Nigeria - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

First Digital ad screens atop ride-hailing vehicles in Nigeria

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

We are displaying ads on smart digital screens atop ride-hailing vehicles. If you are familiar with adtech companies in the US like Firefly, Lyft Media, and Uber Car Rooftop, then you’re familiar with ride media. We are the first adtech company building the same solutions for advertisers in the African market, starting with Nigeria. Outdoor advertising options available in Nigeria are billboards, bus shelter advertising, bus stop advertising, and car/bus wraps. They are extremely expensive for micro, small, and medium enterprises. Also, they have limited reach and targeting because they are only visible when you pass by them, and it is not effective for businesses that want to target a specific demographic. Ride media provides businesses of all sizes the opportunity to move from advertising on extremely expensive and static billboards to advertising on our digital smart screens atop over 100’s of ride-hailing vehicles in major cities in Africa .

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

Outdoor advertising options available in Nigeria are billboards, bus shelter advertising, bus stop advertising, and car/bus wraps. They are extremely expensive for micro, small, and medium enterprises. Also, they have limited reach and targeting because they are only visible when you pass by them, and it is not effective for businesses that want to target a specific demographic.

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

Ride media provides businesses of all sizes the opportunity to move from advertising on extremely expensive and static billboards to (1)advertising on our digital smart screens atop over 100’s of ride-hailing vehicles in major cities in Africa , including Bolt and Uber's most active driver vehicles, giving them the opportunity to reach their audience everywhere in the city and on the street level. (2)Ride media allows businesses to run effective campaigns/adverts based on geofencing, day-parting, designated market area, real time triggers like weather, location of car etc. (3)We also offer different advertising packages to accommodate enterprises of all sizes and budgets.

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

Our startup's product is aimed at serving small to medium-sized businesses in Nigeria that seek cost-effective and impactful advertising solutions. The targeted beneficiaries include: 1. **Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)**: Over 39 million MSMEs in Nigeria can leverage our affordable digital rooftop advertising to reach a wider audience without the high costs associated with traditional billboards. 2. **Local Advertisers**: Businesses looking to increase their visibility and customer engagement in specific geographic locations will benefit from our dynamic and mobile advertising platform. 3. **Ride-Hailing Drivers**: Uber and Bolt drivers who participate in our program can earn additional income by hosting digital ads on their vehicles. 4. **Consumers**: Potential customers who gain awareness of local businesses and services through the visibility of our digital ads in everyday transit. By focusing on these groups, we aim to democratize advertising, making it accessible

01.05 When was your company established?

2024-02-01

01.06 Are you already selling your product/service?

No

01.07 How many other owners are there within your startup?

1

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.)

Emmanuel Nwafor Co-Founder & Chief Operating Officer **Skills and Experience:** - **Entrepreneurship:** Successfully launched and scaled multiple ventures in the digital advertising and technology space. - **Advertising Expertise:** Founder of Alternative Adverts, one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing online marketplaces for digital and traditional media advertisements. - **Event Management:** Organizer of the Nigeria Social Media Awards (www.sma.ng), recognizing excellence in social media usage and innovation. **Previous Ventures:** 1. **Alternative Adverts (https://alternativeadverts.com/):** An online platform connecting advertisers with digital and traditional media opportunities, facilitating efficient and effective ad placements across Nigeria. 2. Nigeria Social Media Awards (www.sma.ng):An initiative celebrating and rewarding the best in social media across various categories, encouraging innovation and excellence in digital communication.

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

https://www.linkedin.com/company/www.ridemedia.ng/

01.11 Which industry best describes your project?

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

02.01.01 My startup contributes to the No poverty goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

Our startup plays a significant role in contributing to the "No Poverty" goal by providing affordable advertising solutions to over 39 million micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Nigeria. By making advertising accessible and cost-effective, we enable these businesses to reach a wider audience, increase their customer base, and ultimately boost their revenues. This economic empowerment helps reduce poverty by creating more job opportunities, increasing income levels, and supporting the growth and sustainability of small businesses in local communities. Also, the drivers earn more revenue by partnering with us to carry our car rooftop ad screen.

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

Our startup supports the goal of ending hunger, achieving food security, improving nutrition, and promoting sustainable agriculture by enabling small and medium-sized agricultural businesses to affordably advertise their products and services. This increased visibility helps local farmers and food producers connect with a broader customer base, enhancing their sales and profitability. By empowering these businesses, we contribute to the availability of fresh, locally-sourced food, which improves nutrition and supports sustainable agricultural practices. Additionally, by boosting the economic viability of these agricultural enterprises, we help create a more resilient and sustainable food system.

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

7 - Strongly Agree

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

Our startup strongly contributes to ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all ages by providing affordable advertising options for healthcare providers, wellness services, and health-related products. By making it easier for these entities to reach their target audiences, we help raise awareness about essential health services and encourage healthier lifestyles. This increased visibility enables more people to access medical care, wellness programs, and health education, leading to better health outcomes and overall well-being in the communities we serve.

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

Our startup strongly supports the goal of ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all by providing cost-effective advertising solutions for educational institutions and learning programs. By enabling schools, training centers, and online learning platforms to reach a wider audience, we help increase access to educational resources and opportunities. This visibility helps promote educational initiatives, encourages enrollment, and supports lifelong learning, ultimately contributing to a more educated and skilled population.

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

Our startup strongly contributes to achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls by providing accessible advertising solutions that promote women-led businesses and initiatives. By giving female entrepreneurs and organizations a platform to showcase their products and services, we help increase their visibility and market reach. This empowerment supports economic independence and leadership opportunities for women and girls. Additionally, we prioritize diversity and inclusion within our own company, ensuring that women are represented and empowered in all aspects of our business operations.

02.06.01 My startup contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

4

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification for my startup

Our startup indirectly supports the goal of ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all by providing affordable advertising platforms for businesses and organizations focused on water and sanitation initiatives. By enabling these entities to effectively reach their target audiences, we help raise awareness about the importance of clean water and proper sanitation practices. This increased visibility can drive community engagement, support fundraising efforts, and promote educational campaigns that highlight sustainable water management and sanitation solutions. Additionally, through our advertising network, we can facilitate partnerships and collaborations with companies and NGOs dedicated to improving water and sanitation infrastructure, ultimately contributing to healthier and more sustainable communities.

02.07.01 My startup contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification for my startup

Our startup strongly supports the goal of ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all by providing a platform for businesses and organizations in the renewable energy sector to advertise their products and services cost-effectively. By increasing the visibility of solar, wind, and other clean energy solutions, we help drive consumer awareness and adoption of sustainable energy options. This, in turn, supports the growth of the renewable energy market, making modern energy solutions more accessible and affordable for a broader population. Additionally, our advertising platform can facilitate partnerships with energy companies and NGOs focused on sustainable energy projects, further promoting the transition to cleaner and more reliable energy sources for all communities.

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

Our startup contributes significantly to promoting sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all by providing affordable advertising solutions that empower businesses of all sizes to reach their target audiences effectively. By enabling small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to advertise their products and services, we support their growth and expansion, creating more job opportunities within local communities. This increased visibility and market reach help businesses thrive, leading to economic empowerment, income generation, and improved livelihoods for individuals and families. Moreover, our focus on affordability and accessibility democratizes advertising, leveling the playing field and fostering a more competitive business environment conducive to economic growth and employment creation.

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

Our startup contributes significantly to industry innovation and infrastructure by introducing a novel approach to out-of-home advertising through digital car rooftop displays. This innovative advertising medium enhances the visibility and effectiveness of marketing campaigns for businesses across various sectors. By leveraging technology and digital platforms, we facilitate industry innovation by transforming traditional advertising methods into dynamic, mobile solutions that reach a broader audience. Additionally, our infrastructure includes a network of ride-hailing vehicles equipped with digital screens, providing a robust platform for advertisers to connect with consumers in urban and peri-urban areas. This infrastructure not only supports local businesses by increasing their market reach but also contributes to the development of modern advertising infrastructure within Nigerian cities. By promoting the adoption of digital advertising technologies, we contribute to the growth an

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

Our startup strongly contributes to reducing inequality within and among countries by democratizing access to effective advertising solutions. We provide affordable platforms that empower small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to compete with larger corporations in reaching their target markets. By leveling the advertising playing field, we enable SMEs, often overlooked in traditional media, to enhance their visibility and competitiveness. This fosters economic empowerment, creates opportunities for growth, and contributes to a more equitable distribution of resources and opportunities across communities and countries.

02.11.01 My startup contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

6

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification for my startup

Launching Pickup Assist on Ride Media's digital screens not only enhances convenience but also contributes to making cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. By improving the efficiency of ride-hailing pickups, we reduce congestion and emissions associated with unnecessary circling and idling. Moreover, this feature enhances safety by providing clear identification of vehicles, fostering trust between drivers and riders. Ultimately, our innovation supports sustainable urban mobility and safer communities, aligning with global goals for inclusive and resilient cities.

02.12.01 My startup contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

3

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification for my startup

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

4

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

02.14.01 My startup contributes to the Life below water goal

4

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

3

02.16.02 Peace Justice and Strong Institutions- Justification for my startup

02.17.01 My startup contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification for my startup

Ride Media contributes to strengthening the means of implementation and revitalizing the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development by fostering collaborations and partnerships across sectors. We actively seek strategic alliances with advertisers, ride-hailing platforms, and technology providers to enhance the effectiveness of our digital advertising solutions. By leveraging these partnerships, we amplify our impact, broaden our reach, and innovate more sustainably. Additionally, through transparent communication and ethical business practices, we build trust with our partners and stakeholders, ensuring mutual accountability and shared commitment to achieving sustainable development goals. This approach supports a global network of collaboration and cooperation, essential for advancing sustainable solutions and driving meaningful change in communities worldwide.

06.01 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

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

7 - Strongly Agree

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

3

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.

7 - Strongly Agree

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

1. Dynamic and Targeted Advertising: Ride Media’s digital screens allow advertisers to display dynamic content that can be updated in real-time. This flexibility enables targeted advertising based on factors like location, time of day, and audience demographics, ensuring that ads are highly relevant and effective. 2. Mobile Reach: By installing digital screens on ride-hailing vehicles, Ride Media reaches a mobile audience across urban and peri-urban areas. Unlike stationary billboards, our screens move with the vehicles, maximizing exposure to potential customers who are actively commuting and engaging with their surroundings. 3. Technology Integration: We leverage advanced technology such as AI and data analytics to optimize ad placements and measure campaign performance. AI algorithms analyze user behavior and demographics to deliver personalized ads, enhancing engagement and improving return on investment for advertisers.

06.09 Competitive Analysis

Wrapyt provides car wrapping services in Lagos, Nigeria, and hence could be considered indirect competition. We think most people in the space don’t understand how businesses of all sizes cannot advertise effectively due to limited budgets, lack of targeting, and limited reach. A wrapped car, because of the process involved in wrapping it, has to last for at least weeks or a month, which makes it extremely costly considering an ad needs to be on hundreds of cars to make a significant impact. Additionally, you cannot change the wrapping on the car when targeting certain locations or demographics.

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