Nigeria - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

An innovative marketplace for building materials, offering price transparency, easy comparison, and a comprehensive range of building materials.

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

Keyu is an innovative online marketplace designed to transform the procurement process for construction materials. Founded in 2023 and based in Lagos, Nigeria, our platform connects contractors with a wide network of trusted vendors, providing access to a comprehensive range of building materials including iron rods, wood, marine boards, and sanitary wares. We address key pain points in the traditional procurement process, such as lack of price transparency and limited access to credit. By offering clear pricing, easy product comparisons, and partnerships with banks and fintech companies for digital credit solutions, Keyu empowers construction professionals to make informed decisions, save time, and reduce costs. Our user-friendly interface ensures a seamless and efficient procurement experience, ultimately driving efficiency and growth in the construction industry. With Keyu, contractors can confidently source the best materials at competitive prices.

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

The main problem we are addressing is the inefficiency and lack of transparency in the construction procurement process. Contractors face inconsistent pricing, limited access to high-quality materials, and difficulties obtaining credit, which can lead to project delays and cost overruns. Traditional procurement methods involve dealing with multiple suppliers, making it time-consuming and prone to errors. Additionally, the absence of a streamlined system increases opportunities for price inflation and fraud. Keyu solves these issues by providing a centralized online marketplace that offers transparent pricing, easy product comparisons, and access to a wide range of trusted vendors. Our partnerships with banks and fintech will companies enable us to offer digital credit solutions, ensuring that contractors can procure materials without financial delays. By simplifying and digitizing the procurement process, we aim to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and support the growth

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

Price Transparency and Comparison: Our platform provides clear and consistent pricing, allowing users to easily compare products from multiple vendors. This transparency helps contractors make informed purchasing decisions, avoid price inflation, and stay within budget. Access to Credit: Through partnerships with banks and fintech companies, Keyu offers digital credit solutions, providing contractors with the necessary funds to procure materials without project delays. This access to credit ensures continuous project progress and financial stability. Wide Range of High-Quality Materials: Keyu connects users with a vast network of trusted vendors, offering a comprehensive selection of building materials including iron rods, wood, marine boards, and sanitary wares. This extensive product range ensures that contractors can find all the materials they need in one place, saving time and effort. These benefits make Keyu a valuable tool for enhancing efficiency.

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

Contractors and Builders: Independent contractors and small to medium-sized construction firms who need reliable access to high-quality building materials at competitive prices. Large Construction Companies: Major firms that manage multiple large-scale projects and require streamlined procurement processes to ensure efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Project Managers: Individuals responsible for overseeing construction projects who benefit from a transparent and organized procurement system to keep projects on track and within budget. Suppliers and Vendors: Trusted vendors who seek a broader market for their products and want to reach a larger customer base through a centralized online platform.

01.05 When was your company established?

2023-03-27

01.06 Are you already selling your product/service?

Yes

01.07 How many other owners are there within your startup?

1

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.)

I have 5 years banking experience. Over 3 years experience in procurement of building materials.

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

https://keyupro.com/

01.11 Which industry best describes your project?

k) Property (real estate)

02.01.01 My startup contributes to the No poverty goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

Keyu contributes to the UN's No Poverty goal (SDG 1) by creating jobs and empowering the economy. By streamlining the procurement process and improving access to construction materials, we enable more projects, which generate employment for both skilled and unskilled workers, thereby reducing poverty. We support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) by providing a platform for them to reach a broader market, increasing their sales and revenues, and fostering financial stability in local communities. Our partnerships with banks and fintech companies to offer digital credit solutions ensure that contractors, especially small-scale ones, can obtain the necessary funding for their projects, allowing them to expand and improve their financial status. By promoting price transparency and easy comparisons, we help contractors save costs, which can be reinvested in their businesses or passed on to employees as higher wages. Through these efforts, Keyu supports economic growth& job creation

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

5

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

Keyu contributes to the UN's Zero Hunger goal (SDG 2) by indirectly supporting the agricultural sector and promoting economic stability. By streamlining procurement and facilitating more construction projects, Keyu creates jobs, providing stable incomes that enable workers to afford better nutrition and reduce hunger. Supporting rural economies, where construction materials are sourced, helps bolster agriculture and improve food security. Efficient procurement leads to better infrastructure development, enhancing the transportation and distribution of agricultural products, reducing food waste, and ensuring reliable food access. Our digital credit solutions enable contractors to take on more projects, fostering economic stability that supports local agriculture and food security. By supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and increasing local incomes, Keyu helps families spend more on nutritious food, thus reducing 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

Keyu contributes to the UN's Good Health and Wellbeing goal (SDG 3) by enhancing the construction of healthcare facilities, creating safer workplaces, and fostering economic stability. By streamlining procurement and facilitating more efficient construction projects, we help build hospitals, clinics, and sanitary infrastructure essential for community health. The jobs created through these projects provide stable incomes, reducing financial stress and improving overall wellbeing. Additionally, by promoting safety standards and fair labor practices, Keyu ensures healthier working conditions for construction workers. Our digital credit solutions support small and medium enterprises (SMEs), enabling them to thrive, which contributes to better access to healthcare and improved living standards. Through these efforts, Keyu plays a vital role in fostering healthier, more resilient communities.

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

5

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

Keyu contributes to the UN's Quality Education goal (SDG 4) by supporting the construction of educational facilities, creating job opportunities, and promoting economic stability. By streamlining procurement and facilitating efficient construction projects, we help build schools and educational infrastructure essential for providing quality education. The jobs created through these projects provide stable incomes for families, enabling them to afford school fees and educational resources for their children. Our digital credit solutions empower small and medium enterprises (SMEs), fostering economic growth that benefits local communities and supports educational initiatives. Additionally, by promoting fair labor practices and ensuring timely payments to workers and vendors, Keyu enhances the financial stability of families, contributing to sustained educational access and opportunities.

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

Keyu contributes to the UN's Gender Equality goal (SDG 5) by promoting inclusive economic opportunities and supporting women in the construction sector. As a woman-led company disrupting the traditional procurement system, Keyu exemplifies gender equality in action. Our platform actively supports and encourages women-owned vendors and contractors to join, ensuring they have equal access to the market. Also, our digital credit solutions provide financial support to women entrepreneurs, enabling them to grow their businesses and achieve economic independence. By fostering a fair and inclusive business environment and promoting gender diversity in the workforce, Keyu helps bridge the gender gap and empowers women to participate fully in the economy. Through these efforts, Keyu advances gender equality and supports the empowerment of women in the construction industry and beyond.

02.06.01 My startup contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

5

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

Keyu contributes to the UN's Decent Work and Economic Growth goal (SDG 8) by creating job opportunities, supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and promoting fair labor practices. By streamlining procurement and facilitating efficient construction projects, we generate employment for both skilled and unskilled workers, providing stable incomes and improving livelihoods. Our platform empowers SMEs by giving them access to a broader market and digital credit solutions, fostering business growth and financial stability. Keyu also ensures timely payments and fair pricing, promoting equitable labor practices and enhancing worker well-being. By driving economic activity and supporting sustainable business practices, KeyuPro plays a crucial role in fostering economic growth and ensuring decent work conditions in the construction sector.

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

Keyu aligns with the UN's Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure goal (SDG 9) by revolutionizing the construction procurement process through innovative technology and promoting sustainable infrastructure development. Our online marketplace enhances efficiency, transparency, and accessibility in sourcing building materials, which streamlines construction projects and reduces costs. By integrating digital credit solutions and fostering partnerships with financial institutions, Keyu supports small and medium enterprises (SMEs), driving industrial growth and economic development. Furthermore, our platform facilitates the construction of vital infrastructure such as schools, hospitals, and roads, contributing to sustainable urban and rural development. Through these efforts, Keyu not only drives innovation in the construction industry but also supports resilient infrastructure and inclusive industrialization.

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

4

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

02.11.01 My startup contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

4

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification for my startup

02.12.01 My startup contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

4

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification for my startup

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

2

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification for my startup

02.15.01 My startup contributes to the Life on land goal

4

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification for my startup

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

4

02.16.02 Peace Justice and Strong Institutions- Justification for my startup

02.17.01 My startup contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

3

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.

5

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.

5

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.

7 - Strongly Agree

06.08 Justification for my startup

Keyu is an innovative startup revolutionizing the building materials market by offering unprecedented price transparency and ease of comparison. Unlike traditional suppliers, Keyupro provides a comprehensive range of products, from basic materials to advanced technologies, all accessible through a user-friendly interface. By leveraging real-time inventory updates, automated price alerts, and AI-driven recommendations, we streamline the purchasing process, enhancing efficiency and customer satisfaction. Keyupro also supports sustainable building practices by featuring eco-friendly materials. This approach disrupts traditional supply chains, driving cost savings and efficiency gains for both vendors and customers

06.09 Competitive Analysis

Keyu’s main potential competitors include traditional building material suppliers and specialized online marketplaces such as jiji and Jumia. These competitors offer extensive product selections but often lack the transparency and ease of comparison that Keyupro provides. Keyupro stands out by delivering unparalleled price transparency and a seamless comparison tool, ensuring users can make informed purchasing decisions quickly. Our platform's comprehensive range of products, from basic to advanced and sustainable materials, surpasses the often limited selections of traditional suppliers. Keyupro's user-friendly interface, real-time inventory updates, automated price alerts, and AI-driven recommendations streamline the buying process, enhancing customer satisfaction. By fostering a community-driven marketplace with vendor and customer engagement, Keyu creates a trusted, efficient, and innovative shop

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