From Lagos to Global Tech Stardom: How Silas Adekunle Built MekaMon, Secured an Apple Deal and Inspired a Generation

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The inspiring journey of Silas Adekunle is once again making waves online, as social media users celebrate the Nigerian-born engineer whose robotics innovation earned global recognition and a landmark retail partnership with Apple.

Born in Nigeria in the early 1990s, with Lagos and Ibadan both referenced in various accounts, Adekunle relocated to the United Kingdom as a teenager. He later graduated with a first-class degree in robotics from the University of the West of England, setting the stage for a groundbreaking career in engineering and entrepreneurship.

In 2013, he co-founded Reach Robotics, a company focused on combining robotics with immersive gaming technology. His defining innovation came in 2016 with the launch of MekaMon, widely described as the world’s first intelligent gaming robot. The four-legged, spider-like device merged lifelike robotic movement with augmented reality battles, expressive digital features, and smartphone app integration, primarily through iOS platforms.

MekaMon quickly captured international attention. Its initial limited run of 500 units reportedly sold out between late 2016 and early 2017, generating an estimated $7.5 million in revenue. The success positioned Reach Robotics as one of the most talked-about startups in the robotics and gaming sectors.

Investors soon took notice. The company raised a $7.5 million Series A round led by Korea Investment Partners and iGlobe Partners, with participation from London Venture Partners. Total funding reportedly exceeded $10 million, underscoring confidence in Adekunle’s vision.

In November 2017, Apple signed an exclusive retail distribution agreement to stock MekaMon in its U.S. and U.K. stores and online platforms at approximately $299 per unit. The robot was also made available through major retailers such as Amazon and Harrods. The partnership marked a rare milestone for a robotics startup and elevated Adekunle’s profile on the global tech stage.

In 2018, he was named to Forbes 30 Under 30 Europe in Technology. International outlets including CNBC and The Guardian profiled his achievements, with some media coverage describing him at the time as the world’s highest-paid robotics engineer.

Despite early commercial success, Reach Robotics closed in 2019 amid the broader challenges facing the consumer robotics market. Adekunle, however, transitioned strategically into artificial intelligence and advanced automation. He now serves as co-founder and CEO of Reach Industries, where he leads the development of Lumi, an AI-powered visual intelligence platform designed for scientific laboratories and automation. He is also the founder of Awarri, a company focused on advancing AI and frontier technologies tailored to African markets.

Viral posts circulating in 2026 have revived interest in his achievements, sometimes overstating ongoing partnerships but reflecting enduring pride in his accomplishments. From Nigeria to global innovation hubs, Silas Adekunle’s story continues to inspire a new generation of African engineers and entrepreneurs, reinforcing the message that world-class innovation can emerge from homegrown talent.