Kenya - Business creation project

Décrivez votre projet en quelques mots

Mu$e is Here to Eliminate The Paper Chase and fuel more than 2.5M African creative freelancers with fast, digital cash flow. We seek to bridge the painful payment gap between freelancers & businesses with . #FinancialFreedom #CreativesUnite

01.01 Décrivez votre projet en détail

African creatives are bursting with talent, but traditional banks just don't get the gig life. A recent FSD report found that 64% of creative freelancers have bank accounts, yet NONE accessed formal credit. Why? Because banks don't understand the unique rhythm of creative freelance hustle. That's where Mu$e steps in. We're Africa's first financial springboard designed for creatives. We're on a mission to empower the continent's 2.5 million gig workers with the financial tools they need to thrive. Forget the endless paperwork and frustrating delays. Mu$e is a fintech platform and marketplace built to bridge the payment gap between creative freelancers and corporate clients. We offer fast, digital cash flow solutions so that creatives can focus on what they do best – creating magic.

01.02 Quel est le problème principal que vous essayez de résoudre ?

Africa's creative scene is exploding, with the continent's creative economy experiencing the fastest growth globally. However, despite this exciting development, a major hurdle remains for the individuals driving this success – creative freelancers. These talented individuals are ironically the most financially excluded segment within the creative economy. Our research highlights the critical nature of this issue. In conversations with 100 Kenyan creatives, a staggering 90% identified the uncertainty of payments as the single most frustrating aspect of freelance work. This constant worry about getting paid hinders their ability to focus on their craft, stifle growth, and ultimately hold back the entire creative industry. The disconnect is clear – a thriving creative landscape coexists with a system that fails to support the very people making it possible. This is where Mu$e steps in. We believe that financial security is the key to unlocking the full potential of Africa's creati

01.03 Dites-nous quels sont les principaux avantages et/ou bénéfices de l'utilisation du produit/service que vous souhaitez fournir par votre projet (au moins 3).

We're building Africa's first creative financing marketplace. It's a game-changer, connecting businesses with talented freelancers and unlocking smoother payments with tech, data, and smarter credit scoring. SOLUTION 1 Digital invoice factoring on pipeline of corporate brand partnership invoices (98% of the current market revenue). SOLUTION 2 Digital Milestone payment to enable businesses to gain greater control & increase transparency over creative projects through automated payments based on predefined milestone completion SOLUTION 3 Flexible insurance products that match the labor dynamics of freelance work. Coverage that protect them from income shocks. SOLUTION 4 Automatic savings feature to help take advantage of income surges SOLUTION 5 Freelancers who pass the eligibility screening can enter into a work-to-own arrangement with repayments automatically deducted from platform earnings. SOLUTION 6 Professional business health dashboard with mobile money payment

01.04 Veuillez décrire précisément à qui s'adressera le produit/service de votre projet. Quels sont les bénéficiaires visés ?

We have about 450000 diverse and digitally savvy Kenyan creative freelancers. They range from established photographers and graphic designers to budding social media influencers and code whizzes. Most juggle multiple projects, working remotely or collaborating in vibrant co-working spaces. Tech-adoption is high, with smartphones doubling as offices and social media a crucial marketing tool. Despite their talent and hustle, financial constraints are a major hurdle. Banks often view their work as unpredictable, making access to credit and working capital a constant struggle. This tech-enabled generation craves financial solutions that are fast, flexible, and understand the unique rhythm of their freelance lives.

01.05 Quand avez-vous commencé à travailler sur votre projet ?

17/03/2024

01.06 Combien y a-t-il de propriétaires sur votre projet en plus de vous ?

2

01.07 Parmi les autres propriétaires, combien sont des femmes ?

1

01.08 Veuillez décrire le profil des autres propriétaires de votre projet (compétences, expérience, etc.).

1. Moses Tizomu (Strategy): Ex-Antler & WPP Scangroup strategist. Unlocks challenges with cultural understanding, data, and tech. Brings experience with African giants (Safaricom, Coca-Cola) to empower creatives. 2. Allan Mwaniki (Growth): Creative leader fueled by big ideas. Ex-WPP & Africa Leadership Group. Leverages product marketing & tech for positive African impact. Watch his future revolutions (tweet, TikTok, Flutterwave?)! 3. Wendy Owino (CFO): Seasoned fintech pro (Cellulant). Manages Mu$e's finances with meticulous budgeting, investment strategies, and smooth cash flow. Strong analytical skills and integrity guide her in the startup world.

01.09 Si vous avez un site web, une page sur les médias sociaux (Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin...) ou une application, veuillez fournir le(s) lien(s) ici :

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Iweny-8YE3eu7WxlhXA81_75ewFgRJZw/view?usp=sharing

01.10 Quel est le secteur d'activité qui décrit le mieux votre projet ?

g) Services financiers

02.01.01 Mon projet contribue à l'objectif 'Pas de pauvreté'

7 - Tout à fait d'accord

02.01.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

Increased income potential: Mu$e tackles the financial exclusion freelancers face by providing immediate access to their earnings. Improved project flow: Mu$e's guaranteed payments and streamlined process encourage businesses to work with freelancers, leading to increased project opportunities and income for creatives. Reduced financial stress: Mu$e alleviates financial stress, allowing freelancers to focus on their work and contribute more effectively to the creative economy. Job creation and economic growth: A thriving creative sector fueled by financially empowered freelancers contributes to job creation. This overall economic growth translates to poverty reduction and improved livelihoods for many.

02.02.01 Mon projet contribue à l'objectif 'Faim Zéro'

6

02.02.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

While Mu$e doesn't directly address hunger, it indirectly supports the UN's Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) #2: Zero Hunger by empowering African creative freelancers, a significant portion of the informal economy. Here's how: Increased Income: Mu$e provides freelancers with faster access to earned income, allowing them to invest in their families' basic needs, including food security. Improved Livelihoods: Financial stability from Mu$e empowers freelancers to contribute more effectively to the creative economy. This economic growth benefits the entire community, including farmers, food vendors, and distributors. Ripple Effect: Supporting female entrepreneurs (common in the creative sector) strengthens their families' purchasing power, improving access to nutritious food. Mu$e's focus is financial empowerment, a key driver in achieving Zero Hunger. With increased income, better livelihoods, and a stronger local economy, Mu$e contributes to a future of African families.

02.03.01 Mon projet contribue à l'objectif 'Bonne Santé et Bien Être'

6

02.03.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

A thriving creative sector fosters economic opportunities, which can indirectly translate to improved access to healthcare and overall well-being within the community. Reduced Financial Stress: Uncertain income and late payments can be a significant source of anxiety and mental strain for freelancers. By offering immediate access to earnings and a reliable cash flow system, Mu$e alleviates financial worry. This allows creatives to focus on their work and well-being, leading to improved mental health and a better work-life balance. Investment in Health: Financial stability empowers freelancers to invest in their overall health. They can afford nutritious meals, healthcare services, and gym memberships, leading to a healthier lifestyle. Improved Productivity: Reduced financial stress and the ability to focus on work can lead to increased productivity and a sense of accomplishment. This positive feedback loop can further contribute to mental well-being.

02.04.01 Mon projet contribue à l'objectif 'Éducaiton de Qualité'

3

02.04.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

02.05.01 Mon projet contribue à l'objectif 'Égalité entre les Sexes'

7 - Tout à fait d'accord

02.05.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

While Mu$e doesn't discriminate based on gender, its focus on the creative sector, which has a high percentage of female entrepreneurs, indirectly contributes to gender equality by enabling women to thrive financially and become role models for other aspiring creatives. Closing the financial gap: Mu$e's platform levels the playing field by providing equal access to fast and reliable payments, regardless of gender. Promoting flexible work: Mu$e facilitates this flexibility by removing geographical and time constraints associated with traditional jobs, which can be particularly attractive to women with childcare responsibilities. Building confidence and leadership: Mu$e contributes to a more equitable creative industry where women are empowered to take on leadership roles and inspire future generations.

02.06.01 Mon projet contribue à l'objectif 'Eau Propre et Assainissement'

3

02.06.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

02.07.01 Mon projet contribue à l'objectif 'Énergie Propre et Abordable'

1 - Pas du tout d'accord

02.07.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

02.08.01 Mon projet contribue à l'objectif 'Travail Décent et Croissance Économique'

7 - Tout à fait d'accord

02.08.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

Mu$e empowers creatives, a significant portion of the informal economy, to thrive. This fosters decent work opportunities, financial stability, and contributes to the overall economic growth of the continent – all key aspects of SDG #8. Bridging the Payment Gap: Mu$e eliminates the uncertainty of delayed payments fostering trust and businesses, encouraging more freelance work opportunities. Financial Security & Stability: By providing immediate access to earnings, Mu$e allows freelancers to invest in themselves (equipment, training). This empowers them to take on higher-paying projects and build sustainable careers. Boosting the Creative Economy: A financially secure creative workforce fuels the entire creative economy. More empowered freelancers translate to more creative projects, content creation, and innovation – driving economic growth. Formalization: Mu$e incentivizes freelancers to enter the formal economy

02.09.01 Mon projet contribue à l'objectif 'Industrie, Innovaiton et Infrastructure'

6

02.09.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

Mu$e directly tackles the 'Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure' SDG by building a digital infrastructure that bridges the gap between creative freelancers and businesses in Africa. Here's how: Tech-driven platform: Mu$e fosters innovation by utilizing technology to streamline financial transactions and communication within the creative sector. Improved Industry Efficiency: By facilitating faster payments and smoother project workflows, Mu$e increases overall efficiency and productivity within the creative industry. Infrastructure for Freelancers: Mu$e acts as a digital infrastructure for freelancers, connecting them with opportunities and providing financial tools, promoting a more robust creative ecosystem. In short, Mu$e leverages technology and innovation to create a more efficient and inclusive infrastructure within Africa's creative industry.

02.10.01 Mon projet contribue à l'objectif 'Réduction des Inégalités'

7 - Tout à fait d'accord

02.10.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

Mu$e tackles inequality in the creative economy by leveling the financial playing field for African freelancers. Traditionally excluded from traditional banking, freelancers face income instability and difficulty securing project opportunities. Mu$e bridges this gap by offering: Fast, reliable payments: Freelancers get paid immediately, eliminating dependence on slow client payments and enabling them to invest in their work. Reduced financial barriers: Mu$e simplifies access to financial tools, promoting financial inclusion for underserved creatives. Increased earning potential: With consistent income and lower financial stress, freelancers can focus on growth, leading to higher earning potential and a more competitive edge. By empowering freelancers, Mu$e fosters a more equitable creative landscape where talent, not financial limitations, determines success.

02.11.01 Mon projet contribue à l'objectif 'Villes et Communautés Durables'

7 - Tout à fait d'accord

02.11.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

Mu$e empowers African creative freelancers, a key driver of the informal economy in many cities. By enabling them to thrive financially: Increased creative output: Financially secure freelancers contribute more to the creative landscape, enriching communities with vibrant art, music, and design. Enhanced skills and innovation: Financial stability allows freelancers to invest in upskilling and explore new creative avenues, fostering innovation and a dynamic creative ecosystem within cities. Collaboration and community building: Mu$e can connect creatives, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing. This strengthens the creative community, a vital social fabric within sustainable cities. Job creation: A thriving creative sector attracts businesses and talent, generating new jobs and economic opportunities within cities. By empowering creative freelancers, Mu$e fosters a more vibrant, innovative, and economically robust environment, contributing to the UN's SDG #11

02.12.01 Mon projet contribue à l'objectif 'Consommation et Production Responsable'

3

02.12.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

02.13.01 Mon projet contribue à l'objectif 'Luttle contre les Changements Climatiques'

3

02.13.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

02.14.01 Mon projet contribue à l'objectif 'Vie Sous-Marine'

3

02.14.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

02.15.01 Mon projetp contribue à l'objectif 'Vie Terrestre'

3

02.15.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

02.16.01 Mon projet contribue à l'objectif 'Paix, Justice et Institutions Efficaces'

3

02.16.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

02.17.01 Mon projet contribue à l'objectif 'Parteneriats pour la Réalisation des Objectifs'

4

02.17.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

05.01 Il existe un grand nombre de clients qui utilisent déjà un produit/service très similaire à celui que nous envisageons de créer.

3

05.02 Le produit/service que nous voulons créer représente un type de produit/service entièrement nouveau

7 - Tout à fait d'accord

05.03 Le produit/service que nous voulons créer pourrait être décrit comme une nouvelle technologie

4

05.04 Le produit/service que nous voulons créer est une amélioration d'un produit ou d'un service existant

6

05.05 Le produit/service que nous voulons créer pourrait être décrit comme une extension d'une gamme de produits ou de services

4

05.06 Le produit/service que nous voulons créer répond à une demande ou à un besoin qui n'a pas été satisfait par d'autres produits/services.

7 - Tout à fait d'accord

05.07 Le produit/service que nous voulons créer est une nouvelle version d'un ancien produit/service

7 - Tout à fait d'accord

05.08 Justification de mon projet

Mu$e combines financial solutions, technology, and an understanding of the creative industry to address a critical gap in the market. It also stands out as a unique innovation in the African market (first of its kind) by addressing a specific pain point for a growing demographic; creative freelancers and their financial exclusion. 1. Focus on the Creative Gig Economy: Existing financial solutions might not cater to the unique rhythm and project-based income of creative freelancers. 2. Data-Driven Approach: Many traditional financial institutions rely on rigid credit checks, which can disadvantage unbanked or underbanked creatives. Mu$e leverages alternative data sources and understands the creative workflow, enabling a more inclusive approach to financial services. 3. Tech-Enabled Platform: Mu$e leverages technology to provide a seamless user experience for both freelancers and businesses. 4. Community Building: It aims to foster a community for creatives freelancers

05.09 Qui sont vos principaux potentiels concurrents et qu'est-ce qui vous différencie d'eux ?

Mu$e's competitors can be divided into two main categories: 1. Traditional Financial institutions Banks: They might not cater to the project-based income and flexible working arrangements of creative freelancers. Microfinance Institutions (MFIs): MFIs can provide loans to unbanked or underbanked individuals 2. Fintech Platforms Freelance Marketplaces: Platforms like Upwork or Fiverr connect freelancers with clients globally. However, they might not offer financial services like cash advances or cater specifically to the needs of the African creative market. Mobile Money Platforms: Services like M-Pesa offer mobile wallets and basic financial services, but they might not have features specifically designed for managing project-based income or facilitating payments between freelancers and businesses. Payment Gateways: Platforms like Stripe or Paystack process online payments, but they may not offer loan options or cater specifically to the creative freelance market.

10.06 Menez-vous des actions au sein de votre communauté pour promouvoir le rôle des femmes entrepreneurs ?

Yes, one of our co-founder is a woman. Most of my advisors and mentors so far have been women.