Kenya - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

We are a travel technology company making it for users to seamlessly plan book and coordinate trips to and around Africa themselves without the need of a travel agent, saving them time and money

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

We have streamlined the process and cutting down time it takes to plan trips by building a platform that allows users to book their accommodations, choose various transportation options and arrange transfers in one place without having to leave the platform.

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

Planning, booking and coordinating trips to and around Africa is a significant challenge. Disbanded travel solutions have added considerable friction, making the process time-consuming and stressful for travelers. As a result, travelers are often forced to depend on traditional tour operators, which increases costs for them. This difficulty leads to a loss of revenue, which negatively impacts the continent's economy

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

Our solution streamlines the trip planning process, eliminating the need for users to book each segment of their trips separately. With our platform, travelers can book accommodations, transportation, and arrange transfers all in one place, without ever leaving the platform. We help reduce travel costs by offering a diverse range of options, from hotels to homestays, and various transportation choices, including buses, trains, and flights. We make the booking process and customer journey seamless, especially for those traveling to unfamiliar destinations.

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

Our first users are: 1 Self-planning travelers from solo travelers, and young families of typically 4 people who often plan trips themselves but find it difficult to do it when coming to Africa. 2.Travelers who are tired of using traditional tour operators because of the costs. Why them:​ Their inclination towards a Do it yourself approach in travel planning. They have firsthand experience with the hassles and frustrations of independently booking and organizing trips. ​ Quick decision making resulting to shorter sales cycle​ Cost-effectiveness as they are looking to avoid tour operator mark ups.​ ​ Convenience offering round-the-clock access, letting travelers plan and book trips at their convenience, anytime, anywhere.

01.05 When was your company established?

2022-03-03

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.)

My co founder is a software engineer with over 5 years experience,prof

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

https://rove4travel.com/

01.11 Which industry best describes your project?

Other: Travel and Tourism

02.01.01 My startup contributes to the No poverty goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

One of the ways we are combating poverty is through direct job creation. By providing direct employment opportunities within our company, we are helping individuals secure stable income. Additionally, we facilitate indirect job creation. As more people travel, the demand for services increases, which in turn creates more labor opportunities. This cycle generates more opportunities for people across the continent to earn a living. We are also developing a feature that empowers nearly everyone to become a personal travel concierge. Users will be able to plan their trips on our platform and have the option to add a personal online concierge. This allows the concierge to earn a decent income, enabling them to meet their daily and basic needs. Through this initiative, we are creating new avenues for people to support themselves and fight poverty.

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

6

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

Our efforts to combat poverty also contribute to achieving the zero hunger goal. Through employment, we enable more people to earn an income, which allows them to meet their basic needs, including food. This ensures that they do not go without meals and reduces instances of hunger. Additionally, we are initiating food programs and forming partnerships with key stakeholders. These programs will target and assist individuals and families struggling to put meals on the table. Furthermore, we are committed to financing vetted feeding programs that help fight hunger in various parts of the continent. By supporting these initiatives, we aim to reach and nourish those most in need, ensuring they have access to adequate food. Through these comprehensive efforts, we are addressing hunger and contributing to the well-being of communities.

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

5

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

One of the few ways we are looking to promote good health and well being is through: 1. Educate and Inspire Through Content and Collaborations Creating content and campaigns focused on health tips and wellness travel. Collaborate with health and wellness experts to offer workshops, classes, and expert-led experiences. 2. Ensure Safe, Sustainable, and Mindful Travel Practices Implement health protocols, promote sustainable travel practices, encourage mindfulness, and support social well-being through group travel and cultural immersion experiences.

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

5

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

Some of the ways we can promote quality education is through Partnerships with Schools and NGOs: Collaborate with local schools and NGOs, supporting them through donations, volunteering, and projects. Educational Content: Provide travelers with digital content about destinations, including history and culture, through apps and multimedia resources. E-Learning Partnerships: Offer access to online courses related to travel destinations, such as language lessons and cultural studies. Implementation Practices Traveler Engagement: Encourage travelers to participate in local educational projects by teaching classes or sharing skills. Sustainable Tourism Education: Inform travelers about sustainable tourism and its impact on local communities, Scholarship Programs: Establish scholarships for students in regions you operate, focusing on disadvantaged backgrounds. Employee Volunteering: Encourage employees to volunteer in local educational programs. Scholarship and sponsorship

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

Achieving gender equality and empowering women and girls as a travel company involves inclusive policies, promoting women's participation, and supporting gender-focused initiatives. Promote Women in the Industry: Ensure gender-balanced hiring, equal pay, and leadership opportunities for women. Offer professional development and mentorship programs. Support Women-Focused Travel: Promote women-led tours and create travel packages for women, including safe accommodations and women-only tours. Partner with Organizations: Collaborate with NGOs and support women-owned businesses in travel destinations. CSR Initiatives: Support educational programs for girls, fund women’s health initiatives, and offer skill development workshops for women in local communities. Implementation: Establish inclusive policies, educate travelers on gender equality, and collect feedback from women travelers and employees. By implementing these strategies, we can contribute greatly to gender equality.

02.06.01 My startup contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

4

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification for my startup

02.07.01 My startup contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

4

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification for my startup

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

We promote economic growth and decent work by creating employment opportunities both directly and indirectly. Directly, we hire individuals into our company, providing stable jobs and career growth. Indirectly, by showcasing the continent and encouraging visitors to plan trips, we drive tourism, which in turn generates jobs and boosts local economies. We are developing a virtual travel buddy service, where guests can add a private travel concierge and customer representative to enhance their travel experience. This initiative will allow individuals to sign up as travel buddies, earning income by providing concierge services. The skills required for this role are not highly technical, removing significant barriers to entry and enabling a broad segment of the population across the continent to earn a decent living. This opportunity helps individuals meet their daily needs for food, shelter, and housing, providing economic stability and growth potential.

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

Our platform fosters digital innovation and infrastructure by focusing on data gathering, interpretation, and implementation. We utilize big data analytics to understand travel trends and customer behavior, driving data-driven decision-making. This information is shared with necessary stakeholders to enable actionable insights and improvements, helping build useful technology infrastructure that fosters growth across the continent. We implement AI and machine learning to personalize travel experiences and optimize itineraries, enhancing customer service. Our virtual travel buddy provides real-time assistance, leveraging AI for seamless user interaction. To ensure robust and seamless performance, our platform is built on scalable, secure technology. We prioritize mobile accessibility with a user-friendly app, catering to the majority of users who access information via mobile phones. This approach improves the user experience but also supports broader digital infrastructure d

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

We are committed to reducing inequalities by creating inclusive opportunities, supporting local communities, and promoting equitable practices. We ensure diversity in hiring, equal pay, and remote work options to include individuals from underserved regions. By partnering with individuals from different ethinicities and back grounds we can make more opportunities accessible for people across the contininent. Through partnerships we can offer digital programs in hospitality and digital literacy, along with scholarships for marginalized communities. Through awareness campaigns and ethical marketing, we will advocate for social change and responsible tourism. By leveraging data to identify and address inequalities, we measure impact and share insights with stakeholders.

02.11.01 My startup contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification for my startup

One of the major ways we contribute to sustainable cities and communities is by promoting and partnering with more eco friendly accommodations in the continent and advocate for use of renewable energy like solar, wind, and other renewable energy sources. By promoting local businesses, artisans, and sustainable products to support the local economy and communities. Encourage travelers to eat at local restaurants and buy locally-made goods. We can also Educate Travelers by providing information on sustainable practices and responsible tourism to travelers. Raise awareness about the environmental and cultural impact of tourism

02.12.01 My startup contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

5

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification for my startup

Our travel startup is dedicated to advancing sustainable consumption and production through a circular economy: 1. Promoting Eco-Friendly Practices: We advocate for carbon-neutral accommodations, locally sourced products, and tours that prioritize environmental conservation. 2. Minimizing Waste: Initiatives like digital tickets, reusable containers, and promoting recycling reduce waste during travel. 3. Supporting Local Economies: Investing in local businesses with sustainable practices reduces environmental impact and supports community resilience. 4. Educating Travelers: We provide resources on sustainable consumption, emphasizing waste reduction and the benefits of circular economy initiatives. 5. Measuring Impact:We monitor and report on our sustainability efforts to demonstrate our commitment and drive ongoing improvement. Through these efforts, we aim to lead in responsible tourism, ensuring our operations contribute positively.

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

5

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

Our company is dedicated to leading climate action through these impactful initiatives: 1. Promoting Sustainable Travel:Encouraging eco-friendly travel options such as public transportation, cycling, and partnering with green-certified accommodations. 2. Reducing Carbon Footprint: Implementing digital solutions to minimize paper usage and offsetting our carbon footprint through renewable energy investments. 3. Educating Travelers: Providing information on responsible tourism practices and raising awareness about environmental impacts. 4. Supporting Local Communities: Collaborating with local governments and organizations on urban green initiatives, waste management, and community sustainability projects. 5. Advocating for Change:Engaging in advocacy efforts to promote policies that mitigate climate change and protect natural ecosystems. Through these efforts, we aim to foster a sustainable future while enhancing travel experiences globally.

02.14.01 My startup contributes to the Life below water goal

4

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification for my startup

This purely a partnership play for us where we partner and support governments and conservationists towards making the oceans and seas are clean and the sea creatures are taken care of and live in a habitable environment

02.15.01 My startup contributes to the Life on land goal

4

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification for my startup

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

7 - Strongly Agree

02.16.02 Peace Justice and Strong Institutions- Justification for my startup

We can contribute to peaceful and inclusive societies by: 1. Promoting Cultural Respect: Encouraging travelers to respect local cultures and traditions. 2. Supporting Local Communities: Partnering with local organizations to empower marginalized groups. 3. Advocating Ethical Tourism: Promoting ethical practices that respect human rights and support justice initiatives. 4. Educating Travelers: Providing resources on local laws and customs to raise awareness. 5. Ensuring Transparency:Maintaining transparency and accountability in operations. These efforts foster understanding and contribute to sustainable development globally.

02.17.01 My startup contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification for my startup

Our startup can contribute to strengthening the means of implementation and revitalizing the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development by: 1. Collaborating with Partners: Forming strategic partnerships with governments, NGOs, and private sector entities to leverage resources and expertise in achieving sustainable development goals. 2. Promoting Innovation: Investing in and promoting innovative technologies and solutions that address sustainable development challenges, such as renewable energy, eco-friendly transportation, and waste management. 3. Advocating for Policy: Advocating for policies that support sustainable development and climate action at local, national, and international levels. 4. Empowering Communities:Supporting community-led initiatives that empower local communities to participate in and benefit from sustainable development efforts. Through these actions,we play an proactive role in advancing the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development

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

5

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.

5

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

6

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

5

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

Our vision is enabling users plan book and coordinate trips using a single text ,Currently users have to use over 5 different platform to plan their trips to Africa and to take it further they are often use the traditional tour operator, we have streamlined the trip planning process enabling our users to book their accommodations, choose different transportation options from rail, air and bus and arrange transfers without having to leave the platform.

06.09 Competitive Analysis

Our main competitors are boooking, expedia, buupass, wakanow and travelstart. What makes us stand out: Our competitors some of their solutions aren't tailored for the African market and often focus on one vertical,either accommodation or transportation making trip planning a headache. What have we done? We have cut down the trip planning time significantly, user logs in chooses accommodation,transportation and add transfers and in a few minutes they are done they dont have to boo each segment seperately We offer an array of transport options meaning we can be affordable as we have options catered for price sensitive travelers. Users can mixmatch their transport options i.e use different modes of transport for their departures and return We have leveraged technology where users get real time updates on transport changes which is communicated to other partners meaning users dont have to call the hotel if flight is changed they are automatically notified

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