Kenya - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Qubeeq: Afrocentric first LGBTQ+ dating app, fostering safe connections, community building, and access to resources for a marginalized group.

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

Qubeeq is Africa's first LGBTQ+-focused dating and social networking app, designed to foster safe connections, build community, and improve access to essential resources for this often marginalized group. Beyond dating, Qubeeq serves as a digital safe haven where users can: Connect: Build genuine relationships, friendships, and networks. Empower: Access a curated resource hub with information on LGBTQ+ rights, health services, and support organizations. Engage: Participate in forums, groups, and events tailored to the community's interests and needs. Thrive: Find inclusive employers and job opportunities through the app's dedicated job board. Qubeeq recognizes the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in Africa and provides a platform for them to find love, support, and belonging. As a humanitarian organization, we are committed to leveraging technology to create positive social change and empower marginalized communities. By addressing a critical social need and filling a gap

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

Qubeeq tackles the isolation and discrimination faced by the LGBTQ+ community in Africa, a marginalized group often lacking safe spaces for connection and resources. As a pan-African humanitarian organization dedicated to championing the rights and well-being of LGBTQ+ individuals, Qubeeq has developed a secure and inclusive platform for dating, community building, and accessing essential resources. This initiative addresses the social stigma and legal challenges faced by the community, fostering personal connections and empowering individuals through access to LGBTQ+-specific support and a thriving online community.

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

Safe and Inclusive Connection: Qubeeq provides a secure, judgment-free platform for LGBTQ+ individuals in Africa to connect, fostering genuine relationships, friendships, and networks. This combats the isolation often experienced by this marginalized group. Empowerment through Resources and Community: The app goes beyond dating, offering a curated resource hub with information on LGBTQ+ rights, health services, and support organizations. Additionally, features like forums and groups facilitate community building, mutual support, and shared experiences. Economic Opportunities: Qubeeq recognizes the professional challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community. The app's job board connects users with inclusive employers and job opportunities, promoting economic empowerment and independence.

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

Qubeeq's primary target beneficiaries are LGBTQ+ individuals (lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, and others) across Africa. This diverse group faces unique challenges due to societal stigma, discrimination, and legal restrictions, often leading to isolation and limited access to resources. Qubeeq caters to individuals of all ages, genders, and backgrounds within the LGBTQ+ spectrum. Additionally, as a humanitarian organization, Qubeeq aims to reach other marginalized populations like refugees and individuals with disabilities, providing a safe space for connection and access to resources tailored to their specific needs. By targeting these underserved populations, Qubeeq aims to empower individuals, foster a sense of community, and create positive social change.

01.05 When was your company established?

2024-01-29

01.06 Are you already selling your product/service?

Yes

01.07 How many other owners are there within your startup?

5

01.08 Among the other owners, how many are female?

1

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

Elvis Kirui Kipyegon (CTO): Extensive experience in backend systems, API development, and technology strategy. Skilled in implementing new technologies and overseeing system infrastructure to ensure functionality and efficiency. Edwin Kapkei (VP Engineering): Expertise in Android app development and collaborating with cross-functional teams to bring products to market. Proven ability to deliver on engineering strategies and manage engineering teams. Danford Gidraph Maina (Director of Engineering): Leads the development and execution of the engineering roadmap, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives. Collaborates with teams to define project requirements and timelines. Provides technical guidance and support to the engineering team. Morris Mochu Kiarie (Product & Project Manager): Defines success metrics, conducts market research, and collaborates with teams to develop product strategies. Tests and evaluates the app, proposing improvements. Manages the project team.

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

https://qubeeq.org/ k

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

6

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

Qubeeq tackles the isolation and discrimination faced by the LGBTQ+ community in Africa, a marginalized group often lacking safe spaces for connection and resources. The app provides a secure platform for dating, community building, and access to essential resources, fostering personal connections and empowering individuals. Qubeeq's leadership team, with expertise in technology, engineering, and product management, is dedicated to creating a sustainable and impactful solution. Their combined experience in backend systems, app development, strategic planning, and community engagement ensures a user-centric approach that prioritizes safety, inclusivity, and positive social change. This approach not only addresses the unique challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community but also contributes to broader societal well-being and economic empowerment.

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

6

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

Qubeeq contributes to the fight against hunger through its humanitarian aid initiatives. The organization distributes food to vulnerable populations, including LGBTQ+ individuals, refugees, and people with disabilities. By addressing food insecurity, Qubeeq directly contributes to the Zero Hunger goal, ensuring that marginalized communities have access to basic necessities and improving their overall well-being.

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

Qubeeq strongly contributes to good health and well-being by providing a safe and inclusive platform for the LGBTQ+ community. This directly addresses the mental health challenges often faced due to societal stigma and discrimination. Additionally, the app's resource hub offers information on health services specifically tailored to the LGBTQ+ community, promoting awareness and access to care. By fostering a supportive community and providing essential resources, Qubeeq plays a crucial role in improving the overall well-being of its users.

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

5

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

Qubeeq contributes to quality education by providing a platform for information dissemination and awareness-raising within the LGBTQ+ community. The app's resource hub can be utilized to share educational content on various topics relevant to the community, including sexual health, mental well-being, and legal rights. By facilitating access to information and promoting dialogue, Qubeeq indirectly supports the goal of quality education.

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

Qubeeq strongly supports gender equality by providing a platform specifically designed for queer women and nonbinary individuals. This creates a space where they can connect, express themselves, and build relationships free from the gender norms and biases often found in mainstream dating apps. By centering the experiences of queer women and nonbinary individuals, Qubeeq actively challenges traditional gender roles and promotes a more equitable and inclusive environment.

02.06.01 My startup contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

2

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification for my startup

02.07.01 My startup contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

2

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification for my startup

02.08.01 My startup contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

6

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification for my startup

Qubeeq contributes to decent work and economic growth by providing a platform for LGBTQ+ individuals to find employment opportunities through its job board feature. This directly addresses the economic marginalization often faced by this community due to discrimination. By connecting users with inclusive employers, Qubeeq facilitates access to decent work and promotes economic empowerment. Additionally, the app itself generates employment opportunities through its development, maintenance, and expansion, contributing to economic growth within the tech 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

Qubeeq strongly agrees with its contribution towards industry, innovation, and infrastructure. The development of the Qubeeq app itself is a testament to technological innovation, providing a digital solution to address the unique challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community in Africa. The app's infrastructure supports secure communication, fosters community building, and facilitates access to vital resources, thereby contributing to a more resilient and inclusive digital infrastructure

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

Qubeeq actively works to reduce inequalities by providing a platform that caters specifically to the LGBTQ+ community, a group that faces significant discrimination and marginalization in many parts of Africa. By fostering connections, facilitating access to resources, and promoting economic opportunities, Qubeeq helps to level the playing field for LGBTQ+ individuals. Additionally, the app's focus on inclusivity extends to other marginalized groups, such as refugees and people with disabilities, further contributing to the reduction of inequalities.

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

Qubeeq contributes to sustainable cities and communities by fostering inclusivity and community building among marginalized groups, particularly the LGBTQ+ community. By providing a safe space for connection and interaction, Qubeeq helps to create a sense of belonging and social cohesion, which are essential elements of sustainable communities. Additionally, the app's resource hub can be used to share information on local services and initiatives, further promoting community engagement and participation.

02.12.01 My startup contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

3

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification for my startup

Through our CSR with other organiz

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

4

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

through our CSR with other organizations

02.14.01 My startup contributes to the Life below water goal

4

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification for my startup

Through our CSR with other organizations

02.15.01 My startup contributes to the Life on land goal

4

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification for my startup

Through our joint projects with other organizations

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

5

02.16.02 Peace Justice and Strong Institutions- Justification for my startup

Qubeeq contributes to peace, justice, and strong institutions by advocating for the rights and protection of marginalized groups, particularly the LGBTQ+ community. The organization actively works to challenge discriminatory laws and practices, promote understanding and acceptance, and create a more inclusive society. By empowering individuals and fostering community, Qubeeq contributes to building stronger, more equitable institutions that uphold the principles of peace and justice.

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

Qubeeq strongly agrees with its contribution to partnerships for the goals. The partners themselves demonstrates a commitment to collaboration among diverse individuals with expertise in technology, law, engineering, and project management. Additionally, the app's functionality is designed to foster partnerships with other organizations, as evidenced by the inclusion of a resource hub and features to promote external projects and initiatives. This collaborative approach amplifies Qubeeq's impact and reach, creating a network of support and awareness that aligns with the SDG of partnerships for the goals.

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

1 - Strongly Disagree

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

3

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.

1 - Strongly Disagree

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

1 - Strongly Disagree

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.

3

06.08 Justification for my startup

Qubeeq is the first dating app specifically designed for the LGBTQ+ community in Africa. While other dating apps exist, they often lack the safety features, community-building aspects, and tailored resources that Qubeeq provides. The app's focus on inclusivity, safety, and empowerment for a marginalized group makes it a unique and innovative solution in the African context. Additionally, Qubeeq's integration of humanitarian aid initiatives further distinguishes it from other dating apps, demonstrating a holistic approach to addressing the needs of the LGBTQ+ community.

06.09 Competitive Analysis

While other general dating apps exist in Africa, Qubeeq stands out as the only platform specifically designed for the LGBTQ+ community. This focus allows us to address the unique needs and challenges of this group, offering tailored features like: Enhanced Safety and Privacy: Robust verification processes and moderation protect users from harassment and discrimination. Community Building: Groups, forums, and events foster a sense of belonging and support. Resource Hub: Provides access to LGBTQ+-specific information and support services. Job Board: Connects users with inclusive employers. This targeted approach differentiates Qubeeq from generic dating apps and positions it as a vital resource and community hub for the LGBTQ+ community in Africa.

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

Curating a female led and driven entity