Ghana - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Konzoom is the first on-demand grocery delivery service in Ghana making groceries affordable and accessible to underserved communities.

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

Konzoom is the first on-demand grocery delivery service operating in Ghana, revolutionizing the traditional grocery shopping experience by offering convenient, fast, affordable and reliable delivery of groceries to customers' doorsteps in a sustainable and timely manner. We have partnered with over 30 local businesses, who cumulatively hire over 300 people to offer our customers a wide range of local and foreign products to browse through, eliminating the need for physical store visits, saving our customers time and money. Our value proposition is embedded in the seamless and efficient shopping experience we offer our customers, saving them time and money. By leveraging technology, we offer our customers a user-friendly platform where they can select their products and enjoy swift delivery since we control the whole chain of the business from A to Z, ie. housing the products, employing pickers and riders and providing exceptional customer service to our customers.

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

At Konzoom, we are tackling major issues in the grocery shopping experience in major African cities, starting with Accra-Ghana. We focus on accessibility, sustainability and leveraging AI technology to make the grocery shopping experience of our customers more efficient. Grocery shopping in Africa is often time-consuming because customers typically spend 4-5 hours per week shopping. Traditional markets are usually overcrowded and disorganized while supermarkets are expensive. Our AI-powered platform addresses this issue by enabling customers to order groceries online and have them delivered to their doorstep. Plastic pollution is a significant environmental problem in Africa, driven by the widespread use of plastic bags in markets and supermarkets. Konzoom is committed to sustainability by using reusable paper bags for all our orders. At Konzoom, we are not only making grocery shopping more convenient but also contributing to economic growth and job creation to alleviate poverty.

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

A. We partner with over 30 local businesses that produce high-quality and excellent products, offering our customers a wide variety of products they would otherwise not find anywhere else. These products include but are not limited to fresh produce, pantry staples, household essentials and speciality products. B. We offer competitive pricing to our customers through our partnerships and direct contacts at major companies such as Unilever, Nestle, Ghana Cocoa Processing Company LTD, Deva, etc. C. All orders are packed in reusable paper bags, helping combat Ghana's plastic pollution issue. D. Our customers can bulk buy their products to save even more money, something other grocery delivery businesses do not do. E. Our customer service is unmatched, communicating with our customers to ensure that their items get to them in the best condition and that all issues that arise are dealt with promptly.

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

Our business model targets consumers (B2C) and businesses (B2B). Our service is designed to cater to the needs of individuals, families and businesses who understand and seek convenience and efficiency in their grocery shopping experience. Our target customers are: B2C: Busy professionals, families, elderly individuals and people who want to save time and money B2B: Offices, Cafes and businesses looking for more efficient and reliable grocery procurement solutions

01.05 When was your company established?

2021-10-07

01.06 Are you already selling your product/service?

Yes

01.07 How many other owners are there within your startup?

1

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.)

Our team collectively boasts over 20 years of experience across software engineering, operations, and management. My passion for technology ignited at the tender age of 14, led me to pursue Computer Science & Mathematics at the University of Ghana. There, I developed a mobile e-learning application, setting the stage for a decade-long journey. My career highlights span Meridia, NYU Technology Research Centre, and revolutionizing urban mobility with innovative applications at FREENOW in Europe. Cecilia's entrepreneurial spirit surfaced early, marked by ventures such as selling plantain chips at 13 and partnering with Chinese shoe manufacturers at 19. Her diverse portfolio includes co-founding Africa in Vogue, an exploration of African Art, Fashion & Music, and launching an online hair store catering to BIPOC individuals in Germany. Cecilia has worked with The Khana Group; a social impact advisory firm as a Programme Associate and Ecosia; Europe's search engine that plants trees.

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

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/konzoom/id6450846454 https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.buyer.conzume&hl=en_US https://konzoom.shop

01.11 Which industry best describes your project?

d) Primary commodities (food, drink, household and personal products)

02.01.01 My startup contributes to the No poverty goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

Konzoom supports No Poverty, by creating job opportunities for local communities through our partnerships with over 30 local businesses, cumulatively employing over 400 people. By making groceries more accessible and affordable, we reduce the cost burden on underserved communities by helping them save money for other essential needs. Our commitment to fair pricing and local sourcing also empowers small businesses, driving economic growth and stability.

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

We support Zero Hunger by ensuring that underserved communities have reliable access to affordable and nutritious groceries. By partnering with local farmers and suppliers, we provide fresh, healthy food options while supporting the local agriculture. Our AI-powered service optimizes delivery routes, reducing waste and ensuring timely access to food. Additionally, we offer bulk buying options to lower costs for families and communities, helping to alleviate food insecurity.

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

7 - Strongly Agree

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

We support the SDG of Good Health and Well-Being, by providing easy access to fresh, nutritious groceries, which are essential for maintaining a healthy diet. Our partnerships with local farmers and suppliers ensure a consistent supply of high-quality produce and other essential food items. By making healthy food more accessible and affordable, we help improve dietary habits and overall health outcomes in underserved communities.

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

5

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

We support the SDG of Quality Education, by creating job opportunities and offering training programs that equip individuals with valuable skills in logistics, customer service, and technology. By hiring from the local communities, we provide income and stability that enable our employees and their families to afford education.

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

At Konzoom, we strongly support the SDG Gender Equality goal, by actively promoting female empowerment through our employment and supplier partnerships. The majority of our workforce consists of women, providing them with fair wages and career growth opportunities. Additionally, 90% of our suppliers are female-owned businesses, ensuring that our supply chain empowers women economically. By prioritizing gender equality in our hiring and supplier selection processes, we aim to foster an inclusive and supportive environment that champions women's economic participation.

02.06.01 My startup contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

3

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification for my startup

02.07.01 My startup contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

3

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

At Konzoom, we support the SDG goal of Decent Work and Economic Growth, in several ways. Firstly, we create employment opportunities, especially within the communities we serve, by hiring local staff for various roles including delivery personnel, customer service, and administrative positions. Furthermore, our partnership with over 30 local businesses and suppliers further stimulates economic growth by supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and promoting entrepreneurship. We also Konzoom promote a supportive and inclusive work environment where diversity is valued, and our employees are treated fairly. We prioritize training and skill development programs for our team members, empowering them with the tools and knowledge necessary to thrive in the workplace.

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

We contribute to the SDG goal of Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure by leveraging technology to innovate and enhance the infrastructure of grocery delivery services in Ghana. Our use of AI-powered platforms streamlines operations, optimizes logistics, and improves service efficiency, thereby contributing to the development of robust and sustainable infrastructure. We also encourage innovation by introducing new models of grocery delivery that prioritize accessibility, affordability, and sustainability. Our partnership with local businesses and suppliers not only supports their growth but also encourages innovation within the supply chain and distribution networks.

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

We contribute to SDG 10, Reduced Inequality, through several key initiatives and practices: We prioritize hiring from diverse backgrounds, including marginalized communities, thereby promoting inclusivity and reducing economic disparities. We collaborate with a wide range of local suppliers, including small and female-led businesses. By providing them a platform to reach broader markets, we contribute to reducing inequality in access to market opportunities. Our commitment to competitive pricing ensures that essential groceries are accessible to a broader demographic. We operate with transparency in our business practices, ensuring fair treatment of all stakeholders, including employees, suppliers, and customers.

02.11.01 My startup contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

3

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification for my startup

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

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

We contribute to SDG 13, Climate Action, by optimising delivery routes using AI-powered algorithms, minimizing travel distances and fuel consumption. This approach helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with transportation. We use reusable paper bags for all orders, significantly reducing single-use plastic waste. We prioritize partnerships with eco-friendly and sustainable suppliers. By sourcing products from these suppliers, we encourage sustainable farming practices and reduce the environmental impact of agricultural production. Through these efforts, we actively support SDG 13 by integrating climate-conscious practices into our business operations and promoting sustainability across our value chain.

02.14.01 My startup contributes to the Life below water goal

2

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification for my startup

02.15.01 My startup contributes to the Life on land goal

2

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification for my startup

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

3

02.16.02 Peace Justice and Strong Institutions- Justification for my startup

02.17.01 My startup contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

5

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification for my startup

We contribute to SDG 17 Partnerships for the Goals, in the following ways: We collaborate with over 30 local businesses and suppliers, fostering economic growth and supporting local communities. We prioritize customer satisfaction and engagement through feedback mechanisms and community involvement. We advocate for sustainable consumption and production patterns by partnering with suppliers committed to eco-friendly practices. This promotes environmental stewardship and supports SDG targets related to 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.

3

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.

4

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.

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.

2

06.08 Justification for my startup

Konzoom represents an innovative approach to grocery shopping in Africa by combining AI technology with a deep understanding of local market dynamics. While online grocery delivery services exist, our unique integration of AI for customer personalization, and optimized logistics sets us apart. Konzoom can be seen as an extension of existing grocery delivery services but with significant enhancements. We take the traditional model and elevate it by integrating AI-driven features and focusing on affordability and accessibility. Our service expands on the idea of convenience by including bulk buying options, partnerships with local SMEs, and delivery to underserved neighbourhoods. We address a critical gap in the market by making groceries more accessible and affordable for underserved communities. Traditional grocery delivery services often overlook these areas due to logistical challenges and lower profit margins.

06.09 Competitive Analysis

Our direct competition includes NOKNOK, a Lebanese subsidiary in Ghana, Jumia and brick-and-mortar supermarkets. What sets us apart is that we are affordable, customer- centric, offer inclusive delivery and bulk buy options. 1. We Understand the price sensitivity of African consumers, we've partnered with major manufacturers, distributors, and SMEs to offer more affordable prices than our competitors. 2. We prioritize our customers, ensuring they get value for their money and providing regular updates on their orders. 3. Unlike others, we deliver not only in prime neighbourhoods but also in underserved areas, making our service accessible to a broader audience. 4. We are the only grocery delivery service enabling bulk purchases, allowing customers to save even more. 5. Our team's expertise sets us apart. I have over a decade of experience in software engineering from reputable companies around the world and Cecilia has over a decade of experience in entrepreneurship.

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

Yes. At Konzoom, we are actively promoting the role of female entrepreneurs within our community. Our co-founder, Cecilia, is a female entrepreneur herself, serving as a role model and advocate for women in business. Currently, 90% of the SMEs we support are led by females, showcasing our commitment to empowering women. Looking ahead, we aim to engage and collaborate with even more female-led SMEs, further strengthening our support for women entrepreneurs and contributing to their success.