Zimbabwe - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

ZimStartUp is an innovative platform dedicated to spotlighting startups, small and medium-sized enterprises and the vibrant ideas of the youth. It serves as a bridge, connecting these entities with a diverse audience across local communities and beyond.

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

In Zim, a misconception has long existed that the stock market is only for the wealthy, leading to financial exclusion, especially among the youth. This belief has fueled high unemployment & a brain drain, with many finding success abroad due to more supportive economic environments. ZimStartUp emerges as a beacon of hope, providing a platform for small, community-based businesses that form the backbone of local economies but lack formal investment avenues. It offers these businesses visibility & connects them with investors, promoting community development & innovation. The goal is to create an ecosystem that supports economic growth, job creation, & financial inclusion. Businesses are encouraged to register & display their services The platform stands out for its accessible information,user-friendly interface, & focus on the youth. It serves as a comprehensive hub for startup information & company insights,simplifying the process of raising capital through various financing options

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

Investment Accessibility & Business Recognition: We are addressing the challenge of inaccessible investment opportunities for small, community-based businesses by providing a platform for them to gain visibility & formal recognition,creating a pathway for them to connect with potential investors. Youth Unemployment and Entrepreneurship: Our platform is combating youth unemployment by encouraging young entrepreneurs to establish legitimate businesses. Community Capital Circulation & creating a Supportive Community for Startups Investment Opportunities for Unregistered Companies Financial Support for Large Enterprises: For large companies not listed on the stock market, we provide an alternative avenue to raise funds through loans Financial Literacy and Inclusion: We are addressing financial literacy exclusion by making our website accessible to schools. Promoting Gender Equality in Business Facilitating Market Research and Consumer Feedback Creating a Supportive Community for startups

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

1. Democratization of Investment: Our platform levels the playing field, allowing individuals and small businesses, regardless of their economic background, to access investment opportunities. This democratization can lead to a more vibrant and diverse market, where ideas and innovation are not limited by financial barriers. 2. Economic Empowerment: By connecting businesses with potential investors, we empower companies to grow their operations & create jobs 3. Financial Inclusion: We are committed to financial inclusion, providing a platform where even unregistered businesses can seek investment 4. Market Accessibility 5. Transparency and Trust: By offering a vetting process and showcasing company information, documents, and ratings, ZimStartUp fosters transparency, which in turn builds trust between businesses and investors. 6.Educational Value: The platform serves as an educational resource for financial literacy, teaching users about investment 7.Community Development & gender inq

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

1. Youth and Community Empowerment: At the heart of our mission lies the commitment to the youth of Zimbabwe, who are the future of innovation. We aim to serve not just the youth but also the wider community, fostering an environment where entrepreneurial spirit is nurtured and economic participation is encouraged. 2. Unregistered Companies: Recognizing the potential of informal businesses, ZimStartUp extends its services to unregistered companies, providing them with a platform to gain formal recognition and access investment opportunities that were previously out of reach. 3. Emerging startups 4. Small & Medium Enterprises (SMEs) 5. Investors, Local and International: We are mainly targeting community investors 6. Educational Institutions 7.Government Entities 8. Diaspora communities 9. Microfinance Institutions By serving these key groups, ZimStartUp aspires to create a ripple effect of benefits that will ultimately uplift the entire nation's economy.

01.05 When was your company established?

2023-10-01

01.06 Are you already selling your product/service?

No

01.07 How many other owners are there within your startup?

1

01.08 Among the other owners, how many are female?

0

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

Name: Tendayi Kunaka Job Title: Software Engineer Skills & Experience: Esteemed entrepreneur with extensive expertise in fintech solutions. With over six years in the banking industry, he has developed, automated and refined numerous fintech solutions to make them better. His professional journey spans across South Africa and Zimbabwe and mostly working with banking institutions. He holds a Business Information Systems degree from the University of Venda, South Africa. After university he launched a classified website portal and then co-owned a telecommunication solutions company specializing in fiber splicing services. He works part time for a Fintech company as a Software Engineer at the same time fully dedicating his resources and time to ZimStartUp. He has experience in Python, Database development, Automation and also Business management. ZimStartUp is currently in Testing phase and hoping to launch on the 2nd of August to the public. The system was developed using Python loca

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

https://zim-startup.vercel.app/

01.11 Which industry best describes your project?

g) Financial services

02.01.01 My startup contributes to the No poverty goal

6

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

By 2030, our goal is to rectify disparities by guaranteeing that every individual, especially those who are impoverished or vulnerable, possesses equitable entitlements to economic assets. This includes unrestricted access to fundamental services, equitable ownership and governance over land and diverse forms of property, inheritance rights, natural resources, and the adoption of suitable modern technologies and financial services, such as microfinance. We are also committed to educating the community, providing them with a foundation for innovation, and imparting knowledge on investment strategies and business management. We believe by giving everyone a chance & a platform to create & partner in community based companies we will eradicate poverty. In the future we will be accessible on whats-app and also offline on certain networks.

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

1 - Strongly Disagree

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

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

6

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

We are tackling Goal 4: Quality Education through the lens of Financial Literacy and Inclusion. Our initiative counters the exclusion from financial literacy by ensuring our website is user-friendly for school children. ZimStartUp's educational segment empowers young learners to grasp investment concepts through hands-on, captivating experiences, establishing the groundwork for a financially savvy upcoming generation. If you have been in Zim, investing in the stock markets is only meant for the rich society with more people being discouraged earlier while at school. Our outreach extends beyond school children; we also focus on community members and out-of-school youth. Our platform combats youth unemployment by motivating young individuals to create successful enterprises. Additionally, we have plans to organize workshops that cater to both the senior members of our community and the younger generation.

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

2

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

At present, our capabilities do not extend to supporting initiatives specifically for the girl child. However, we are optimistic about establishing investment facilities that will encompass gender equality in the future. Our financial services are designed to be inclusive, catering to individuals of all ages, genders, educational backgrounds, and marital statuses. Upon our launch, we are committed to maintaining a non-discriminatory approach.

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

6

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification for my startup

1. Investment Accessibility and Business Recognition: We are addressing the challenge of inaccessible investment opportunities for small, community-based businesses. By providing a platform for these businesses to gain visibility and formal recognition, ZimStartUp is creating a pathway for them to connect with potential investors, which is essential for fostering economic growth and promoting financial inclusion.

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

ZimStartUp contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure by providing a comprehensive database that supports the growth of industry and innovation. It offers valuable data on companies, investors, and industry trends, which can be crucial for: 1. Developing Quality, Reliable, Sustainable, and Resilient Infrastructure by offering insights into various companies, we help identify firms that are building resilient infrastructure and promoting sustainable industrialization. 2. The platform's extensive information aids in fostering inclusive and sustainable industrial growth by connecting startups with potential investors and partners. 3. Upgrading Industries and Infrastructures for Sustainability: The platform encourages the adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies by highlighting innovative companies and startups.

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

5

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

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

We at ZimStartUp we are solving this issue by providing a platform that enhances the visibility and connectivity of businesses, startups, and entrepreneurs who are actively working towards creating sustainable cities and communities. We are creating a supportive community for startups. Beyond financial investment, ZimStartUp can foster a community where entrepreneurs share knowledge, mentorship, and support, further strengthening the startup ecosystem. ZimStartUp is poised to become the central hub for startup information, offering a one-stop solution for comprehensive company insights. It eliminates the need for extensive resource expenditure and data usage, encapsulating all necessary information in a singular, convenient location.

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

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

1 - Strongly Disagree

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.

5

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

7 - Strongly Agree

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.

6

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.

7 - Strongly Agree

06.08 Justification for my startup

Welcome to Zimbabwe, where growing up we were conditioned to believe that the Stock Market was an exclusive domain of the affluent, a notion that has continued a mindset of financial exclusion among the youth and the general population. This misconception has contributed to the country's staggering unemployment rate, which stands as the highest in Southern Africa. Zimbabwe has seen the biggest brain drain and most of the individuals become successful outside Zimbabwe because of the vibrant setup in other economies especially in the investment of their ideas something that is lacking in Zimbabwe.It is against this backdrop that ZimStartUp was born. Our platform is a lifeline for the numerous small, community-based businesses that are the heartbeat of local economies yet lack formal recognition and investment channels. We provide these enterprises with visibility and connect them with potential community investors and beyond, fostering growth and innovation in communities.

06.09 Competitive Analysis

In Zimbabwe our main competitors include platforms like ImpactHub, Kanva Media and Stanbic Startup Buzz, which highlight and connect local startups to opportunities and funding. What sets us apart is our comprehensive approach to fostering economic growth and innovation. Unlike others, we provide a user-friendly platform that not only showcases businesses but also offers extensive startup information, company insights, and various capital-raising options. This will be our competitive edge. We also have platforms like CrunchBase thought they do not offer services in Zimbabwe.

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

At the moment, we do not have specific programs for women, but post-launch, we plan to develop initiatives aimed at supporting women. Our current focus is on promoting gender equality; we ensure that all members who approach our website for help receive support without any form of discrimination.