John Imah
Nigerian American entrepreneur
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
John Imah is a Nigerian American entrepreneur and technology executive.[1] He is the co-founder and chief executive officer of SPREEAI, a fashion technology company. In 2025, reports indicated that SPREEAI had reached a valuation of about $1.5 billion.[2] His estimated net worth is $400 million.[3][4][5]
John Imah | |
|---|---|
| |
| Born | John Imah |
| Alma mater | University of Texas at Arlington |
| Occupation | Entrepreneur |
| Organization | SpreeAI |
| Title | Co-founder and CEO |
| Website | johnimah |
Early life and education
Imah was born to Nigerian parents and grew up in the Dallas, United States. At age 7, he disassembled and reassembled his family’s computer, an incident noted as an early sign of his interest in electronics. By his early teens, he had taught himself computer programming and founded two startup companies. He launched his first technology business at age 15 and sold it, followed by a second venture in mobile gaming at age 16.[6] Imah attended the University of Texas at Arlington, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in management information systems.[7]
Career
While enrolled at the University, Imah was recruited by Samsung Electronics to join the team developing Galaxy mobile devices. After leaving Samsung, Imah held partnership and business development roles at several technology companies, including Take-Two Interactive, Twitch, Facebook (later Meta Platforms), and Snap Inc.[8] At Twitch, he worked in senior partnerships management, focusing on collaborations between gaming and brands.[9] At Meta, he led the Gaming Creator program and co-announced the Level Up program in 2018.[10] Imah later joined Snap Inc. as Head of Partnerships, where he oversaw initiatives to integrate gaming features into the Snapchat platform.[11]
SPREEAI
In 2023, Imah co-founded SPREEAI, a company focused on artificial intelligence applications in fashion retail.[12] In an interview with Rolling Stone UK, Imah explained that he launched SPREEAI to combine his technology background with his passion for fashion.[13] By 2025, the company had reached a valuation of $1.5 billion.[14] The company’s board includes Naomi Campbell, Bob Davidson and Larry Ruvo.[15][16][17]. SPREEAI has had research collaborations and talent initiatives involving the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Carnegie Mellon University.[15] The company has also partnered with the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), Sergio Hudson, and Kai Collective.[15]
Recognition
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Imah is a member of Council of Fashion Designers of America. In 2025, Imah was named to the Observer’s AI Power Index, recognizing 100 of the most influential leaders in artificial intelligence. He was also included in AfroTech’s Future 50, highlighting Black innovators shaping the future of technology. Inc. featured Imah in its list of 40 business leaders who propelled their organizations to success and the American Reporter recognized him among the "Top 15 Entrepreneurs Empowering Others to Dream Bigger and Achieve More."[18][19] The same year, Imah appeared on the cover of L'Officiel Arabia.[20] Also in 2025, Imah was named an honoree on Inc.'s Best in Business list, which recognises leaders who have propelled their organisations to success.[21] SpreeAI was featured in The Washington Post during New York Fashion Week 2025, where Imah was quoted on the role of artificial intelligence in fashion.[22] In 2026, he was profiled by GQ South Africa in an article titled "John Imah is redefining what a modern tech founder looks like."[23]
Personal life
Imah is single and, as of 2026, maintains residences in both Los Angeles, California, and New York City.[24]
Imah has cited his mother as a formative influence on his interest in fashion and personal style.[25] Following her death from breast cancer, he has been involved in supporting the American Cancer Society as well as STEM education initiatives in Nigeria and the United States.[26]
Beyond technology, Imah is a multi-instrumentalist, playing the French horn, trumpet, and piano.[27][24]
In 2025, Imah became the first CEO of an artificial intelligence fashion company to be invited to the Met Gala, attending in a custom Sergio Hudson ensemble described as weaving his Nigerian heritage with tech-inspired embroidery.[28] He returned the following year in a custom design by Charles Harbison, featuring a gold-encrusted circuitry-inspired vest and hooded capecoat.[29] Both looks were noted as intentional reflections of his Nigerian heritage and his identity as a pioneer in AI-driven fashion. In an interview with Office Magazine, Imah drew a parallel between his approach to leadership and the anime series Dragon Ball Z, saying of the protagonist Goku: "He isn't the typical Saiyan," using the analogy to describe his own unconventional path as a tech CEO in fashion.[30]