Kenya - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Finder is a visual search engine designed to facilitate social and e-commerce. It allows buyers to easily find products by searching using images and enables vendors to be easily discovered, enhancing visibility for small and informal sector vendors.

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

Finder is an AI-powered visual search engine designed to revolutionize social and e-commerce in Africa by bridging the gap between buyers and local vendors, particularly those in the informal sector. Unlike traditional search engines, Finder allows users to search for products by simply uploading an image. This streamlines the search process, saving users time and effort. For buyers, this means discovering unique, locally available products quickly and easily. For vendors, especially small businesses and informal sellers, Finder provides a platform to increase their visibility and reach a broader audience. By optimizing local search results and connecting buyers directly with nearby vendors, Finder not only enhances the shopping experience but also supports local economies. This dual focus on user convenience and vendor accessibility makes Finder a unique and innovative solution in the African e-commerce landscape.

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

The main problem Finder aims to solve is the inefficiency and fragmentation of the e-commerce and social commerce landscape in Africa. Traditional search engines and e-commerce platforms often overwhelm users with information overload and irrelevant results, making it difficult to find specific products. Moreover, smaller vendors and those in the informal sector struggle to gain visibility, limiting their access to potential customers. Buyers waste valuable time sifting through multiple platforms and physically searching for items they need. Meanwhile, vendors, despite having social media presence, often miss out on potential sales because their offerings are not easily discoverable. Finder addresses these issues by leveraging AI-powered visual search technology. Users can simply upload an image of the product they are looking for, and Finder connects them directly to vendors who have that product, prioritizing local sellers.

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

Finder offers several major benefits and advantages: Streamlined Product Discovery: Finder simplifies the search process for buyers by allowing them to upload an image of the desired product. Our AI-powered visual search technology quickly matches the image with relevant vendors, eliminating the need for users to sift through multiple e-commerce platforms or physically search for items. This saves time and reduces frustration. Enhanced Visibility for Vendors: Smaller vendors, particularly those in the informal sector, gain increased exposure through Finder. Our platform connects them directly with potential buyers, helping them reach a broader audience that they might otherwise miss. This boosts their sales and supports local businesses. Localized Search Optimization: Unlike other visual search tools that might suggest international vendors, Finder prioritizes local sellers. This means that buyers can find products available nearby, reducing shipping times and costs. It also promote

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

Finder is designed to serve both buyers and sellers within the e-commerce ecosystem, with a specific focus on the African market. Targeted Beneficiaries: Buyers: Consumers Seeking Specific Products: Individuals looking for particular items who often face difficulties locating them on fragmented e-commerce platforms or through physical searches. Tech-Savvy Shoppers: Users comfortable with technology and keen to leverage AI-driven visual search to find products quickly and efficiently. Local Shoppers: Consumers interested in supporting local businesses and reducing shipping times and costs by finding products available nearby. Sellers: Small and Informal Vendors: Smaller businesses and informal sector vendors who struggle to gain visibility on traditional e-commerce platforms. Finder provides them with a platform to reach a broader audience and compete with larger retailers. Social Media Sellers: Vendors who primarily use social media to market their products and need additional chan

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2022-03-07

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.)

My co-founder is an accomplished expert in artificial intelligence (AI) and open source technologies, with a proven track record in building successful marketplaces. His deep understanding of AI enables us to leverage cutting-edge technologies to enhance Finder’s capabilities and user experience. Additionally, his experience with open source projects ensures that we adopt best practices for scalability and innovation. Having previously built and scaled marketplaces, he brings invaluable insights and expertise in creating robust platforms that connect buyers and sellers effectively. His strategic vision and technical prowess are instrumental in driving Finder's development and growth, ensuring we create a powerful and user-centric visual search engine.

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

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lydia-chepkoech-maritim-1b6447169

01.10 Which industry best describes your project?

Other: AI

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

6

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

It helps small retailers be more visible to buyers which increases their sales hence reduces poverty

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

2

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

2

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

6

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

Very many vendors that Finder is targeting in the informal sector are women so by them making more money by having their profiles on Finder we hope to achieve Gender equality

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

6

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification

Finder's main objective is to increase sales for vendors by improving their visibility which we hope to increase economic growth

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

6

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

By enabling SMEs and people in the informal sector sell more Finder aims to reduce inequality in the society through this

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

1 - Strongly Disagree

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

2

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

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

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

2

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

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

2

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

4

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

5

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.

5

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.

5

05.08 Justification

inder's uniqueness lies in its focus on leveraging visual search technology to bridge the gap between buyers and vendors in social and e-commerce platforms. Unlike traditional search engines, Finder allows users to search for products using images, simplifying the search process and improving accuracy. Additionally, Finder prioritizes the visibility of small and informal sector vendors, making it innovative in addressing the needs of this underserved market segment. This approach sets Finder apart as a pioneering solution that enhances the efficiency and inclusivity of the social and e-commerce landscape.

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

Finder's main potential competitors include Visenze and Pinterest, which offer visual search capabilities. However, these platforms primarily target global markets and may not adequately address the unique needs of the African market. Finder distinguishes itself by specifically catering to the African context, where fragmented retail landscapes and informal sector vendors are prevalent. By focusing on optimizing local search and prioritizing the visibility of SMEs and informal sector sellers, Finder offers a tailored solution that resonates with African consumers and vendors. Additionally, Finder's emphasis on inclusivity and accessibility sets it apart, ensuring that all users, regardless of their background or resources, can benefit from its platform.

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

Yes, through Finder, we are initiating actions to promote the role of female entrepreneurs, particularly those running small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and those in the informal sector. Finder is designed to help these female entrepreneurs become more visible by providing them with a platform where they can showcase their products and services. By leveraging visual search technology, we aim to connect consumers with a diverse range of offerings from female-led businesses, thereby increasing their market reach and potential customer base. This increased visibility will enable female entrepreneurs to attract more customers and, ultimately, generate more revenue. By supporting these women in growing their businesses, Finder is contributing to a more inclusive and thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem.