Jason Njoku Biography
Jason Njoku is a British-Nigerian entrepreneur known for building iROKOtv, a platform that streams African movies to people around the world. He grew up in a simple family and faced many challenges early on. His story shows how hard work and smart ideas can turn failures into success. Njoku started many businesses that did not work, but he kept trying. In 2010, he saw a chance to share Nollywood films online, and that changed everything.
iROKOtv became like Netflix for African content. It helped Nollywood reach viewers in 178 countries. Njoku raised millions in funding and built a company that employed people in Lagos, New York, and London. His work made African stories more popular globally. He also started other ventures like Spark, which invested in startups in Nigeria.
In recent years, Njoku faced tough times. In March 2025, he wrote about closing iROKOtv operations in Nigeria because paid streaming did not grow as expected. They spent a lot trying to make it work against big competitors like Netflix and Showmax. By June 2025, news reported a court order freezing his bank accounts due to debt issues. Despite this, Njoku stays active. In October 2025, his X posts show him organizing networking events called Dinner and Disco in places like Dubai and Houston. He also shares family moments and fitness goals, like training for triathlons.
This biography covers his life from start to now. It aims to teach readers about resilience in business. Njoku’s path reminds us that success often comes after many tries. He is a role model for young entrepreneurs in Africa and beyond. His story highlights the power of connecting cultures through technology. As of 2025, Njoku continues to inspire with his honest views on building companies in tough markets.
Jason Njoku Early Life
Jason Chukwuma Njoku came into the world on December 11, 1980, in Deptford, a part of Southeast London. His parents came from Imo State in Nigeria, making him BritishNigerian. He grew up in a workingclass home. His mother worked for the National Health Service and raised him alone with three sisters and one brother. Life was not easy, but it taught him to be strong.
From age 12 to 15, Njoku lived in a village in Nigeria. This time helped him connect with his roots. He saw how people lived there and learned about Nigerian culture. Nollywood movies became a big part of his interest during those years. When he returned to London, he blended his two worlds. This mix shaped his future ideas in business.
Growing up in Deptford meant facing economic struggles. Njoku saw his mother work hard to provide. These experiences pushed him to dream big. He wanted to create something that linked his British life with his Nigerian heritage. His early years built his drive to succeed against odds.
Jason Njoku Education
Njoku finished his early schooling in London. He did his ALevels at a local college after coming back from Nigeria. In 2001, he started at the University of Manchester to study Chemistry. He graduated in 2005 with a 2:1 honors degree.
While at university, Njoku showed his entrepreneurial side. He started Brash Magazine, a publication for students. It ran from 2005 to 2008. This was his first taste of running a media project. Though his degree was in science, it helped him think logically. He later used these skills in business.
Njoku did not study business in school, but he learned it through real life. His education gave him a strong base to solve problems.
Jason Njoku Career
Njoku’s career began right after university in 2005. He tried many businesses, but most failed. From 2005 to 2010, he launched about 11 ventures. These included a blog network, a Tshirt company, and a web design firm. None made big money, so he moved back to his mother’s home in Deptford in 2010.
That year, Njoku saw a gap in online African content. Platforms like Hulu and Netflix existed, but nothing for Nollywood. With help from friend Bastian Gotter, he went to Lagos with $3,000 to buy film licenses. They started NollywoodLove on YouTube in 2010. It became profitable in just two months after TechCrunch covered it.
In 2011, they got $3 million from Tiger Global. iROKOtv launched on December 1, 2011, as a full videoondemand site. It grew fast, with over 5,000 movies for viewers in 178 countries. The company raised $40 million total, from investors like Investment AB Kinnevik and RISE Capital. Offices opened in Lagos, New York, and London.
Njoku served as CEO, handling content and partnerships. In 2013, with Gotter and his wife Mary, he started Spark. This $2 million fund backed Lagos startups like Hotels.ng and ToLet.com.ng. In 2015, they sold off four failing ones: Bus.com.ng, Insured.ng, Giddimint.com.ng, and Christians.ng.
iROKOtv shifted to a mobile app in 2015 to fit Africa’s internet issues. They also made ROK Studios for producing films. In July 2019, they sold ROK to Canal+ for $25 million. Njoku called it a good exit.
By 2023, Njoku expanded into Blackbet, a betting platform. But challenges grew. In March 2025, he shared on his Substack that iROKOtv exited Nigeria after spending $100 million. He said there was no big market for paid streaming there. They faced rivals like Netflix, Amazon, Showmax, and Iflix. Nigeria made 80 percent of revenue but only 25 percent of costs, with good margins. Still, growth stopped.
In June 2025, a court froze Njoku’s accounts over debts. His wife Mary posted concerns online. Despite this, Njoku kept going. In October 2025, he hosted events like Dinner and Disco in Lagos, Dubai, and Houston. These focus on networking for African business leaders. He spoke at TechCabal’s Moonshot in October 2025 about monetizing creativity.
Njoku’s career teaches that failure leads to learning. He turned Nollywood digital and invested in tech. Even with 2025 setbacks, he inspires others.
Jason Njoku Personal Life and Family
Njoku married Nollywood actress Mary Remmy Njoku on August 18, 2012, in Festac Town, Lagos. They work together in business. Mary runs ROK Studios, which they sold partly in 2019.
They have three children. Their son, Jason Obinna, was born on July 30, 2013. Daughter Nwakaego Annabel arrived on August 24, 2015. Their youngest, Nnenna Amber, was born on August 4, 2017.
The family lives in Festac Town since 2010. Njoku shares family life on X. In October 2025, he posted about his 12yearold son growing tall. He also mentioned outings with books, Lego, and cinema during half term. Njoku balances work with being a dad.
He enjoys fitness. In October 2025, he trained for a 5km swim and triathlon. He calls himself an Ironman 70.3 triathlete in his bio. Family and health keep him grounded.
Njoku and Mary decided not to leave too much money for their kids to inherit. They want them to work hard like they did.
Jason Njoku Achievements and Recognitions
Njoku earned many honors for his work. In 2012, Forbes Africa named him one of Ten Young African Millionaires to Watch.
In 2013, he won CNBC All Africa Young Leader of the Year for West Africa.
Fast Company listed him in the Top 1000 Most Creative People in Business in 2014.
Media called him London’s Mr. Nollywood. He spoke at TEDx and other events.
His biggest achievement is making Nollywood global through iROKOtv. He invested in startups via Spark, helping Nigeria’s tech grow.
In 2025, he spoke at events like Fluidity in Riyadh in September.
Jason Njoku Net Worth 2025
Njoku’s net worth has been discussed over years. In January 2021, he said it was $30 million, but 95 percent was in stocks, not cash. He called most of it audio money, meaning not easy to access.
In 2019, reports estimated $40 million after selling ROK.
As of October 2025, no new public figure exists. The iROKOtv shutdown in Nigeria and debt issues in June 2025 may have affected it. They spent $100 million on the business. His wealth comes from iROKOtv shares, Spark investments, and production work.
Njoku is honest about money. He and his wife plan to give kids education, not huge inheritance. Exact 2025 net worth is not verified, but past estimates suggest around $30 to $40 million, possibly less now.
Conclusion
Jason Njoku’s life shows how persistence wins. From London streets to leading iROKOtv, he bridged cultures. His failures taught him, and successes inspired many. Even with 2025 challenges like closing parts of his business, he keeps building networks and sharing knowledge.
Njoku changed Nollywood by going digital. He invested in Africa’s future through startups. His family life adds balance.
FAQs
Who is Jason Njoku?
He is a British-Nigerian entrepreneur who founded iROKOtv.
Where is Jason Njoku from?
He was born in Deptford, London, to Nigerian parents.
What is Jason Njoku known for?
Building iROKOtv, the Netflix of Africa for Nollywood films.
What companies has Jason Njoku founded?
iROKOtv, Spark Ventures, and ROK Studios.
How did Jason Njoku start his career?
With failed startups from 2005 to 2010, then NollywoodLove on YouTube.
What is Jason Njoku’s educational background?
BSc in Chemistry from University of Manchester in 2005.
What is Jason Njoku’s net worth?
Around $30 million as of 2021, no 2025 update.
What awards has Jason Njoku won?
Forbes list in 2012, CNBC award in 2013.
What is Jason Njoku’s role in iROKOtv?
Cofounder and CEO.
How has Jason Njoku contributed to African entertainment?
By streaming Nollywood globally and investing in creators.