Ghana - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Startup Shares revolutionizes fintech by offering the general public access to shares of excelling and promising African startups & SMEs, fueling innovation and growth, democratizing investment and inclusion for a sustainable development.

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

With Startups Shares, the aim is revolutionizing the investment landscape by democratizing access to startup shares & investing assets. In the dynamic realm of fintech, we want to offer the public a unique opportunity to directly invest in a diverse portfolios (startup shares, Treasury bills & Treasury bond). Our platform will serves as a bridge, connecting startups seeking capital with investors eager to support & benefit from their potential, support economic growth of countries with T-bills sales. We want to empower individuals to participate in the excitement and potential rewards of startup investing. Gone are the days when startup investing was limited to venture capitalists and accredited investors. With Startup Shares, anyone can participate in the growth of exciting new companies, regardless of their financial background or experience. By democratizing access to startup shares, we're leveling the playing field and unlocking opportunities for all through transparent processes.

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

Startup Shares will aim at tackling the longstanding issue of limited access to investment opportunities by the general public into startups and other investing assets like Treasury bills and Treasury bonds. Traditionally, investing in startups or other investing assets has been reserved for accredited investors, leaving the majority of the population without access to this high-potential asset class. Our platform seeks to democratize startup investing by offering shares of promising ventures to the general public. By breaking down barriers to entry and providing a user-friendly platform for investment, we seek to empower individuals from all walks of life to participate in the growth of innovative startups. Overall, Startup Shares solves the problem of limited access to investment opportunities, supports underrepresented entrepreneurs, leverages AI for better investment decisions, and contributes to national economic growth through government bond sales.

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

-Accessible Investment Opportunities: Our platform opens the doors to startup investing for everyone, not just accredited investors. By offering shares of diverse ventures to the general public, we provide individuals with the chance to build a well-rounded investment portfolio aligned with their interests & financial goals. -Diversification and Potential Returns: Startup investing has the potential for high returns, but it also comes with risks. With Startup Shares, investors can diversify their portfolios across multiple startups, spreading risk & increasing the likelihood of capturing the next big success story. Our curated selection of startup shares offers opportunities for growth & innovation across various industries and stages of development. -Community and Collaboration: Through our platform, users become part of a vibrant community of investors & entrepreneurs. They can engage with like-minded individuals, share insights, experiences, & collaborate on investment opportunities

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

Startup Shares is aimed at serving two primary groups: individual investors & startup entrepreneurs. Individual Investors; our platform is designed to cater to individuals of the general public who are looking to diversify their investment portfolios & participate in the high-potential world of startup investing. Whether you're a seasoned investor or someone who's new to investing, Startup Shares offers accessible & user-friendly access to a curated selection of startup shares regardless of your financial background or experience, to participate in the growth of innovative startups. Startup Entrepreneurs; we also serve startup entrepreneurs who are in need of capital to fuel their growth & development. By listing their shares on our platform, startups gain access to a wider pool of potential investors beyond traditional venture capitalists & angel investors. This broader access to capital enables startups to accelerate their growth trajectory and scale their operations more efficiently

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2024-03-08

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.)

IT Consortium Gh is the key partner in the establishment of Startup Shares, bringing a wealth of skills and experience in the technology sector. With over two decades of expertise, IT Consortium is renowned for its innovative solutions in fintech, software development, and digital transformation. Their proficiency in developing secure, scalable platforms ensures that Startup Shares will benefit from cutting-edge technology and robust infrastructure. IT Consortium's experience in integrating advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence and blockchain, will enhance our platform’s capabilities in evaluating startups, personalizing investor experiences, and ensuring data security. Additionally, their strong track record of successful projects across various industries highlights their ability to deliver high-quality, reliable solutions. By partnering with IT Consortium Ghana, Startup Shares is well-positioned to create an inclusive user-friendly investment platform to the public

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

01.10 Which industry best describes your project?

g) Financial services

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

Startup Shares will contribute to poverty reduction by democratizing access to investment opportunities, fostering economic empowerment & supporting entrepreneurship. Economic Inclusion: By opening up startup investing to a broader audience, including individuals from low-income backgrounds, Startup Shares enables more people to participate in wealth creation. This can lead to increased financial stability & upward mobility, ultimately helping to lift people out of poverty. Job Creation: Investing in startups not only provides capital for growth but also creates job opportunities. As startups expand & scale their operations with the help of investments facilitated by Startup Shares, they often hire more employees, contributing to job creation & economic development in communities. Entrepreneurial Support: Startup Shares provides startups, including those led by entrepreneurs from disadvantaged backgrounds, with access to much-needed capital hence we enable them to grow their businesses

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

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

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

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

- Equal Access to Investment: Our platform ensures that both men & women have the same opportunities to invest in startups. By democratizing access to investment opportunities, Startup Shares will eliminate barriers that may have previously prevented women from participating in the investment landscape on an equal footing with men. -Support for Female Entrepreneurs: Startup Shares will actively seek out & supports female-led startups by featuring them on our platform. By providing these entrepreneurs with access to capital and exposure to potential investors, we help to level the playing field and empower women to succeed in the startup ecosystem. -Representation and Diversity: By featuring a diverse range of startups on our platform, including those led by women, Startup Shares will promote gender diversity & representation in entrepreneurship & investment. This will not only help in the development of women led-businesses but promote inclusive and equitable startup ecosystem overall.

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

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

- Job Creation: As startups receive funding and grow their operations with the help of investments facilitated by Startup Shares, they often hire more employees, contributing to job creation. This leads to the expansion of the labor market and the generation of decent work opportunities. - Access to Capital: Startup Shares democratizes access to investment opportunities, allowing a broader range of individuals to invest in startups. This increased access to capital enables startups to scale their operations, develop new products, and expand into new markets, driving economic growth. - Sales of Treasury bill & bond: Startup Shares through the democratization of investments by the general public will propose the sale of African countries' government bonds by channeling capital into national development projects. These investments will help fund infrastructure, education, and healthcare improvement hence attracting both local and international investors, thereby boosting economic growth

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

5

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

- Technological Advancements: Many startups featured on our platform will be at the forefront of technological innovation, developing new technologies and solutions that address pressing challenges across various industries. By investing in these startups, individuals contribute to the advancement of technology and the development of cutting-edge solutions that drive industry innovation. - Infrastructure Development: As startups grow and expand with the support of investments facilitated by Startup Shares, they often require infrastructure to support their operations. This includes physical infrastructure such as manufacturing facilities and distribution networks, as well as digital infrastructure such as cloud computing and data analytics platforms. By supporting the growth of startups, Startup Shares indirectly contributes to the development of infrastructure that supports innovation and industry growth.

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

6

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

- Democratized Access: Our platform opens up investment opportunities in startups to a wider audience, including individuals from diverse socio-economic backgrounds. By providing equal access to investment opportunities, Startup Shares helps to reduce inequalities by enabling everyone to participate in wealth creation and economic growth. - Support for Diversity: Startup Shares actively seeks out and supports startups led by underrepresented groups, including women, minorities, and individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. By featuring these startups on our platform and providing them with access to capital, we promote diversity and inclusion in entrepreneurship, helping to level the playing field and reduce inequalities in the startup ecosystem.

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

2

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

2

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

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

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

2

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

6

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

Startup Shares will contribute to partnerships for the goal by fostering collaborations between investors, startups, and other stakeholders. We believe in the power of partnerships to drive innovation and create positive change. By bringing together investors with startups in need of capital, we facilitate mutually beneficial relationships that support the growth and success of innovative ventures. Additionally, we collaborate with various organizations, including accelerators, incubators, and industry associations, to identify promising startups and provide them with access to our platform. These partnerships enable us to expand our reach, amplify our impact, and work towards our shared goal of fostering entrepreneurship and driving economic growth. Together, through strategic partnerships and collaborations, we can create a more vibrant and inclusive startup ecosystem that benefits all stakeholders.

05.01 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

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

7 - Strongly Agree

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

1 - Strongly Disagree

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

5

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.

4

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

4

05.08 Justification

Startup Shares stands out for its unique approach to democratizing startup investing. Unlike traditional investment platforms, we prioritize accessibility, diversity & transparency. Our platform opens up investment opportunities in startups to everyone, regardless of their financial background or experience, democratizing access to this high-potential asset class. We curate a diverse selection of startup shares, spanning various industries & stages of growth, allowing investors to build a well-rounded portfolio aligned with their interests & risk tolerance. Additionally, we actively support underrepresented entrepreneurs, including women & minorities, by featuring their startups on our platform & providing them with access to capital. Through transparent reporting, regular updates & accessible channels for feedback, we foster open communication & trust with our community. Overall, Startup Shares is not just an investment platform; it's a catalyst for change, innovation, inclusion & eco

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

My main competitors are; Uprise Africa: Specializes in equity crowdfunding | GoGetta: Links African entrepreneurs with global investors focusing on early-stage, high-growth businesses | Thundafund: A rewards-based crowdfunding platform supporting creative and innovative projects | Livestock Wealth: Offers unique agricultural investments opportunities What sets Startup Shares apart is our inclusivity and innovation. We cater to both Anglophone and Francophone markets, targeting individuals, investors, and startups. Our platform uses advanced AI for personalized investment recommendations and risk assessments. We support our registered startups with unique opportunities, including mentorship and networking. Additionally, we will sell treasury bills and Treasury bonds of African countries, providing a diverse range of investment options. By combining these elements, Startup Shares creates a unique, accessible, and comprehensive investment platform across multiple regions and languages.

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

yes, through my CSO called Phanerosis Global Platform we promote the exportation of women-led SMEs and in promoting the role of female entrepreneurs we put forward the SME of our network called Bonne Graine led by Ms Monica Addo during the Francophonie Week in Accra at Alliance Française-Accra, where we suggested her as one of the main panelist during a conference as main speaker to come and share her experience as an Anglophone female entrepreneur thriving sales in a Francophone country (Cote D'Ivoire) with her products. The aim here was to showcase the fact that female entrepreneurs can succeed above their national territory and can play a vital role in International Trade.