Tanzania - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Lupiar is a unified business marketplace platform designed to empower, connect and discover business opportunities.

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

Lupiar is a unified business marketplace platform designed to empower, connect and discover business opportunities where: Businesses: Can post, list, organize and catalog or boost their products, services and promos from one business platfro while getting access to valuable business resources and tools to help them thrive. Customers: Can find and discover products, services, and promos, from potential business partners, owners and suppliers, instantly. Users: Can network, collaborate and communicate with each other to build business relationships and partnerships. Lupiar is more than just a business discovery platform; it's a unified online business solution empowering businesses, connecting them with potential partners and customers, and building business trust and transparency, while unlocking the potential of local economies. Lupiar includes a diverse range of businesses, from local to international businesses, freelancers to corporate service providers, microfinances to global VCs

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

Lupiar steps in to address the limited access to business opportunities due to fragmented information channels, geographical barriers, and lack of trust and transparency in the existing business ecosystem Over 60% of Tanzania's GDP is generated by Small and SMEs, accounting for 4.5+ million jobs (National Bureau of Statistics, 2023), yet: Businesses: SMEs and Informal businesses suffer from limited business visibility due to expensive marketing costs from traditional marketing avenues, social media inefficiency and geographical restriction barriers. (Source: Tanzania Investment Centre, 2022) Customers: People suffer from difficult business discovery which involves navigating a maze of disparate irrelevant platforms, physical directories, and word-of-mouth recommendations that cost time and resources. (Source: Tanzania Marketing Association, 2023) Users: suffer from lack of trust and transparency where lack of business validation lead to financial fraud. (Source: World Bank, 2022)

01.03 Tell us the major benefits and/or advantages of using the product/service that your project intends to provide (at least 3).

Lupiar will create impact to and benefit its four major target users with the following value propositions: ENTREPRENEURS: Foster business connection, Simplify customer acquisition, Ease business management, Increase investment opportunities. PROFESSIONALS: Increase business competition, Promote business quality, Simplify deal negotiation, Ease project management. INVESTORS: Increase investment networks, Minimize investment risks, Foster investment decisions, Build investment portfolio. CUSTOMERS: Ease business discovery, Save customers' money, Save customers' time, Increase business credibility. LUPIAR IMPORTANT RESOURCES 1. LUPIAR WEBSITE https://www.lupiar.com 2. LUPIAR PRODUCT DEMO https://youtu.be/6zFMh0Ifq2Y 3. LUPIAR PITCH VIDEO & TEAM https://youtu.be/_mcHDqw93OM LUPIAR FOUNDERS LINKEDIN PROFILES 1. LUCAS DAMAS: CO-FOUNDER & CEO https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucas-damas-b46747152/ 2. WILLIAM KAWESA: CO-FOUNDER & CIO https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-kawesa-09181b1b1

01.04 Please describe who exactly your project is aimed at serving. Who are the targeted beneficiaries?

With most of current business platforms and ecosystems focusing on the modern and urban businesses like electronics and fashion, most of people from marginalized places like rural areas are still left behind. Therefore Lupiar targets: 1. Entrepreneurs Individuals or small teams who establish and operate businesses, taking on financial risks and rewards. Specifically: Micro-businesses, Small businesses, Medium-sized businesses. 2. Professionals Individuals who offer specialized skills and services in exchange for compensation. Specifically: Independent Professionals, Corporate Professionals, Professional Organizations. 3. Investors Individuals or organizations who provide capital for businesses in exchange for equity, debt, or other forms of return. Specifically: Angel Investors, Venture Capitalists, Private Equity Firms. 4. Customers Individuals or businesses seeking products or services offered by businesses listed on the Lupiar platform. Specifically: Urban Consumers, Rural Customer

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2022-10-01

01.06 How many other partners are associated with your business venture?

1

01.07 Among the other partners, how many are female?

0

01.08 Please describe the profile of each of the other partners (skills, experience, etc.)

2. WILLIAM KAWESA: Co-Founder & Chief Innovation Officer Experienced in Aluminium and Welding Industry from VETA, William plays a big part in shaping and financing Lupiar. Venture Building: William successfully Co-founded and is now running Kawesabros Company - A joint venture company. Startup Investment: Investing in Lupiar, Anepen and several other local business projects. Industry Experience: He's worked with diverse companies and organizations like Akiba Bank, serving them with the best services from the industry. SKILLS: BUSINESS, DESIGN, FABRICATION, INVESTMENT

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

https://www.lupiar.com

01.10 Which industry best describes your project?

h) IT (digital services, equipment and software)

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

Lupiar contributes to the UN SDG goal 2.01: No Poverty by empowering African businesses, which can lead to economic growth, job creation, and poverty reduction. Here's how: Increased Business Activity and Revenue: Lupiar equips businesses with marketing tools, customer acquisition features, and a platform to connect with new partners. Job Creation: As businesses grow using Lupiar, they are more likely to hire additional staff. Financial Inclusion: Lupiar can play a role in promoting financial inclusion by potentially integrating with mobile payment solutions in the future. Here are some links that support the connection between SME growth, job creation, and poverty reduction: World Bank - How Small Businesses Can Help End Poverty(https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/feature/2023/10/16/end-poverty-and-ensure-dignity-for-all) By empowering African businesses, Lupiar aims to foster a ripple effect of economic development and poverty reduction across the continent.

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

4

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

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

4

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

4

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

Lupiar contributes to the UN SDG goal 2.05: Gender Equality by empowering women entrepreneurs and fostering an inclusive business environment. Here's how: Increased Access to Resources: Lupiar provides female business owners with access to marketing tools, customer networks, and educational resources. Improved Visibility and Networking: The platform allows women-led businesses to showcase their products and services to a wider audience, fostering connections and potential partnerships with other businesses. Flexible Work Opportunities: The mobile-first nature of Lupiar makes it accessible to women entrepreneurs in various locations. Here are some links that highlight: International Finance Corporation - Women Entrepreneurs: A Driving Force for Economic Growth(https://www.ifc.org/en/what-we-do/sector-expertise/gender/entrepreneurship) By providing them with the tools and resources they need, Lupiar can contribute to gender equality and empower women entrepreneurs to thrive.

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

4

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

4

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

02.08.01 My project contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

7 - Strongly Agree

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification

Lupiar contributes to SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth by: Empowering African businesses, leading to increased economic activity and job creation. Equipping businesses with tools to find new customers and partners, fostering business growth. Providing a platform for businesses to connect and collaborate, promoting entrepreneurship and innovation. Here are some links that support these points: International Labour Organization - The role of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in creating decent work(https://www.ilo.org/media/185051/download) African Development Bank - SMEs: The engine of Africa's growth(https://www.afdb.org/en/news-keywords/smes) By empowering African businesses, Lupiar aims to contribute to a more prosperous African economy with increased job opportunities and decent work.

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

4

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

Lupiar contributes to SDG goal 10: Reduced Inequalities by: Empowering small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs).Lupiar provides a platform and resources that can be equally beneficial to businesses regardless of their size, location, or founder demographics. Providing equal access to its platform and resources for all businesses, regardless of size, location, or gender. Lupiar's freemium model ensures that even resource-constrained businesses can benefit from basic features. Fostering an inclusive online community that promotes collaboration and knowledge sharing among all entrepreneurs. Here are some links that explore reduced inequalities: International Trade Centre - Why SMEs matter for reducing inequality(https://intracen.org/sites/default/files/inline-files/SME_Comp_2015_Jan_version_low_res_0.pdf) (https://intracen.org/sites/default/files/inline-files/CHINA.PDF) Lupiar aims to be a force for inclusive economic development in Africa by providing an equal accessible platform.

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

3

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

2

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

3

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

3

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

02.16.01 My project contributes to the Peace justice and strong institutions goal

4

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

Lupiar contributes to SDG goal 17: Partnerships for the Goal by: Collaboration with NGOs and business development institutions: Lupiar can partner with NGOs and institutions that support African entrepreneurs. Synergy with government initiatives: Aligning with government initiatives focused on SME development or digital inclusion can expand Lupiar's reach and impact. Potential partnerships with mobile network operators to provide affordable data bundles for Lupiar users, particularly in remote areas. Fostering a collaborative online community where businesses connect and build partnerships. Here are some links that highlight: The World Bank - The Role of Partnerships in Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (https://www.worldbank.org/en/programs/partnership-fund-for-the-sustainable-development-goals/overview): By actively building partnerships and fostering collaboration, Lupiar can contribute to a more unified and impactful approach towards sustainable development in Africa.

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

6

05.02 The product/service we envision creating represents an entirely new type of product/service.

2

05.03 The product/service we envision creating could be described as a new technology.

2

05.04 The product/service we envision creating is an improvement on an existing product or service.

7 - Strongly Agree

05.05 The product/service we envision creating could be described as an extension of a range of products or services.

7 - Strongly Agree

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

7 - Strongly Agree

05.07 The product/service we envision creating is a new version of an old product/service.

7 - Strongly Agree

05.08 Justification

Lupiar's Market Positioning 1. Existing Similar Products/Services: There are some existing business directories and online platforms. However, Lupiar focuses on offering a more comprehensive suite of features specifically designed to address the needs of African very marginalized local businesses. 2. Improvement on Existing Products: While existing platforms offer some level of connection or information sharing, Lupiar goes beyond that by providing extra benefits like marketing tools and business resources. 3. Extension of Existing Products: Lupiar is an extension of existing business development services by offering them a convenient, online format accessible to a wider range of businesses. 4. Unsatisfied Demand/Need: Lupiar addresses the limited marketing resources, difficulty finding new customers, and lack of collaboration opportunities. 5. New Version of an Old Product: Lupiar isn't a direct update of any existing product, but it can be seen as a new approach to business developme

05.09 Who are your main potential competitors and what makes you stand out from them?

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE We classify our competitive landscape into four major groups depending on the business focus: 1. ONLINE CLASSIFIEDS Platforms for users to buy and sell either B2C or C2C. E.g. Jiji (10M+ users), Kupatana (1M+ users), Facebook Marketplace (6M+ users in Tanzania). 2. BUSINESS DIRECTORIES Providing directories to companies or services. E.g. Yellow Pages, ZoomTanzania, Tanzania Directory. 3. B2B E-COMMERCE Targeting wholesalers and B2B transactions. E.g. Alibaba, Amazon, Kikuu. 4. LOCAL E-COMMERCE Online shopping tailored to the local markets. Eg. Kilimall, Game, Gumtree. COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES 1. INCLUSIVE DESIGN Easy and Centered, Detailed Profiles, Mobile Focused 2. AI FUNCTIONALITIES Advanced Search, Personalized Services, Data Analytics 3. USER CUSTOMIZATION Theme Appearance, Custom Categories, System Sounds 4. PLATFORM ACCESSIBILITY Completely Free, Advertising Options, Premium Options 5. BUSINESS FOCUSED Management Dashboards, Communication Tools,

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

Yes, Lupiar is committed to promoting the role of female entrepreneurs within our community and here is how. 1. Curated Content and Success Stories: We will intentionally feature stories and articles highlighting the achievements of successful African women entrepreneurs on our platform. 2. Women-in-Business Forums and Workshops: Lupiar will host online forums and workshops specifically dedicated to the challenges and opportunities faced by female entrepreneurs. 3. Partnerships with Women-Focused Organizations: We will collaborate with NGOs, business incubators, or other organizations that support female entrepreneurship. 4. Mentor Matching Service: Lupiar will implement mentor-matching service within the platform. 5. Awards and Recognition Programs, Lupiar aims to foster a supportive environment that empowers women entrepreneurs, promotes their visibility, and encourages their participation in the African business landscape.