Company Profile: Fundis App Ltd.

Background

Fundis App Ltd. is a Nairobi-based company founded in 2018, operating under the brand name Fundis. The company specializes in connecting clients with vetted and certified artisans across Kenya through its digital platform. Fundis aims to reimagine career identity and pathways for trade workers by assessing, upskilling, and certifying them, thereby matching them with fair work opportunities and providing access to continuous learning, loans, and insurance.

Key Strategic Focus

Fundis focuses on:

• Digital Profiling and Certification: Enabling artisans to create digital profiles showcasing their skills and work portfolios, which are assessed and certified to meet industry standards.

• Job Matching: Connecting certified artisans with clients seeking reliable and skilled professionals for various services, including plumbing, electrical work, carpentry, masonry, painting, and more.

• Workforce Development: Offering continuous upskilling and training programs to enhance the competencies of artisans, ensuring they remain competitive in the market.

• Financial Inclusion: Providing artisans with access to financial services such as loans and insurance, supporting their economic stability and growth.

Financials and Funding

Fundis has secured funding from several investors:

• Seed Round: Raised $500,000 on May 16, 2019.

• Early Stage VC: Completed on September 27, 2022.

• Accelerator/Incubator: Participated in an accelerator program on June 3, 2024.

Notable investors include:

• Kuria Capital

• Kaleo Ventures

• Habitat for Humanity International

• Challenge Fund for Youth Employment

• iHub

The capital raised is intended for platform development, expansion of services, and enhancement of training and certification programs for artisans.

Pipeline Development

Fundis is actively developing and expanding its services:

• IngiaBiz Initiative: A three-year consortium initiative launched in partnership with the Kenya Association of Certified Training Providers for Industry (KACET). The program aims to upskill and certify 1,500 artisans across ten counties, transitioning them from the informal sector to formal service businesses.

• Geographical Expansion: By 2024, Fundis had launched campaigns in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, Machakos, Uasin Gishu, Kiambu, Murang’a, and Kajiado, with plans to cover the entire country within the following two years.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Fundis leverages a robust digital platform accessible via mobile and web applications, offering:

• Digital Profiles: Artisans can create and maintain profiles showcasing their skills, certifications, and work portfolios.

• Assessment and Certification: The platform facilitates the assessment and certification of artisans, ensuring they meet industry standards.

• Job Matching Algorithm: Utilizes algorithms to match clients with suitable artisans based on skills, location, and availability.

• Financial Services Integration: Provides access to financial products such as loans and insurance directly through the platform.

Leadership Team

• Alex Kamanga: Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer.

• Amos Gachiri: Chief Financial Officer.

• Becky Mwaura: Co-Founder.

Leadership Changes

As of the latest available information, there have been no recent significant changes or appointments within the company's leadership team.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The market for connecting clients with skilled artisans is growing, driven by increasing demand for reliable and certified professionals in various trades. The informal sector in Africa constitutes a significant portion of the workforce, presenting opportunities for platforms like Fundis to formalize and streamline service delivery.

Competitor Analysis

Key competitors include:

• Fundi App: A Tanzanian-based platform connecting customers with vetted handymen in real-time.

• DawaSwift: A healthcare solutions provider offering virtual consultations and medicine delivery, indicating a trend towards digital service platforms in various sectors.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Fundis has established significant partnerships to enhance its services:

• Kenya Association of Certified Training Providers for Industry (KACET): Collaborated on the IngiaBiz initiative to upskill and certify artisans.

• Robert Bosch East Africa: Partnered to support the training and certification programs.

• Insurance For All (IFA): Provides insurance products tailored for artisans.

• Ajira Digital: Collaborated to promote digital job opportunities for artisans.

Operational Insights

Fundis differentiates itself through:

• Comprehensive Vetting and Certification: Ensuring artisans meet high standards of professionalism and skill.

• Integrated Financial Services: Offering loans and insurance to support artisans' economic stability.

• Continuous Upskilling: Providing ongoing training to keep artisans competitive in the market.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Fundis aims to:

• Expand Geographically: Cover all counties in Kenya and explore opportunities in other African countries.

• Enhance Technological Capabilities: Integrate advanced technologies such as AI and machine learning to improve job matching and service delivery.

• Diversify Service Offerings: Introduce additional services and trades to cater to a broader client base.

Contact Information

• Website: www.fundis.co.ke

• Social Media:

• Twitter: @fundisapp

• Facebook: Fundis App

• Instagram: @fundisapp

• LinkedIn: Fundis App

• YouTube: Fundis App