Nigeria - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Talenvo is a gamified platform bridging the tech talent gap. We empower aspiring tech professionals in Africa with real-world project experience, preparing them for high-demand jobs. Our platform connects them with leading tech companies globally.

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

Talenvo is a gamified platform that bridges the global tech talent gap by specifically addressing the needs of aspiring tech professionals in Africa. We tackle the hurdle of acquiring practical experience by connecting them with real-world projects from leading tech companies. Here's the heart of our solution: aspiring professionals use Talenvo to build valuable skills through curated projects, receiving personalized feedback from industry experts and competing for industry recognition—all through a gamified experience that keeps them engaged and motivated. Companies, on the other hand, can leverage our pool of pre-vetted talent to find individuals with the specific skills they need. Our data-driven insights further empower them to identify top performers, ensuring they hire the best fit.

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

The tech industry is facing a critical challenge: a widening talent gap projected to leave a staggering 85 million jobs unfilled globally by 2030. This isn't just a shortage of bodies; it's a shortage of qualified professionals with the practical experience employers require. Aspiring professionals are caught in this frustration. They spend years honing their skills, but lack the real-world experience listed on job descriptions. Companies, hungry for skilled talent, struggle to find individuals who can hit the ground running on complex projects. This disconnect creates a major pain point for both sides, hindering the growth and innovation of the tech industry as a whole.

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

1. We bridge the experience gap by connecting them with real-world projects from leading tech companies. Our gamified platform keeps them engaged as they build their skills, gain valuable experience, and receive feedback from mentors, ultimately preparing them for high-demand tech jobs. 2. Companies can leverage our pre-vetted pool of talent to find individuals with the specific skills they need. Our platform goes beyond resumes; it provides a holistic view of a candidate's abilities through project work and data-driven insights. This ensures they hire the best fit, reducing time and resources spent on recruitment. 3. Talenvo fosters a win-win situation. Aspiring professionals gain the experience and validation they need, companies secure top talent, and the global tech industry benefits from a more skilled and connected workforce.

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

1. Our primary target beneficiaries are highly motivated individuals in Africa with the technical skills and knowledge to succeed in the tech industry. However, they lack the practical experience companies often require. We provide them with the chance to bridge this gap by working on real-world projects from leading tech companies. 2. Companies or early founders struggling to find pre-vetted talent with the specific skills they need are the secondary beneficiaries. We offer a pool of qualified aspiring professionals in Africa, eager to showcase their abilities.

01.05 When was your company established?

2024-05-22

01.06 Are you already selling your product/service?

Yes

01.07 How many other owners are there within your startup?

0

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.)

While I am a solo founder, we boast a strong team of eight talented individuals. To incentivize key members, I have offered stock options alongside financial compensation. The team composition is as follows: 1. Tosin Adimula (Head of Product): With over six years of product experience, Tosin takes the lead in crafting a user-centric platform that caters to both aspiring professionals and tech companies. 2. Iboro Inyang (Engineering Manager): Iboro brings over four years of engineering expertise to the table. He leads the development and maintenance of our platform, ensuring a seamless user experience. 3. Joke Akintara (Head of Growth): Joke leverages her extensive experience (over four years) in startup growth to propel Talenvo's user base and brand awareness. Her strategic marketing efforts will be crucial in attracting both aspiring professionals and potential tech company partners.

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

https://talenvo.co/

01.11 Which industry best describes your project?

h) IT (digital services, equipment and software)

02.01.01 My startup contributes to the No poverty goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

We bridge the experience gap by connecting them with real-world projects from leading tech companies. This valuable experience strengthens their resumes and makes them more competitive in the job market, leading to higher earning potential.

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

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

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

Traditional education often focuses on theory, leaving a gap between what's learned and what's required in the tech industry. We bridge this gap by offering practical experience on real-world projects. Aspiring professionals gain hands-on experience applying their knowledge, solidifying their understanding, and making them more prepared for the workforce.

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

We offer a level playing field where skills and talent are the primary determinants of success. This can be particularly beneficial for women in Africa who may face societal barriers to entering the tech field.

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

7 - Strongly Agree

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification for my startup

We expand job opportunities for aspiring professionals in Africa. By showcasing their abilities on a global platform, they gain access to a wider range of potential employers, including international companies seeking remote talent.

02.09.01 My startup contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

2

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification for my startup

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

6

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

Talenvo can be more accessible than traditional educational institutions that may have geographical or financial barriers. This could potentially open doors for individuals from underserved communities who might not have had the chance to pursue tech careers otherwise.

02.11.01 My startup contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

2

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification for my startup

02.12.01 My startup contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

2

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification for my startup

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

3

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

02.14.01 My startup contributes to the Life below water goal

2

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification for my startup

02.15.01 My startup contributes to the Life on land goal

2

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification for my startup

02.16.01 My startup contributes to the Peace Justice and Strong Institutions goal

2

02.16.02 Peace Justice and Strong Institutions- Justification for my startup

02.17.01 My startup contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

2

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.

4

06.02 The product/service represents an entirely new type of product/service.

6

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

4

06.04 The product/service is an improvement on an existing product or service.

6

06.05 The product/service could be described as an extension of a range of products or services.

4

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.

2

06.08 Justification for my startup

Our platform gamifies the experience for aspiring professionals. They tackle real-world projects, receive feedback from industry experts, and compete for recognition – all in a motivating and engaging environment. This keeps them hooked on learning and development.

06.09 Competitive Analysis

Main Competitors: - AltSchool Africa: While they offer skill development, their fixed project timeframes might not be enough for job-ready experience. Additionally, limited project options restrict exploration. - Internpulse: Similar to AltSchool Africa, their short internship programs (8 weeks) may be inadequate for securing high-demand tech jobs. They also lack flexibility in project choice. Our Competitive Advantages: - We go beyond basic skills by offering real-world projects from leading companies. This prepares users for the demands of the tech industry. - Our platform keeps users engaged and motivated through gamification elements, unlike traditional learning methods. - Aspiring professionals have the freedom to explore different project types based on their interests and career goals. - Talenvo provides valuable feedback and mentorship, something competitors may not always offer. - We connect African professionals with companies worldwide.

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