Zimbabwe - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Student Link is a web-based platform designed to simplify the process of booking school accommodation for university students in Zimbabwe. This platform allows students to conveniently secure their housing before the semester begins.

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

Student Link is an online platform that makes it easy for university students in Zimbabwe to book school accommodation. It helps students secure housing before the semester starts, avoiding scams from fake agents who require payment first before assisting students with their requirement. The platform provides a reliable and transparent system for finding suitable accommodation. In the future, Student Link plans to add services that students require throughout their semester like food delivery and laundry to further improve student life and allowing them to have more time to work on their core business at school.

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

Scams and Fraud: Many students fall victim to fraudulent agents, leaving them without a place to stay and out of pocket. Student Link provides a secure and reliable platform to eliminate these scams. Inefficiency and Inconvenience: The traditional process of finding and securing accommodation is time-consuming and inefficient. Student Link streamlines this process by offering a comprehensive, easy-to-use online platform Limited Access to Information: Students struggle to find detailed and reliable information about available accommodations. Student Link provides comprehensive listings with all necessary details. Lack of Transparency: Without a centralized platform, it is challenging for students to verify the legitimacy and quality of accommodations. Student Link includes reviews and ratings from previous tenants, adding an extra layer of transparency and trustworthiness. Uncertainty: The uncertainty of securing accommodation can be a significant source of stress for students

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

We provide a secure platform that protects students from fraudulent agents who charge large sums without delivering the agreed-upon services. By ensuring verified listings and secure transactions. The web-based nature of Student Link allows students to search, compare, and book accommodation from anywhere at any time. The platform eliminates the need for time-consuming physical visits, making the process quick and hassle-free. We offer a comprehensive database of accommodation options, including on-campus dormitories, private accomidation, and shared apartments. Each listing on Student Link includes detailed information, such as photographs, amenities, rental prices, and location maps. This transparency helps students make informed decisions and avoid unpleasant surprises upon arrival. The platform features advanced search tools that allow students to filter accommodations based on specific criteria like price, proximity to campus, type of accommodation, and available amenities.

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

Primarily, the platform is designed to assist university students in Zimbabwe who need reliable and convenient accommodation before the start of their semester. Parents and guardians who are concerned about the safety and well-being of their children will benefit from the secure and transparent booking process. They can be assured that the accommodation is legitimate and meets the necessary standards. Universities can benefit from Student Link by having a centralized platform for managing student accommodation, reducing the administrative burden and ensuring students have access to verified housing options. Landlords who offer student accommodations can reach a larger, targeted audience through Student Link. The platform provides them with a reliable way to list and manage their properties. As Student Link expands to include additional services like food delivery and laundry, local businesses providing these services will also benefit by gaining access to a ready market of students.

01.05 When was your company established?

2022-09-18

01.06 Are you already selling your product/service?

No

01.07 How many other owners are there within your startup?

3

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.)

The other owners are both students who have a degree in computer science from Africa University and have experience in web design, cyber security, and artificial intelligence.

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

https://studentlink.co.zw/

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

3

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

2

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

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

3

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

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

2

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

2

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

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

5

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification for my startup

We want to foster economic growth and employment opportunities for students that are still in university or who have recently graduated.

02.09.01 My startup contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

4

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification for my startup

We offer a centralized, web-based platform where students can easily browse, compare, and book accommodations. We are focusing on preventing scams from fraudulent agents who charge high fees without delivering promised services, by verifying listings and offering secure payment options, ensuring that students get what they pay for. The platform is designed with the user in mind, offering an intuitive interface that simplifies the booking process. We plan on integrating additional services such as food delivery and laundry makes so that we can also support other startups around us to meet student needs. Student Link aims to provide peace of mind to students and their families. This focus on safety and reliability is crucial in a market where unregulated accommodations can pose significant risks. The platform supports vulnerable groups, such as female students, by ensuring safe and secure living conditions.

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

2

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

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

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

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

3

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification for my startup

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

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.16.02 Peace Justice and Strong Institutions- Justification for my startup

02.17.01 My startup contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

4

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification for my startup

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.

3

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

3

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

5

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

3

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

5

06.07 The product/service is a new version of an old product/service.

5

06.08 Justification for my startup

06.09 Competitive Analysis

Direct competitors are traditional real estate agents that may have knowledge on the local housing that offers accommodation. Our platform is student centric and it is built around the needs and wants of students based on market research. There are also locals who may have access to

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