Kenya - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Msevo is an online business directory and marketplace. It entails having a website and mobile app that enables users to post requests and receive offers. The users pay a small fees via mobile money to access the contact information of the bidding vendors.

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

Msevo is an online business directory and marketplace. It entails having a website and mobile app that enables users to post requests and receive offers. The users pay a small fees via mobile money to access the contact information of the bidding vendors. Users are charged to add listings, listings are featured at an extra fee, and customers pay to access premium listings within a given location or segment.

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

The main problem Msevo aims to solve is the inefficiency and high cost of connecting users with reliable vendors for services and products. Traditional methods of finding service providers are often time-consuming and lack transparency. Msevo increases connectivity by providing a centralized platform where users can easily post their needs and receive multiple offers from vendors. This competitive bidding process not only enhances the quality of service but also reduces costs for users. By implementing a small fee via mobile money for accessing contact information and premium listings, Msevo ensures affordability and accessibility. Additionally, charging for listing submissions and featured spots incentivizes vendors to maintain high standards. Overall, Msevo streamlines the search and selection process, making it cost-effective and efficient for users and vendors alike. Msevo ensures ease in doing business.

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

Increased Connectivity: Msevo provides a centralized platform where users can post requests and receive multiple offers from vendors, enhancing the ease and speed of finding suitable service providers or products. Cost Efficiency: By enabling a competitive bidding process, Msevo ensures users receive quality services at competitive prices. The small fees for accessing contact information and premium listings are cost-effective, providing significant value. Enhanced Transparency and Quality: The platform's structure, which includes user ratings and reviews, helps maintain high standards among vendors. Charging for listings and featured spots incentivizes vendors to offer superior services and maintain credibility. Overall, Msevo streamlines the search and selection process, reducing time and costs while improving service quality and transparency for both users and vendors.

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

Consumers: Individuals seeking reliable and affordable services or products, from home repairs to professional services, can easily find and compare multiple offers on Msevo. Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs): Local businesses looking to expand their customer base can list their services or products, participate in competitive bidding, and gain increased visibility through featured listings. Freelancers and Independent Service Providers: Professionals offering specialized services can connect with potential clients, showcase their expertise, and grow their business. Mobile Money Users: With mobile money being a prevalent payment method in Kenya, Msevo ensures seamless and secure transactions, making it accessible to a wide audience. By targeting these groups, Msevo aims to enhance market connectivity, reduce costs, and improve service quality for both consumers and providers in Kenya.

01.05 When was your company established?

2023-10-11

01.06 Are you already selling your product/service?

No

01.07 How many other owners are there within your startup?

0

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.)

N/A. It is sole proprietorship.

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

https://msevo.com/

01.11 Which industry best describes your project?

h) IT (digital services, equipment and software)

02.01.01 My startup contributes to the No poverty goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

Msevo contributes to the Goal of "No Poverty" by enhancing economic opportunities and financial inclusion. By providing a centralized platform where users can easily find and access affordable services and products, Msevo helps reduce living costs for individuals. The platform's competitive bidding system ensures fair pricing, allowing consumers to save money while still receiving quality services. For vendors, especially SMEs and freelancers, Msevo offers an accessible marketplace to reach a broader customer base without the need for significant marketing investments. This increased visibility and access to a wider market can lead to higher income and business growth. Additionally, the integration of mobile money for transactions ensures that even those without traditional banking access can participate in the economy, promoting financial inclusion. By empowering both consumers and vendors, Msevo helps to create a more equitable economic landscape.

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

Msevo contributes to this goal by supporting local agriculture and food-related services. By providing a platform where farmers and food vendors can list their products and services, Msevo enhances market access for these groups. This increased visibility helps local farmers reach a wider customer base, leading to higher sales and income, which can be reinvested into sustainable farming practices. The competitive bidding process on Msevo ensures that consumers can access affordable, locally-produced food, improving food security and reducing reliance on imported goods. Additionally, Msevo can facilitate connections between consumers and providers of nutritional and agricultural services, promoting better nutrition and sustainable agricultural methods. Msevo eliminates middlemen, enhancing the financial stability of small-scale farmers. This holistic approach supports the creation of a more resilient and sustainable food system, contributing directly to the goal of ending hunger.

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

6

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

Msevo contributes to this goal by improving access to health-related services and promoting overall well-being. By listing health professionals, wellness experts, and related service providers, Msevo makes it easier for individuals to find and access quality healthcare services, including doctors, therapists, fitness trainers, and nutritionists. This increased accessibility ensures that more people can obtain the care they need, promoting healthier lives. Furthermore, the platform facilitates connections to health and wellness services at competitive prices, making them more affordable. By supporting local health service providers, Msevo helps them grow their businesses, encouraging the expansion of healthcare availability in underserved areas. This approach enhances community health infrastructure, ensures continuous access to health services, and promotes well-being for all ages, aligning with the "Good Health and Well-Being" SDG.

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

Msevo contributes to this goal by enhancing access to educational resources and services. By listing tutors, educational institutions, and learning service providers, Msevo makes it easier for students and lifelong learners to find and connect with quality educational opportunities. This includes access to private tutors, vocational training, online courses, and educational consultants, ensuring inclusive and equitable learning opportunities for all. The competitive bidding process on Msevo ensures that educational services are offered at fair and affordable prices, making quality education more accessible to a broader audience. By supporting local educators and educational service providers, Msevo helps them expand their reach and grow their businesses, contributing to the improvement of educational infrastructure. This approach promotes lifelong learning and skill development, aligning with the goal of ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education for all.

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

Msevo promotes economic empowerment and equal opportunities for women and girls. By providing a platform where female entrepreneurs, service providers, and business owners can list their services and products, Msevo enhances their visibility and access to a broader market, leading to increased income and financial independence. The platform supports gender equality by enabling women to compete fairly in the marketplace, ensuring they receive equal opportunities to bid for jobs and contracts. Msevo’s accessible and affordable service listing and transaction fees lower the barriers for women to enter and thrive in various industries. Additionally, Msevo can feature women-owned businesses and highlight services that support women's health, education, and well-being, further empowering them. By facilitating connections to diverse services, including those related to women's empowerment and education, Msevo helps create an environment where women and girls can achieve their potential.

02.06.01 My startup contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification for my startup

Msevo promotes access to sanitation services and sustainable water management practices. The platform facilitates connections between users and sanitation professionals, including plumbers, sewage cleaners, and water treatment experts. By listing these services, Msevo helps individuals and communities address sanitation issues promptly and effectively, ensuring cleaner environments and improved public health. Additionally, Msevo can support water management by featuring services related to water purification, well drilling, and conservation practices. This promotes sustainable water use and management, crucial for preserving water resources and mitigating water scarcity issues. By facilitating access to sanitation and water management services at competitive prices, Msevo ensures affordability and inclusivity. This approach supports the broader goal of achieving universal access to clean water and sanitation, thereby contributing to sustainable development and community well-being.

02.07.01 My startup contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification for my startup

Msevo promotes access to sustainable energy solutions and facilitates connections between users and energy service providers. The platform lists renewable energy providers, solar panel installers, and energy efficiency consultants, making it easier for individuals and businesses to adopt clean energy technologies. By featuring these services, Msevo supports the transition towards renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power. This reduces reliance on fossil fuels, lowers carbon emissions, and contributes to environmental sustainability. Msevo encourages competitive pricing and innovation in clean energy solutions, making them more affordable and accessible to a broader population in Kenya. By facilitating connections and promoting adoption of clean energy technologies and energy efficiency practices, Msevo contributes directly to the goal of ensuring affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy.

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

Msevo fosters opportunities for entrepreneurship, job creation, and economic inclusion. The platform supports vendors by connecting them with potential customers. Entrepreneurs and businesses can list their services, thereby expanding their market reach and increasing their customer base. This visibility helps SMEs grow their businesses, generate income, and create employment opportunities within their communities. Msevo promotes inclusive economic growth by supporting marginalized groups and individuals, including women entrepreneurs and youth seeking job opportunities. Msevo contributes to skills development and capacity building by showcasing vocational training services and educational opportunities. This empowers individuals with the skills needed to secure meaningful employment or start their own ventures. By facilitating entrepreneurship, job creation, and skills development, Msevo plays a pivotal role in promoting sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth.

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

The platform promotes inclusive and sustainable industrialization by facilitating connections between small-scale enterprises and potential clients, integrating them into value chains and markets. Msevo also encourages the adoption of eco-friendly construction practices and technologies, supporting the upgrade of infrastructure and industries to be more resource-efficient and environmentally sound. Moreover, Msevo enhances innovation by listing services related to technological advancements and digital infrastructure, fostering a conducive environment for industrial diversification and value addition. By providing a marketplace for these services, Msevo increases access to financial services for small enterprises and promotes technological capabilities within the industrial sector. Msevo aids in building resilient infrastructure, promoting inclusive industrialization, and fostering innovation, aligning with the targets of the UN's goal.

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

Msevo promotes economic inclusion and provides equal opportunities for all individuals and businesses in Kenya. It connects users with a diverse range of service providers, ensuring that marginalized groups, including women, youth, and small-scale entrepreneurs, have access to market opportunities and can compete fairly. By offering affordable listing fees and using mobile money for transactions, Msevo makes it easier for underserved populations to participate in the economy, fostering financial inclusion. This helps bridge the economic gap promoting equitable growth. Msevo supports skill development and capacity building by featuring educational and vocational training services. This empowers individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to improve their economic prospects and reduce income inequality. Msevo's model ensures that all service providers, regardless of their size or background, have a fair chance to succeed, thereby contributing to the reduction of inequalities.

02.11.01 My startup contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

6

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification for my startup

Msevo enhances access to services that promote inclusivity, safety, resilience, and sustainability. By promoting the use of environmentally sound technologies and practices, Msevo supports the creation of sustainable communities. The platform also lists services related to public safety, such as security installations and emergency response, contributing to safer living environments. Msevo’s competitive marketplace encourages fair pricing and broad access to essential services, ensuring that all community members, including marginalized groups, can benefit. Additionally, by supporting local businesses and service providers, Msevo fosters economic growth and social cohesion, enhancing the overall resilience and sustainability of communities. Msevo aids in making cities and human settlements more inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable by improving access to vital services and promoting sustainable practices.

02.12.01 My startup contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification for my startup

By listing service providers specializing in recycling, waste management, and eco-friendly products, Msevo encourages users to adopt sustainable practices and supports the circular economy. The platform connects consumers with providers of renewable energy solutions, sustainable agriculture, and green construction, promoting the use of resources efficiently and reducing environmental impact. Msevo also facilitates access to services that offer repair and maintenance, extending the life cycle of products and reducing waste. Msevo fosters a culture of responsible consumption by providing transparent information about service providers and their sustainability practices. This helps consumers make informed decisions that align with sustainable values. By supporting local businesses and encouraging environmentally sound practices, Msevo helps to ensure that consumption and production patterns are sustainable.

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

Msevo promotes services and practices that help combat climate change and its impacts. The platform lists providers specializing in renewable energy solutions, such as solar panel installation and wind energy projects, encouraging the transition to clean energy sources. By facilitating access to eco-friendly services, Msevo helps reduce carbon footprints and promote sustainable living practices. Msevo promotes educational services and workshops on climate change awareness and mitigation strategies. This empowers communities with knowledge and tools to take proactive steps against climate change. Msevo encourages the adoption of environmentally sound technologies and practices, fostering innovation in climate solutions. By making these services accessible and affordable, Msevo ensures broader participation in climate action initiatives. Msevo's facilitation of green services and climate education supports urgent action to combat climate change.

02.14.01 My startup contributes to the Life below water goal

6

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification for my startup

Msevo contributes to the UN's "Life Below Water" goal by promoting services and practices that help conserve and sustainably use marine resources. The platform lists providers specializing in marine conservation, sustainable fishing, and coastal management. This supports efforts to protect marine ecosystems and biodiversity. Additionally, Msevo facilitates access to eco-friendly products and services, such as biodegradable materials and pollution control solutions, reducing the negative impact on oceans and seas. By promoting sustainable tourism services, Msevo encourages responsible interactions with marine environments. By connecting users with green services and sustainable practices, Msevo supports the conservation and sustainable use of marine resources, aligning with the UN's "Life Below Water" goal and contributing to sustainable development.

02.15.01 My startup contributes to the Life on land goal

6

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification for my startup

The platform lists providers specializing in reforestation, sustainable agriculture, and land management, encouraging practices that combat desertification and land degradation. By facilitating access to eco-friendly services such as organic farming, soil conservation, and biodiversity preservation, Msevo supports sustainable land use and helps halt biodiversity loss. Msevo also promotes landscaping services that use native plants and sustainable techniques, contributing to healthier ecosystems. By connecting users with green services and promoting sustainable land management practices, Msevo supports efforts to combat desertification, halt land degradation, and preserve biodiversity, aligning with the UN's "Life on Land" goal and contributing to sustainable development.

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

6

02.16.02 Peace Justice and Strong Institutions- Justification for my startup

Msevo contributes to the UN's "Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions" goal by promoting inclusivity, accountability, and access to essential services. The platform connects users with legal professionals, mediators, and consultants who provide legal advice and conflict resolution services, ensuring access to justice for all. By facilitating transparent transactions and service listings, Msevo promotes accountability and trust among users. The platform supports local businesses and service providers, fostering economic inclusivity and reducing inequalities, which can contribute to more peaceful and stable communities. Msevo also encourages community engagement by listing services related to civic education, human rights advocacy, and public policy consulting. This helps build informed and empowered communities that can actively participate in governance and institutional development.

02.17.01 My startup contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

6

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification for my startup

Msevo connects a diverse range of service providers, businesses, and individuals, promoting cooperation and resource sharing across sectors. By supporting SMEs and promoting inclusive economic growth, Msevo strengthens economies and fosters partnerships that contribute to broader development goals. Msevo encourages innovation and the exchange of ideas, driving progress towards the UN's sustainable development agenda. Msevo also promotes access to information and technology, which is crucial for building effective partnerships. By providing a platform for various stakeholders to connect and collaborate, Msevo enhances the capacity of local communities to engage in sustainable development activities. Connecting users and fostering collaboration supports the UN's goal of revitalizing global partnerships for sustainable development, ensuring that stakeholders can contribute to and benefit from these initiatives.

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

2

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

7 - Strongly Agree

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.

2

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

2

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.

1 - Strongly Disagree

06.08 Justification for my startup

Msevo represents an entirely new type of product/service, could be described as a new technology, and responds to a demand or need that has not been satisfied by other products/services. Msevo is a unique online business directory and marketplace that connects users with service providers through a streamlined, mobile-first platform. While there are other directories and marketplaces, Msevo differentiates itself by integrating mobile money payments to access contact information and providing a bidding system for requests and offers. This model not only enhances convenience and accessibility for users but also empowers local vendors by giving them a competitive platform to offer their services. Msevo’s emphasis on affordability and inclusivity addresses unmet needs in underserved communities, where access to reliable services and economic opportunities is often limited. By leveraging technology to bridge this gap, Msevo fosters economic growth and development in these regions.

06.09 Competitive Analysis

Our main potential competitors include platforms like Jiji, Jumia, and Pigiame. They offer online marketplaces and service listings, but Msevo stands out in several key ways. Msevo integrates a bidding system for service requests, enabling users to post requests and receive competitive offers from vendors. This fosters transparency and ensures value for money. Msevo leverages mobile money payments for easy and secure transactions. This enhances convenience and accessibility for both parties. Msevo focuses on inclusivity and affordability by offering tiered listing options, including premium listings and featured placements. This provides opportunities for SMEs to gain visibility without incurring prohibitive costs. Msevo promotes sustainable practices and local sourcing, aligning with community values and environmental responsibility. Msevo is committed to community engagement and feedback loops, ensuring that our platform evolves based on the needs and preferences of our users.

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

Msevo will be dedicated to fostering an environment where women entrepreneurs can thrive by providing tailored support and opportunities: Visibility and Promotion: Msevo will actively promote women entrepreneurs by featuring their businesses prominently on our platform. Networking and Mentorship: We will facilitate connections between women entrepreneurs and mentors within their industry through our network. This mentorship will provide valuable guidance, advice, and networking opportunities crucial for business growth and development. Training and Skill Development: Msevo will offer specialized training and workshops designed to enhance the entrepreneurial skills of women. Access to Funding and Resources: We will provide information on funding opportunities and grants specifically targeted at women-led businesses. Msevo aims to empower women entrepreneurs to overcome barriers and achieve business success.