Kenya - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

TausiApp, is a beauty tech platform leveraging AI to provide personalized beauty services on the go.

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

TausiApp, headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, is a cutting-edge beauty tech platform leveraging AI to provide personalized beauty services on the go. Our platform caters to urban, career-driven women and freelance beauticians. For clients, TausiApp offers a seamless experience to book quality beauty services at their convenience, ensuring reliability and scheduling ease. For beauticians, TausiApp provides exposure, client acquisition, and job management, including a SaaS solution for booking and financial bookkeeping. Our partnerships with companies like Bolt and Maybelline enhance our value proposition by offering discounted transportation and beauty products. With over 20,000 clients and 6,000 beauticians, TausiApp is revolutionizing the beauty industry in Kenya and beyond.

01.02 What is the main problem you are trying to solve?

The main problem TausiApp aims to solve is the fragmented and inaccessible beauty services industry in Africa. Many clients struggle with unreliable booking systems, a lack of quality assurance, and inconsistent service availability. Beauticians face significant challenges in acquiring new clients, ensuring their safety, and managing their bookings efficiently. Additionally, there is a need for training and economic empowerment for disadvantaged young women aged 18 to 25. By leveraging AI and blockchain technology, TausiApp connects clients with vetted beauticians, ensures secure transactions, and provides training programs to empower young women, addressing these critical gaps in the market.

01.03 Tell us the major benefits and/or advantages of using the product/service that your startup provides (at least 3).

TausiApp offers several key benefits and advantages: Seamless Access to Quality Beauty Services: TausiApp leverages AI to match clients with vetted, skilled beauticians, ensuring reliable and high-quality service. This eliminates the hassle of searching for and booking beauty appointments, providing a convenient and efficient solution for busy clients. Economic Empowerment and Training: TausiApp empowers disadvantaged young women aged 18 to 25 by providing training programs that enhance their skills and employability in the beauty industry. This not only improves their financial independence but also contributes to community development. Secure Transactions and Efficient Management: Utilizing blockchain technology, TausiApp ensures secure and transparent transactions, reducing the risk of fraud. The platform also offers comprehensive booking management for beauticians, helping them manage their schedules, track earnings, and optimize their workflow.

01.04 Please describe who exactly your startup’s product/service is aimed at serving. Who are the targeted beneficiaries?

TausiApp’s product and services are aimed at serving two primary groups. Firstly, it targets urban career women aged 25-40 who seek convenient, high-quality beauty services tailored to their busy lifestyles. These women benefit from seamless access to skilled beauticians, allowing them to book appointments and receive beauty services at their convenience. Secondly, TausiApp serves freelance beauticians who require a platform to connect with new clients, manage bookings, and grow their businesses. Additionally, TausiApp focuses on empowering disadvantaged young women aged 18-25 by providing training and job opportunities in the beauty industry, enhancing their skills and economic independence. By addressing the needs of both clients and beauticians, TausiApp creates a holistic ecosystem that fosters growth, convenience, and empowerment in the beauty service sector.

01.05 When was your company established?

2023-03-31

01.06 Are you already selling your product/service?

Yes

01.07 How many other owners are there within your startup?

2

01.08 Among the other owners, how many are female?

0

01.09 Please describe the profile of the other owners within your startup (skills, experience, etc.)

Wathua and Leonard's journey began over a decade ago, attending the same high school and university, forging a strong bond. Amos, a well-known Kenyan musician, pivoted to launch TausiApp, aiming to connect clients with skilled beauticians. Wathua, who exited Nice & Lovely (sold to L'Oréal for $10M), was intrigued by TausiApp and reached out to Amos, marking the start of a fruitful business relationship. Leonard, based in Dallas, Texas, joined to handle TausiApp’s technical needs. Our blend of long-term friendships and complementary skills enables us to work seamlessly, united by a vision to transform Africa's beauty service industry.

01.10 If you have a website, a social media page (Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin…), or app, please provide the link(s) here:

https://tausiapp.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/72109551/admin/feed/posts/ https://web.facebook.com/TausiApp

01.11 Which industry best describes your project?

c) Industry (equipment, commercial, logistical and professional services, transport)

02.01.01 My startup contributes to the No poverty goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

TausiApp addresses poverty by providing economic opportunities and skill development for disadvantaged women aged 18-25. By offering training in beauty services, TausiApp empowers these young women to become self-sufficient entrepreneurs, enabling them to earn a stable income. Additionally, TausiApp connects freelance beauticians with a broader client base, increasing their earnings and reducing financial instability. This dual approach not only enhances individual livelihoods but also contributes to the economic growth of communities by fostering a more skilled and employed population.

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

3

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

TausiApp contributes to zero hunger by empowering beauticians and women aged 18-25 from disadvantaged backgrounds to generate a stable income through beauty services. This economic empowerment allows them to afford nutritious food for themselves and their families. By increasing the earnings and employment opportunities for these individuals, TausiApp directly addresses food insecurity, ensuring that more families have access to the resources they need to avoid hunger.

02.03.01 My startup contributes to the Good health and well-being goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification for my startup

TausiApp is dedicated to promoting good health and well-being by offering accessible and affordable beauty services, which contribute to mental and emotional well-being. Our platform connects clients with professional beauticians who use high-quality, safe products, ensuring that clients can trust the services they receive.

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

TausiApp is committed to promoting quality education by providing comprehensive training programs for aspiring beauticians, particularly disadvantaged young women aged 18 to 25. Our platform offers educational resources, mentorship, and practical skills development to ensure these individuals are well-equipped to succeed in the beauty industry. By fostering a learning environment that emphasizes professional growth, TausiApp helps beauticians improve their skills, expand their knowledge, and stay updated with industry trends. This commitment to education not only empowers beauticians with better job prospects but also elevates the overall standard of beauty services, benefiting the entire community.

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

5

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

TausiApp is dedicated to advancing gender equality by creating equal opportunities for women in the beauty industry. Our platform empowers women, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, by providing access to training, employment, and entrepreneurship opportunities. By facilitating connections between skilled beauticians and clients, TausiApp helps women achieve financial independence and professional growth. Additionally, our partnerships with organizations like Maybelline and Bolt support female beauticians with discounted products and transportation, further reducing barriers to success. Through these efforts, TausiApp not only fosters a supportive community for women but also contributes to breaking down gender biases and promoting inclusivity in the beauty sector.

02.06.01 My startup contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

3

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification for my startup

While TausiApp is primarily focused on the beauty industry, it indirectly contributes to clean water and sanitation through the promotion of sustainable and hygienic beauty practices. By ensuring that beauticians are trained in proper sanitation and hygiene standards, TausiApp helps reduce the spread of infections and diseases.

02.07.01 My startup contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

3

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification for my startup

We honestly do not do much here

02.08.01 My startup contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

7 - Strongly Agree

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification for my startup

TausiApp plays a vital role in fostering decent work and economic growth by creating a sustainable ecosystem for beauticians and clients in Africa. The platform provides freelance beauticians with increased job opportunities by connecting them to a larger client base, enabling them to secure consistent and reliable work. This directly contributes to higher income levels and economic stability for beauticians, many of whom operate in the informal sector.

02.09.01 My startup contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

7 - Strongly Agree

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification for my startup

TausiApp leverages AI-driven technology to revolutionize the beauty industry in Africa. By providing a seamless booking and management platform for beauticians and clients, we enhance the efficiency and quality of beauty services. Our platform empowers freelance beauticians by connecting them with new clients, facilitating job scheduling, and offering exposure through targeted marketing campaigns.

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

5

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

TausiApp is dedicated to reducing inequalities by providing equal opportunities for freelance beauticians, regardless of their socio-economic background. By offering training programs for disadvantaged women aged 18-25, we equip them with valuable skills, enhancing their employability and income potential. Our AI-driven platform ensures fair access to job opportunities and client acquisition, bridging the gap between experienced beauticians and newcomers. Additionally, our partnerships with brands like Maybelline ensure affordable access to high-quality beauty products, fostering inclusivity and economic empowerment.

02.11.01 My startup contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

5

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification for my startup

TausiApp contributes to sustainable cities and communities by supporting local beauticians and fostering economic growth within urban areas. Our platform connects clients with nearby beauticians, reducing the need for long commutes and lowering carbon emissions. By promoting local talent and services, we help build stronger, self-sustaining communities. Additionally, our partnerships with eco-friendly brands encourage the use of sustainable beauty products, further enhancing our commitment to environmentally responsible practices.

02.12.01 My startup contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

4

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification for my startup

TausiApp promotes responsible consumption and production by connecting clients with local beauticians who use eco-friendly and sustainable beauty products. We partner with brands like Maybelline to offer discounts on high-quality, sustainable products, ensuring that both beauticians and clients make environmentally conscious choices. By encouraging the use of local services and reducing the carbon footprint associated with long commutes, TausiApp fosters a culture of sustainability in the beauty industry.

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

2

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

We do not do much here

02.14.01 My startup contributes to the Life below water goal

2

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification for my startup

we do not do much here

02.15.01 My startup contributes to the Life on land goal

2

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification for my startup

We do not do much here

02.16.01 My startup contributes to the Peace Justice and Strong Institutions goal

2

02.16.02 Peace Justice and Strong Institutions- Justification for my startup

We do not do much here

02.17.01 My startup contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

6

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification for my startup

TausiApp thrives on strategic partnerships that advance the beauty industry in Africa. We collaborate with companies like Bolt for discounted transportation for beauticians, and Maybelline for product discounts. These alliances enable us to provide better services and support to our beauticians and clients. By fostering partnerships, TausiApp aligns with the UN's Sustainable Development Goal 17, promoting collaboration and resource sharing to drive sustainable development and economic growth in the beauty sector.

06.01 There are a large number of customers who already use a product/service very similar to the product/service we envision creating.

4

06.02 The product/service represents an entirely new type of product/service.

4

06.03 The product/service could be described as a new technology.

7 - Strongly Agree

06.04 The product/service is an improvement on an existing product or service.

3

06.05 The product/service could be described as an extension of a range of products or services.

7 - Strongly Agree

06.06 The product/service responds to a demand or need that has not been satisfied by other products/services.

7 - Strongly Agree

06.07 The product/service is a new version of an old product/service.

7 - Strongly Agree

06.08 Justification for my startup

We are basically reinventing how people get their beauty services and most people believe only the rich get personalized grooming services at the comfort of their own homes

06.09 Competitive Analysis

Our main potential competitors include platforms like BeautyLynk, StyleSeat, GlamSquad, and traditional salons. What sets TausiApp apart is our AI-driven approach, offering personalized beauty services on the go. We also integrate SAAS for salon booking management and financial bookkeeping, which streamlines operations for beauticians. Additionally, our partnerships with companies like Bolt and Maybelline provide unique benefits to our users, such as discounted transportation and beauty products. Our focus on quality, convenience, and comprehensive support for beauticians and clients makes us stand out in the competitive beauty tech market.

11.05 Are you initiating actions within your community to promote the role of female entrepreneurs?

Yes, at TausiApp, we actively promote female entrepreneurship in our community. We run mentorship programs where experienced beauticians train young women aged 18-25 in beauty skills, enabling them to start their own businesses. We collaborate with local organizations to provide microloans to these trainees, helping them to purchase equipment and products. Additionally, we host monthly workshops focused on business management and digital marketing, empowering women to grow their businesses and achieve financial independence.