. Her passion for building ecosystems was further demonstrated in her work at GrowthAfrica, where she supported high-impact ventures across the continent.
Beyond organizational leadership, Jessica is recognized as a mentor, speaker, and advocate for women in technology. She has inspired countless young innovators, particularly women, to pursue careers in STEM and entrepreneurship. Her efforts have contributed to positioning Nairobi as a leading tech hub in Africa, often referred to as “Silicon Savannah.”
Jessica’s achievements include being listed among the Top 40 Under 40 Women in Kenya and being invited to speak on global stages about leadership, innovation, and Africa’s digital future. Her influence spans technology, leadership development, and ecosystem building, making her one of Kenya’s most respected voices in innovation.
Jessica Colaço’s legacy is one of building bridges—between ideas and execution, between people and opportunity, and between Africa’s tech talent and the global stage. Through her pioneering work, she continues to shape the future of leadership and innovation in Africa, leaving an indelible mark on the continent’s entrepreneurial journey.
Famous Quote
Leaders are not born, they are made through courage, resilience, and the willingness to serve others.
— Jessica Colaço
