In July 2023, Deka Dike made a bold decision that would change the course of her life, she left a stable career in financial services to pursue her startup, Omatochi, full-time. There was no external funding, no backup plan, just an unshakable vision, personal conviction, and a deep desire to build.
Today, that vision has taken centre stage.
Dike has been named an EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2025, joining the ranks of iconic business leaders such as Jeff Bezos (Amazon), Sara Blakely (Spanx), Howard Schultz (Starbucks), and Larry Page (Google). The recognition places her among an elite class of changemakers, with 23% of Fortune 1000 companies having at some point been led by EY award recipients.
What is Omatochi?
Based in the Bay Area, Omatochi is a culturally rooted, senior home care company providing whole-person, in-home support services tailored to meet the unique needs of aging adults especially those from underrepresented communities. The company offers personalized care that respects clients’ languages, traditions, and values. Services range from companionship and wellness checks to light housekeeping, meal preparation, and transportation.
Since its full-time launch, the company has seen exponential growth: a 1600% increase in team size and 9000% growth in clients served. It now employs more than 170 people directly, and 30+ indirectly, many from the same communities it serves.
Yet, the path wasn’t easy. Dike faced sleepless nights, financial uncertainty, and emotional tolls that didn’t make the headlines. There were moments when making payroll seemed nearly impossible, and the personal cost was high. Despite having a strong support system, she admitted it was often hard to share the weight of leadership.
“I carried the pressure quietly,” she shared. “And I’m still learning to be more transparent in those difficult moments.”
Still, her motivation remained clear: Omatochi is named after her daughters and was built in honor of her late father. It is more than a business, it is her life’s mission in motion.
“This isn’t just about growth charts and client numbers,” Dike said. “It’s about creating jobs, uplifting communities, and ensuring our elders receive the care they deserve.
A Win for Mission-Driven Entrepreneurship
As she accepted the EY honour, Dike used her moment not to reflect on personal success, but to shine a light on others, especially underrepresented founders facing similar challenges. She acknowledged her mother’s strength, her daughters’ inspiration, and her dedicated team past and present who helped carry the vision forward.
“To every founder out there,” she wrote in a public message, “Keep building. Keep believing. Even when it’s hard.
As the first Black woman-led company in her category to receive this honour in her region, Dike is proud to stand alongside the most diverse group of winners the Bay Area has ever seen.
For her, the award isn’t the destination, it’s a new beginning.
Ubong Usoro for Nigeria Magazine
