Kenya - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Naks Yetu is a consolidated platform that amplifies the reach of local events, content, and artists. With a mission to Discover and Explore, we provide a solution for artists, event organizers, content creators, adventure seekers and cultural enthusiasts.

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

Naks Yetu was registered in October 2023. Since then, we have been committed to fostering Nakuru's local talent and bringing the community's cultural richness to a wider audience. Naks Yetu is currently at the MVP stage. Naks Yetu has developed a platform with the minimum features needed to satisfy early adopters and has begun the process of refining the platform to fit customer needs.

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

Fragmented information - Culture seekers and tourists often miss out on experiencingthe full richness of Nakuru due to lack of accessible, centralized information. Lack of a supportive community - Artists and event organizers struggle to gain visibility for their events while content creators lack a community that can provide tools and skills for quality outputs. Lack of a distribution platform - Artists, content creators, and event organizers lack a distribution platform where they can earn a decent living through event promotion, ticket sales, shop section and much much more.

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

Local Focus, Global Reach - NaksYetu spotlights Nakuru's rich culture while connecting local talent with global audience for wider cultural and creative exposure. All-In-One Platform - By offering a wide range of services and features, it becomes a one-stop destination for event promotion, ticketing, tourism services, shop section, and more. Community Building - By connecting like-minded people and fostering collaboration, Naks Yetu ensures that users keep coming back to engage with the community and discover new cultural experiences.

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

Naks Yetu primarily serves artists, event organizers, and content creators in Nakuru by providing a platform to increase their visibility and audience engagement. It also caters to culture enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and tourists looking for a centralized source of local events and cultural content. The platform aids local talents in promoting their events, selling tickets, and showcasing products, thus boosting their earning potential. Simultaneously, it enriches the cultural experiences of visitors and residents, connecting them with the vibrant life and creative outputs of Nakuru.

01.05 When was your company established?

2023-10-31

01.06 Are you already selling your product/service?

Yes

01.07 How many other owners are there within your startup?

3

01.08 Among the other owners, how many are female?

2

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

Moses Irungu, C0 - Founder, is an award-winning filmmaker with extensive experience in multimedia production. His background spans photography and videography, showcasing a deep commitment to storytelling and community empowerment. Susan Towet, Co - Founder is an HCD expert with a Master’s in Human-Computer Interaction Design from City, University of London. She brings over five years of experience in HCD consulting, leading projects that enhance community empowerment and technological usability in Kenya. Veronica Kihiko, a cofounder of Naks Yetu, brings her expertise as a data analyst to the team. She specializes in analyzing user engagement and platform performance, providing insights that help optimize the functionality and reach of our platform. Her analytical skills are crucial in refining the MVP, implementing targeted marketing strategies, and enhancing the overall user experience.

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

https://www.naksyetu.co.ke/

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

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

Naks Yetu combats poverty in Nakuru by enabling local artists, event organizers, and content creators to monetarily benefit from their crafts. Our platform boosts their visibility, facilitating income through ticket sales, a dedicated shop for local products, and advertising spaces. Additionally, Naks Yetu offers professional development through workshops, enhancing participants' marketability and job prospects. This community-centric approach not only uplifts individual incomes but also stimulates local economic growth by attracting tourists, thereby benefiting broader community services and businesses.

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

5

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

While Naks Yetu's primary focus is on promoting cultural events and local talents, its indirect contribution to Zero Hunger lies in economic empowerment. By providing a platform that helps local creators and entrepreneurs generate income, Naks Yetu enables these individuals to better provide for themselves and their families. This economic stability can indirectly contribute to better access to nutritious food and improved food security. Additionally, as Naks Yetu helps to attract tourists and boosts local business, it stimulates the overall economy of Nakuru, potentially increasing employment and income opportunities related to food production and distribution.

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

Naks Yetu contributes to good health and well-being by fostering community engagement and providing a platform for cultural enrichment, which can improve mental health and social cohesion. The platform promotes events that encourage physical activities, such as cultural dances and community walks, which support physical health. Additionally, by boosting the local economy and helping individuals earn a sustainable income, Naks Yetu indirectly supports better access to healthcare services and nutritious food, further contributing to the well-being of the community.

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

5

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

Naks Yetu indirectly supports quality education through its platform by promoting events and workshops that are educational in nature. These events often include cultural, artistic, and technical workshops that provide learning opportunities for the community. Moreover, by supporting local artists and content creators, Naks Yetu helps preserve and disseminate local knowledge and cultural heritage, which is a vital aspect of educational diversity. The platform also fosters lifelong learning by encouraging community members of all ages to engage with new skills and experiences, thus promoting an environment of continuous personal and community growth.

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

Naks Yetu contributes to gender equality by providing an inclusive platform where both women and men have equal opportunities to showcase their talents, promote their events, and benefit from economic activities. We actively promote events and content that empower women and address issues relevant to gender equality. Additionally, our platform encourages the participation of female artists, event organizers, and content creators, ensuring their representation and visibility. Naks Yetu is committed to fostering an environment where all genders can thrive equally, which is essential for achieving broader societal gender equality.

02.06.01 My startup contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification for my startup

02.07.01 My startup contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

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

Naks Yetu plays a significant role in promoting sustained economic growth and decent work in Nakuru by providing a dynamic platform where local talents, including artists, event organizers, and content creators, can monetize their skills and productions. Our platform facilitates economic activity by offering a venue for selling tickets, promoting events, and engaging with a broader audience, which helps these individuals achieve stable and fulfilling employment. Additionally, by boosting local culture and tourism, Naks Yetu contributes to the overall economic vitality of the region, encouraging more job creation and business opportunities. We are committed to fostering an environment that supports sustainable economic growth and empowers local communities through decent work opportunities.

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

Naks Yetu contributes to industry innovation and infrastructure by leveraging technology to create a robust platform that supports Nakuru's cultural and event sectors. Our innovative use of a comprehensive tech stack, including Python, WordPress, and advanced web development tools, promotes sustainable industrialization by modernizing the local event management and promotional processes. This tech-driven approach not only enhances the infrastructure for local event organizers and artists but also fosters innovation in the way cultural content is delivered and experienced, ensuring resilience and sustainability in Nakuru’s burgeoning cultural industry.

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

5

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

Naks Yetu aims to reduce inequalities by providing a platform that supports and promotes local talent regardless of their socio-economic background. By offering equal opportunities for artists, event organizers, and content creators to showcase their work and engage with a broader audience, Naks Yetu helps level the playing field. This inclusivity enhances economic opportunities for underserved and marginalized groups within Nakuru, promoting social cohesion and reducing disparities. Our commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive cultural community directly contributes to reducing inequalities within the region.

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

Naks Yetu contributes to creating sustainable cities and communities by promoting cultural inclusivity and community engagement through our platform. By facilitating access to cultural events and local talent, we help to enrich the social fabric of Nakuru, fostering a sense of belonging and community spirit. Our platform also encourages sustainable urban development by highlighting and supporting local businesses and cultural initiatives, which helps to maintain cultural heritage while promoting economic growth. Moreover, by integrating technology in local event planning and execution, Naks Yetu aids in building a more resilient and sustainable urban infrastructure, aligning with the broader goal of sustainable urban development.

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

Naks Yetu contributes to responsible consumption and production by promoting local products and cultural events that emphasize sustainable practices. Through our shop section, we support the sale of locally made, sustainable products, encouraging a circular economy where resources are reused and recycled. Our platform also highlights events and initiatives that focus on sustainability, educating the community about responsible consumption patterns. Furthermore, by leveraging digital tools to reduce the need for physical materials in promotions and ticketing, Naks Yetu fosters more efficient use of resources, aligning with sustainable production practices.

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

5

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

Naks Yetu contributes to climate action by promoting events and initiatives focused on environmental awareness and sustainability. Our platform serves as a hub for community-led environmental projects and educational programs that address climate change. By facilitating discussions and collaborations on climate action through cultural and educational events, Naks Yetu helps raise awareness and engage the local community in taking proactive steps towards environmental sustainability. Additionally, our digital-first approach reduces the need for physical materials, lowering the carbon footprint associated with event promotions and ticket sales.

02.14.01 My startup contributes to the Life below water goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification for my startup

02.15.01 My startup contributes to the Life on land goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification for my startup

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

4

02.16.02 Peace Justice and Strong Institutions- Justification for my startup

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

Naks Yetu actively fosters partnerships that enhance sustainable development within Nakuru. By collaborating with local businesses, cultural institutions, and NGOs, our platform strengthens the community's ability to address sustainable development goals collectively. These partnerships enable us to offer a more comprehensive range of services, including educational events about sustainability, cultural preservation, and economic 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.

4

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

1 - Strongly Disagree

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

4

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

7 - Strongly Agree

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

4

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.

4

06.08 Justification for my startup

Naks Yetu significantly contributes to the local community by creating jobs and respecting regional values, customs, and culture. Our platform is specifically designed to promote and support the local cultural ecosystem, which includes giving visibility to local artists, event organizers, and content creators, thus creating direct and indirect employment opportunities within the region. This is evident in our commitment to showcasing local talent and incorporating local narratives and cultural elements in all our activities, which supports the preservation and celebration of regional culture. Furthermore, Naks Yetu is committed to maintaining open and honest communication with the local community. We engage in continuous dialogue with community members to ensure our initiatives are well-aligned with their needs and expectations. This approach not only fosters trust but also ensures that we are a positive force in promoting cultural integrity and community inclusivity.

06.09 Competitive Analysis

Competitors- mookh.com, ticket sasa and ticket base. Our competitive advantage: - Our competitive advantage lies in our specialized focus on Nakuru, providing a dedicated platform that caters to Nakuru’s dynamic scene. - We are leveraging the established network of content creators, event organizers, and artists, drawing upon the collective expertise of our founders with over 20 years of experience working in Nakuru. - We are building a strong online community, which sets us apart from generic event listing platforms.

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

Yes, Naks Yetu promotes female entrepreneurship through showcases, workshops, partnerships with women-led organizations, and mentorship programs to support and empower women in our community.