A Nigerian software and machine learning engineer, Oluwafikayomi Gideon Adeleke, has launched Dayroom, an AI-powered workplace communication platform designed to compete with established tools such as Slack, Microsoft Teams and Google Chat.
Built independently in three to four weeks without external funding, Dayroom has reportedly attracted more than 100 sign-ups and 100 workspaces across 11 countries since its launch.
The platform combines workplace messaging, virtual rooms and AI assistance in an attempt to bring team conversations and collaboration into one environment.
An AI workspace built from the ground up
Unlike traditional workplace messaging tools that add AI features to existing systems, Dayroom was designed with AI at its core.
The platform functions as a virtual office where team members can see who is available, identify colleagues who are busy and initiate calls from shared rooms. Users can also create avatars with culturally inspired options, including gele, kufi, ankara and kente.
Its AI companion can summarise conversations and help users catch up on discussions they have missed. The platform currently uses technology from OpenAI and Google Gemini, with plans to expand its automation capabilities.
Adeleke said the idea emerged from the challenge of managing workplace conversations spread across WhatsApp, Slack and email. Rather than simply adding a chatbot to another messaging application, he wanted to build a workspace where AI was integrated into the experience from the beginning.
Pricing designed to attract teams
Dayroom offers a free plan that does not expire, with messaging, direct conversations and up to three rooms per workspace.
Its paid subscription costs ₦7,500 or $5 per member monthly, or ₦72,000 or $48 annually. Paid features include additional rooms, voice calls, AI tools, automations and meeting notes.
The platform also supports importing WhatsApp conversation histories, potentially helping teams transition without losing the context of previous discussions.
However, Dayroom remains an early-stage product. Workspaces are limited to 20 members, file uploads are capped at 10 MB, and calls support up to six participants. The founder acknowledges that the platform does not yet match every capability offered by established competitors.
Privacy and security remain key challenges
While the product’s AI-first approach could appeal to teams seeking simpler workflows, its current security limitations are important considerations for potential customers.
Dayroom’s messages are not end-to-end encrypted, and its AI and search features require server-side access to content. The founder has also advised users against uploading confidential materials, including client files and health records, while the platform remains in its evaluation stage.
According to Adeleke, data is encrypted at rest in a database hosted on Fly.io in Amsterdam. He also said the company is working towards registration with the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), while strengthening its approach to backups and third-party services.
These limitations may influence adoption, particularly among businesses handling sensitive customer or employee information.
From solo project to growing business
Adeleke, a first-class graduate of Insurance and Actuarial Science from the University of Lagos, describes himself as a software and machine learning engineer with experience in large language models, AI agents and evaluating AI coding agents.
He says the next phase for Dayroom involves hiring engineers, improving voice calls and introducing integrations. Desktop applications for Mac and Windows are also available, although they are still awaiting verification from Apple and Microsoft.
For now, the platform’s early sign-ups offer an initial signal of interest, but sustained adoption will be the more meaningful measure of its progress.
Dayroom’s challenge extends beyond building a functional product. It must convince teams to change established communication habits, demonstrate reliable security and deliver enough value to compete with platforms that already serve businesses worldwide.
If it can overcome these hurdles, the project could become an example of how African founders are building AI-native software for a global market.
