Kenya - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Adhome is a tech startup revolutionizing real estate in Kenya. We provide a comprehensive platform for hostel listings and digital property management, connecting students with accommodation and offering landlords efficient management tools

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

Many landlords are not professionals and often lack the necessary systems to manage their rental properties effectively. This leads to issues like refusal to repay deposits, lost revenue from inefficient vacancy marketing, inadequate tenant screening, and poor record-keeping practices. Adhome aims to professionalize landlording by educating landlords on property management best practices and providing an app that helps them market vacancies online, screen potential tenants, and maintain proper records. Our app, launched on May 4th at adhome.africa, already supports 16 landlords and has attracted over 400 new users looking for hostels. Adhome is transforming rental property management, ensuring efficiency and success for landlords while offering students a reliable platform to find accommodation

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

The main problem Adhome is addressing is the inefficiency and lack of professionalism in rental property management. Many landlords are not professionally trained, resulting in poor practices such as refusal to repay deposits, ineffective marketing of vacancies, inadequate tenant screening, and poor record-keeping. This inefficiency leads to revenue loss and tenant dissatisfaction. Additionally, students looking for hostels face challenges like lack of information, the risk of being conned, and the inconvenience of physically searching for accommodation. Adhome aims to solve these issues by providing landlords with an app that facilitates effective property management, online vacancy marketing, thorough tenant screening, and efficient record-keeping. This not only helps landlords maximize their investment returns but also ensures students can find secure, reliable accommodation with ease.

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

Efficient Property Management: Adhome's app automates rent collection, maintenance tracking, and digital record-keeping, reducing the time and effort required for property management. It also includes tenant screening features, helping landlords avoid problematic renters and ensure a safer community. Enhanced Marketing and Occupancy Rates: Adhome allows landlords to list their properties online, reaching a wider audience and filling vacancies faster. Prospective tenants can view property images, amenities, and other details, making it easier to find suitable accommodation without physical visits. Increased Tenant Satisfaction and Security: Students and other renters can search for accommodation from the comfort of their homes, avoiding the hassle of physically hunting for rooms and reducing the risk of being conned. By educating landlords on best practices and providing management tools, Adhome promotes transparency and trust in landlord-tenant relationships.

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

Adhome is aimed at the purpose built student accommodation(PBSA) market and we are serving two primary groups: landlords managing student accommodations/hostels and students living in privately owned hostels. Landlords benefit from streamlined operations through automated rent collection, maintenance tracking, and digital record-keeping. They also gain tools for effective tenant screening, enhancing property security and reducing risks associated with problematic renters. Students benefit from enhanced convenience in finding accommodations through Adhome's online vacancy listings, detailed property information, and a transparent rental processes.

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2024-03-15

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.)

Karanja Justus, founding CEO Civil Engineering graduate - Dedan Kimathi University Alumnus, Alliance High School . 3 Years Experience marketing hostels. Participated in startup and innovation trainings Assembled the Adhome team, self-taught in graphic design, front-end development, and digital marketing. Festus Gitahi, co-founder, CTO Full stack Software Engineer 2 years experience in software development 3rd Year Computer Science Student, DeKUT Alumnus Murang'a High School Former software developer at M-Clinic Faith Irungu- Software Developer 3rd Year Computer Science Student DeKUT 2 Years Experience in Software Development Mbogo Derick- Head Marketing and Sales Final-year Marketing student, Dedan Kimathi University of Technology(DeKUT) Founder Vijana Uongozini Kenya Volunteered in the university's marketing and PR departments, currently working in the university's Startup and Incubation Center to improve the Brand and Engagement of innovators

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

https://www.adhome.africa

01.10 Which industry best describes your project?

k) Property (real estate)

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

6

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

This is how Adhome is contributing to the No poverty goal; Affordable Housing: By providing a platform for students to easily find affordable accommodation, Adhome helps reduce the financial burden on students and their families. This can lead to better economic stability for low-income families. Job Creation: As Adhome grows, it creates jobs, both directly within the company and indirectly through increased demand for rental properties and related services. This helps improve economic opportunities and reduces poverty. Economic Empowerment: By streamlining property management and increasing occupancy rates for hostel landlords, Adhome helps property owners maximize their income. This can be particularly impactful for small-scale landlords who rely on rental income. Education Support: Providing students with easy access to housing close to their universities can lead to better educational outcomes. Education is a key factor in breaking the cycle of poverty.

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

2

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

Adhome is not directly contributing to the Zero Hunger goal but indirectly by assisting children, students, from low income families to find affordable housing close to their institutions, we help them afford a meal.

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

2

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification

Adhome is not directly contributing to the Good health and well-being goal. However, with our hostels listings page students are able to find quality hostels which is a factor of amongst others hygiene, this will improve the living conditions for students and by extension their health and well being.

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

4

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

Adhome is not directly contributing to the Quality education goal, however, Adhome is providing students from very low income backgrounds with easy access to suitable and affordable housing close to their universities and this will lead to better educational outcomes.

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

2

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

Adhome is not directly contributing to the Gender equality goal, However, we are making it our goal to create and provide equal opportunities to both men and women

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

Adhome is not contributing to the Clean water and sanitation goal

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

Adhome is not contributing to the Affordable and clean energy goal

02.08.01 My project contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

5

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification

Adhome is contributing to the Decent work and economic growth goal both directly and indirectly; Direct Contribution to Decent Work: Adhome is creating job opportunities within the real estate and technology sectors. For instance we already have created 4 job opportunities directly, and with scale we will continue to create more jobs in customer support personnel, and other roles within our startup Indirect Contribution to Economic Growth: By improving efficiency and reducing costs in property management, Adhome is indirectly supporting economic growth in the real estate sector.

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

6

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

Adhome is contributing to the Industry innovation and infrastructure goal Innovation: Adhome is contributing significantly to industry innovation by introducing technology-driven solutions for property management and rental services. Infrastructure: The digital platforms and tools being developed by Adhome will enhance infrastructure in the real estate sector, making property management more efficient and accessible. Industrialization and Economic Impact: By fostering innovation in real estate management, Adhome is contributing to potential economic diversification within the industry, promoting sustainable growth.

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

Adhome is not contributing to the Reduced inequalities goal

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

6

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

Adhome is contributing to the Sustainable cities and communities goal in these ways: Inclusivity: Adhome contributes positively to inclusivity by providing an equal online platform that connects landlords offering affordable housing options with students and other renters. Safety: Through our tenant screening process, and verification processes of every landlord before being onboarded on our platform, Adhome enhances safety in housing transactions, potentially reducing fraud and ensuring secure rental experiences. Resilience: Adhome's focus on technology-driven solutions for property management will contribute to the resilience of urban communities by promoting efficient resource use and sustainability practices. Sustainability: By digitizing property management and promoting efficient housing solutions, Adhome supports sustainable urban development practices.

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

6

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

Adhome is contributing to the Responsible consumption and production goal because by providing an online platform for hostel vacancy listings and digital property management, we promote efficient resource utilization and reduce wastage associated with traditional paper-based methods. Our approach supports sustainable consumption and production patterns, fostering a circular economy mindset among landlords and students alike.

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

6

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

Adhome is contributing to the Climate action goal in these ways: Automation and digitization of records keeping: By automating and digitizing record-keeping for landlords, we significantly reduce paper usage, thereby conserving trees and minimizing environmental impact. This shift promotes sustainability and aligns with efforts to combat climate change and its effects Moving forwards, Adhome will continue to contribute to climate action through the training of landlords on water and energy conservation practices, and a commitment towards innovation for green building

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

Adhome is not contributing to the Life below water and production goal

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

5

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

Adhome is contributing to the Life on land goal in these ways: By digitizing property management and promoting online vacancy listings, we aim to reduce the environmental impact associated with traditional real estate practices. Our platform encourages sustainable land use by enabling efficient property management and reducing paper consumption, thereby supporting efforts to protect terrestrial ecosystems and biodiversity

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

5

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

Adhome, contributes to the Peace justice and strong institutions goal by promoting transparency and accountability in the rental property management sector. By providing landlords with digital tools for record-keeping and tenant management, we aim to foster trust and fairness in property transactions. Our platform supports inclusive access to rental information, thereby contributing to a more equitable housing market.

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

6

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

Adhome, contributes to the Partnerships for the goal by actively seeking collaborations with stakeholders across the real estate and technology sectors such as real estate agents and real estate developers . These partnerships are essential for scaling our impact and advancing towards the achievement sustainable development goals. By fostering strategic alliances, we aim to enhance innovation, share resources, and collectively address challenges in the housing sector

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.

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.

7 - Strongly Agree

05.05 The product/service we envision creating could be described as an extension of a range of products or services.

6

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.

7 - Strongly Agree

05.08 Justification

Currently, many rental vacancy listing platforms exist, yet landlords still rely on traditional methods, and house hunters struggle to find vacancies. These platforms haven't solved the problem, leading to insignificant market penetration. Landlords often hire developers for in-house solutions, validating the issues we address. Listing platforms fail due to spreading too wide too early, offering limited local options, which deters house hunters. Adhome takes a focused approach, starting with the student accommodation sector specifically at DeKUT campus in Nyeri, ensuring both landlords and tenants in this location benefit before we can scale. In management we are enhancing existing landlord practices by improving efficiency and learning from them to implement features effectively that solve their current problems. Overall, Adhome combines essential solutions and introduces tenant screening to help landlords protect their rental property investments, a previously unavailable service.

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

Our main competition is Other startups Our edge lies in our execution and a unique understanding of the problem we are trying to solve. Before we begun actual product development in March this year, our founding CEO formally worked with landlords helping them market their hostels and find tenants on a commission basis. This allowed him to interact with landlords closely and thus giving him a good view into the problems they were facing and this contributed greatly in determining which features to prioritize in our product. Our team is also composed of talented individuals who simply standout from their peers. Two of our lead developers were able to competently develop real world products within their second years of learning in university, something their seniors in 4th year and also graduates are unable to do. We have the team and the product to execute this solution to success

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

We are yet to initiate any direct actions to promote the role of female entrepreneurs, but we have provided females an equal opportunity in our product development team where 1 of our only 2 engineers is female.