From Paystack superfan to CEO: The life of Selar’s Douglas Kendyson

A self-proclaimed “God’s favourite,” Douglas Kendyson has had a remarkable journey. Graduating from Covenant University at 19, he went from being a website developer to working at Paystack and later, Flutterwave. Now the CEO of Selar, an e-commerce platform that paid out ₦9.8 billion to creators in 2024, Kendyson’s story is one of determination and success.

During a candid conversation at an Italian restaurant in Victoria Island, Kendyson opened up about his experiences. From a mental health diagnosis to overcoming fears of failure, he shared personal insights. His journey from building websites for clients to creating Selar was marked by challenges and triumphs.

Reflecting on his time at Paystack and Flutterwave, Kendyson credits his learnings with shaping Selar’s growth. His dedication to providing a platform for digital creators has paid off, with Selar becoming a success story in the e-commerce market.

Despite facing setbacks and challenges, Kendyson’s perseverance and dedication to Selar have been unwavering. With a focus on customer needs and a strong team, Selar has grown organically, becoming profitable without external funding.

Looking ahead, Kendyson remains optimistic about Selar’s future. With plans to double revenue and expand the platform’s reach, he is confident in the team he has built and their ability to achieve even greater success.