Nigeria - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

FindAm is a mobile app that connects people with local service providers (e.g. plumbers, cleaners, electricians, etc), and also allows people to sell and buy second-hand household items on the app from places like Balogun, Alaba, or Ladipo markets.

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

FindAm aims to create a user-friendly platform that enables individuals to easily find and hire reliable local service providers within their vicinity. Additionally, sellers can list second-hand household items on the app, allowing buyers to purchase these items from local businesses. We also market these goods on behalf of the sellers. Our mission is to foster a safe community engagement, provide exposure for local business owners, and promote sustainable living by making it easier for people to find and offer services and goods within their locality.

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

We are trying to solve accessibility between people and local service providers. Surviving economically in Nigeria and Africa as a whole involves navigating high unemployment & underemployment rate coping with rising living costs. Statistics show disparity across settlement types (urban and rural), underemployment rose from 11.8% in 2023 Q2 to 12.3% in 2023 Q3. Nigeria has one of the world’s highest misery indexes, with many Nigerians leading a miserable life. As an average Nigerian you can no longer rely on your degree to make ends meet and this is why there is a need to provide a platform for individuals who have acquired the right skill sets to have access to more opportunities and possibly new customers.

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

- Develop a robust online marketplace for local service providers and second-hand items in Nigeria. - Enhance visibility and opportunities for local business owners. - Promote sustainable practices by facilitating the trade of second-hand items. - Lay the groundwork for expanding our marketplace across Africa, providing opportunities for minorities, and boosting local economies.

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

- Local service providers - Second-hand homemade item sellers - Customers & (Hirers & Buyers)

01.05 When was your company established?

2024-02-10

01.06 Are you already selling your product/service?

No

01.07 How many other owners are there within your startup?

4

01.08 Among the other owners, how many are female?

1

01.09 Please describe the profile of the other owners within your startup (skills, experience, etc.)

Tochukwu Ubah: Product Designer, Project & Product Manager, Product Tester, Graphics Designer, Marketing, Founder, CEO Prisca Olatunji: Product Manager, UX Designer, Product Tester, Copywriter, Marketing, Co-Founder Chima Nwakigwe: Mobile App Developer, Co-Founder Isaiah Desalu: Digital Marketing Expert, Marketing, Content Developer, Co-Founder

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

https://www.findam.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

Our platform targets underserved minorities in Nigeria, and potentially Africa in the future, by creating more opportunities for them. We recognize that the employment landscape is shifting from traditional degrees to skill-based qualifications. Our focus is on empowering individuals who lack access to a broader customer base, helping them acquire more customers and economic stability. By connecting skilled professionals with clients and creating a marketplace for their services, we aim to reduce poverty and promote inclusive economic growth.

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

5

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

We believe that creating more opportunities can significantly contribute to reducing hunger, as increased earning potential can improve access to food and resources. While our platform provides the tools and connections needed for economic growth, individual effort and engagement are crucial in fully realizing the goal of eliminating hunger.

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

5

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification for my startup

We somewhat agree with this because we believe that increasing your earning potential can lead to an overall better quality of life, including better access to quality health and well-being.

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

2

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

We disagree with this because we're targeting those who are undereducated and creating more opportunities for them regardless of their educational background.

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

We strongly agree with this goal. Our platform is available to every individual with a skill that someone is willing to pay for. Regardless of whether you are a man or a woman, you receive equal opportunities.

02.06.01 My startup contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

2

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification for my startup

02.07.01 My startup contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

4

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

I strongly agree with this because it aligns directly with the problem that we are trying to solve which is creating opportunities for minorities in Nigeria.

02.09.01 My startup contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

7 - Strongly Agree

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification for my startup

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

We strongly agree with this goal because our platform provides everyone with an equal opportunity to get jobs.

02.11.01 My startup contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification for my startup

We strongly agree with this goal because we are creating a platform that provides people with opportunities to earn more, which directly contributing to the sustainability of cities and communities."

02.12.01 My startup contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

5

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification for my startup

While our platform supports responsible consumption and production, it isn't the primary focus of our current efforts that prioritizes minorities in the economy.

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

2

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

02.14.01 My startup contributes to the Life below water goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification for my startup

02.15.01 My startup contributes to the Life on land goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification for my startup

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

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.16.02 Peace Justice and Strong Institutions- Justification for my startup

02.17.01 My startup contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

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.

4

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.

7 - Strongly Agree

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.

4

06.08 Justification for my startup

We strongly believe that our product is by far a greater improvement than the currently existing products because we are building with the locals in mind, we are building something with; - A better user experience compared to what our competitors have developed - A better customer support compared to what our competitors currently have - A safe platform compared to what our competitors currently have - A fair pricing for both customers and service providers

06.09 Competitive Analysis

Our main potential competitor is wrkmanapp.com and we stand out because of the following listed below: 1. We are creating a user-friendly app with a better user experience and user interface 2. We are not running a subscription model for local service providers (and we'll not in the future) 3. We make our money by charging customers NGN1,000 per hire 4. We are not in charge of these providers (which means we don't serve as a middleman) 5. Customers and providers can communicate directly via the messaging feature on the app 6. We have an escrow system to ensure service providers complete their jobs before accessing their balance on their wallet 7. We might include payment in crypto in the future 8. Service providers can boost their profile to show more but only for a fee of NGN500 for a day 9. Sellers can gives us their goods to market for them on the app 10. Buyers can purchase second-hand household items on the app

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

All I can say is I believe a woman can be whatever she wants to be. She alone can be her limitation, if she can get past that the sky will be her starting point. I support women who want to do great things, who are ready to get out of their comfort zones, and who are not afraid to put themselves out there.