Which way I ought to go from here?
No pressure, no diamonds. ― Thomas Carlyle
Source of motivation
“Alice: Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?
The Cheshire Cat: That depends a good deal on where you want to get to.
Alice: I don't much care where.
The Cheshire Cat: Then it doesn't much matter which way you go.
Alice: ...So long as I get somewhere.
The Cheshire Cat: Oh, you're sure to do that, if only you walk long enough.”
― Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland
Over the past few months, I've encountered some outstanding founders. I've recorded them in my database and would like to share 5 of them for you to consider.
Startup Discovery Digest
Flaus is a direct-to-consumer oral beauty brand that has developed an eco-friendly electric flosser that uses sonic vibrations and real dental floss to make flossing quick and easy. (Seed, US)
Dial Afrika is a B2B SaaS platform that powers priceless customer experience through inbound and outbound interactions via a cloud-based, secure, and interactive AI-powered omni-channel tool. (Seed, Kenya)
Kyshi is a UK-based company that offers a service for sending and receiving money in multiple currencies, including African currencies. They provide a multi-currency account and various features such as requesting money, rewards and deals, and Kyshi cards for global shopping. (Seed, UK / Africa)
Flex Finance is a startup that provides AI-powered expense management and corporate credit card solutions for businesses. The company's platform helps businesses to track and manage their expenses, improve their cash flow, and save money. (Seed, Nigeria)
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Startup Spotlight
LeaseSimple: Revolutionizing the Rental Landscape
In an era where almost everything has transitioned online, from shopping to education, there's still a sector that's been waiting for a revolution – the rental space. Enter LeaseSimple, a fresh and innovative real estate fintech startup that aims to bring this change.
They are launching in August in New York, and their next milestone is 1,000 active renters and $2M in monthly transactions by the end of the year.
They are now raising $750K USD in PreSeed funding and have already closed $450K with investors such as FounderFuel (Real Ventures, iNovia, Panache), Diaspora Ventures (Marvin Liao), Ian Jeffrey, Nectar Economakis, and others. To contact founders please drop me a line.
LeaseSimple’s mission is to simplify the rental process. They have developed a digital platform designed to ensure smoother transactions for both tenants and landlords. Imagine a world without rent-related issues, miscommunications, or manual payments. LeaseSimple's approach aspires to turn that vision into reality. It stands out as the sole solution enabling 100% of renters to digitize rent payments and boost their credit scores.
Having freshly graduated from the notable Founder Fuel acceleration program, LeaseSimple showcased its potential not just with words but with numbers. Even in the initial stages, they've managed to stir quite the buzz, acquiring an enthusiastic waitlist of users, eager to integrate this platform into their rental experience.
LeaseSimple is not just playing the numbers game. They are methodically onboarding users by Cohorts, starting small and then expanding. This phased approach not only ensures operational efficiency but also meticulously curates user experience, particularly around payment handling and fraud control.
Rent payments in the US account for $500B in transactions, with a majority still undigitized. New York, known for its bustling environment and as the prime rental market in the US, is where LeaseSimple has set its sights initially. Their tactical approach is complemented with various contemporary marketing strategies, from influencer tie-ups to engaging offline acquisition tactics.
While the fintech space might be brimming with competitors, LeaseSimple has carved its niche. Diverging from platforms like Biltrewards, they offer an exclusive banking-based solution, designed specifically for the individual renter. Add to that the perks of interest-bearing accounts and enticing rewards, and you've got a platform that beckons for a second look.
It’s one thing to have a vision and another to implement it. By securing a banking partnership, LeaseSimple promises secure and compliant rent payments. Ensuring that the renter's experience remains paramount, they're dedicated to updating the platform for a seamless integration with this banking-as-a-service offering.
Core Team: At the helm of LeaseSimple are three seasoned entrepreneurs, each bringing their unique set of skills and experiences to the table. Jeremie Romand, wearing the CEO cap, is no stranger to the world of startups. With a successful venture like Wingz, a ride-sharing app under his belt, Jeremie brings leadership and a proven track record. Fred, the CTO, excels in managing intricate tech stacks, ensuring that the platform remains robust and scalable. Vincent, a seasoned software engineer, focuses on the seamless payment infrastructure that forms the backbone of LeaseSimple.
It's rare to find a team that combines industry know-how, technical prowess, and a genuine passion for problem-solving. LeaseSimple's team has this in abundance, ensuring that the venture is not just another startup but a game-changer in the rental fintech space.
Every startup faces its set of challenges, and LeaseSimple is no exception. From aligning user acquisition costs with their business model to ensuring they don't fall into the trap of overfunding, they have their work cut out. However, what sets them apart is their proactive approach in addressing these risks.
By combining a phased onboarding approach and localized marketing strategies, LeaseSimple is keen on testing the waters before diving deep. This ensures that when they're ready to scale, they have a tried and tested playbook in hand.
The future of renting looks promising with the likes of LeaseSimple entering the fray. Their thought-out strategies, emphasis on user experience, and unwavering commitment to their vision ensure that they’re here to make waves in the fintech rental space. As the real estate industry watches closely, one thing is clear - LeaseSimple is on a trajectory that's exciting, strategic, and bound to leave an indelible mark.
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