Kenya - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

iLoop KE & Logistics is an innovative company with a goal of transforming the storage and delivery of perishable goods in underserved regions, beginning with fresh fish.

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

iLoop KE & Logistics is changing how fresh goods like produce, fish, and medicines are stored and delivered in low-income areas of Nairobi. We provide solar-powered cold boxes to keep these items fresh longer without harming the environment. Our delivery service uses real-time tracking to make sure goods arrive on time. The iLoop app connects suppliers and vendors, allowing them to choose the best products. We aim to help vendors make more money, reduce waste, and improve customer satisfaction, ultimately supporting the local economy and bettering lives in Kenya and Africa.

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

The main problem we are trying to solve is the inefficiency and high spoilage in the supply chain for perishable goods in low-income areas of Nairobi. Vendors often struggle with inadequate storage solutions, unreliable delivery methods, and lack of access to a diverse range of suppliers. This leads to significant food waste, reduced profitability, and poor customer satisfaction. By providing solar-powered cold boxes, a reliable delivery service, and a user-friendly marketplace app, we aim to reduce spoilage, improve efficiency, and empower vendors to run more profitable and sustainable businesses.

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

1. Reduced Spoilage: Our solar-powered cold boxes keep fish and other perishable goods fresh for longer, significantly reducing spoilage and waste. This leads to higher quality products and increased profitability for vendors. 2. Reliable Deliveries: With our integrated delivery service and real-time tracking, vendors can ensure timely and dependable deliveries. This improves customer satisfaction and helps vendors expand their market reach. 3. Access to a Wide Range of Suppliers: The iLoop app serves as a marketplace, allowing vendors to choose from a variety of suppliers based on quality, price, and other preferences. This transparency and choice empower vendors to make better purchasing decisions, enhancing their business operations.

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

Our project targets fish vendors in low-income areas of Nairobi who struggle with inadequate storage and unreliable delivery solutions. These vendors often face significant spoilage, reduced profitability, and customer dissatisfaction. Additionally, our project aims to benefit small-scale fish suppliers by providing them with a reliable platform to reach more vendors. Ultimately, the end consumers in these communities will benefit from access to fresher, high-quality fish and other perishable goods. Our goal is to support the entire supply chain, from suppliers to vendors to consumers, improving livelihoods and economic opportunities.

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2024-04-16

01.06 How many other partners are associated with your business venture?

3

01.07 Among the other partners, how many are female?

1

01.08 Please describe the profile of each of the other partners (skills, experience, etc.)

Elijah Wanyonyi - Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at iLoop: Has a Bachelor's degree in computer science, also co-founded a software development company, Mutable Technologies Luis Kinuthia - An actuary, innovator, and social entrepreneur deeply committed to finding solutions to modern challenges. Driven by a profound passion for creating businesses that foster inclusion and actively contribute to the global fight against climate change. Specializing in Product and Strategy, I bring over 7+ years of experience in creating innovative solutions tailored for low and middle-income families across Africa. My career has been dedicated to research and product development, guided by a firm belief in the efficacy of Human-Centered Design as an improved approach to innovation. I've founded multiple startups spanning Agriculture, Transport, Financial Inclusion, and Consulting. Kimberly Maiyo- Has a bachelor's degree in commerce

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/company/iloop-ke-logistics/

01.10 Which industry best describes your project?

c) Industry (equipment, commercial, logistical and professional services, transport)

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

By improving the profitability and sustainability of fish vendors, our project helps increase their income and reduces poverty in low-income areas. Enhanced storage and delivery solutions minimize losses and ensure a more stable livelihood for vendors.

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

Our project ensures that fresh, high-quality fish are available and affordable, contributing to better nutrition and food security in low-income areas. Reducing spoilage and waste also maximizes the food supply.

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

6

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification

By providing reliable storage for pharmaceutical drugs and fresh fish, our project ensures that these perishable items remain safe and effective, contributing to the health and well-being of the community.

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

4

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

While the project indirectly supports education by improving economic stability for families, its primary focus is not on educational initiatives.

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

5

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

The project can empower women who are often involved in small-scale vending by providing them with better tools and opportunities to run profitable businesses, thereby promoting gender equality.

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

4

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

The use of solar-powered cold boxes promotes the use of clean, renewable energy, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and supporting sustainable energy initiatives.

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

By creating job opportunities and improving the profitability and sustainability of vendors' businesses, the project fosters economic growth and decent work.

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

6

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

The project introduces innovative cold storage solutions and efficient delivery systems, contributing to the development of resilient infrastructure and fostering innovation in the supply chain.

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

6

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

By empowering vendors in low-income areas and providing them with tools to succeed, the project helps reduce economic inequalities.

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

5

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

Improving the efficiency and sustainability of the supply chain contributes to more resilient and sustainable urban communities.

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

6

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

By reducing waste through better storage and delivery methods, the project promotes responsible consumption and production patterns.

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

6

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

The use of solar-powered cold boxes lowers greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to climate action efforts.

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

5

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

By reducing fish spoilage, the project indirectly supports sustainable fishing practices and reduces the need for overfishing, protecting marine resources.

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

4

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

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

4

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

The project fosters partnerships between suppliers, vendors, and technology providers, supporting collaboration to achieve the sustainable development goals.

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.

6

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.

6

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.

3

05.08 Justification

The product/service we envision creating represents an entirely new type of product/service. Our project integrates solar-powered cold boxes, real-time tracking systems, and a digital marketplace, offering a comprehensive solution not currently available in the market. The product/service we envision creating could be described as a new technology. The use of solar power for cold storage, real-time tracking, and digital market platforms represents innovative technologies not widely utilized in the region. The product/service we envision creating is an improvement on an existing product or service. While similar solutions exist, our project enhances them by integrating renewable energy, real-time tracking, and digital market access, improving efficiency and effectiveness. The product/service we envision creating could be described as an extension of a range of products or services.

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

Our project stands out from competitors like Victory Firms, Keep It Cool, and Kuza Freezers for a few reasons. Our integrated fish delivery and storage service, iLoop, will provide real-time tracking systems and medium-sized storage cold boxes powered by solar energy, ensuring timely and reliable delivery of fresh fish and efficient storage solutions for fish vendors in low-income areas. Additionally, individualized solar-powered cold boxes will be offered for personalized storage needs, setting us apart from competitors who offer standalone delivery or storage solutions

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

Through our CBO called LEAP Initiatives (Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty), we've been reaching out to underserved communities and training women on small business ventures like soap making, and candle making among many others. (https://leapinitiative.my.canva.site/leapinitiative)