FasterCapital

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the CEO of BIYATTO

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Economic System for Human Competence Biyatto is a commission-free, social-first digital marketplace

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire FasterCapital to accomplish?

• Fund Rising

SOLUTION

How did you find FasterCapital?

• Online Search
• Linkedin

Why did you select FasterCapital over others?

• High ratings
• Close to my geographic location

How many teammates from FasterCapital were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

I’m Farhad Kousyaie, founder and CEO of Biyatto, a peer-to-peer social marketplace for exchanging competencies.
We joined FasterCapital’s LaunchUp program, and it’s honestly been one of the most valuable support programs we’ve experienced as an early-stage startup. The team provided us with in-depth reports — from SWOT to market studies to investor-readiness
The feedback we received from angel investors through FasterCapital helped us identify strategic blind spots and reshape our pitch deck. We’re now preparing to raise $800K, and we feel far more confident in doing so thanks to the clarity and support we gained through the program.
Special thanks to the whole team for their consistent guidance and transparency. I strongly recommend this program to any startup founder who’s serious about fundraising and growth.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

Working with FasterCapital helped us move from a conceptual stage to a more investor-ready position. Through their structured feedback, market research reports, and detailed analysis (including SWOT, competitor studies, and pitch material reviews), we gained clarity on our positioning and funding strategy.

One key outcome was the refinement of our business model and financial projections, which gave us more confidence during investor discussions. Additionally, entering their LaunchUp program added credibility to our startup, and their outreach has already connected us to interested investors. It’s been a highly valuable step in our fundraising journey.

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

FasterCapital’s project management has been smooth and responsive. From the beginning, they clearly outlined the steps of their LaunchUp program and delivered each item, like the pitch review, business viability analysis, SWOT, and market research reports, on time or earlier than expected.

Communication was consistent and professional. Whenever we had questions or needed clarification, their team responded promptly and thoroughly. They were also flexible in adapting to our specific needs as a startup, and we always felt that our progress was being taken seriously.

What was your primary form of communication with FasterCapital?

Email or Messaging App

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

What impressed us most about FasterCapital was their hands-on and tailored approach. Unlike many accelerators that take a one-size-fits-all route, they took the time to deeply understand our startup’s model, stage, and vision before offering strategic support.

Their combination of in-depth investor readiness reports, direct outreach to potential investors, and fast communication makes them stand out. We also appreciated how transparent and consistent they were throughout the entire process. It felt like a true partnership, not just a service.

Are there any areas for improvement or something FasterCapital could have done differently?

Overall, our experience with FasterCapital has been very positive. If there’s one area for potential improvement, it would be to share more visibility into the investor outreach process, such as which investors have shown interest or are reviewing the materials. A bit more transparency there would help startups like ours better understand the pipeline and tailor our responses accordingly.

That said, their team has always been open to feedback and willing to adjust, which we truly appreciate.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Founder and CEO of Stewards Consultancy & Trading Co Ltd (Mazao Online)

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Mazao Online is a farmer digital marketplace which connects farmers to markets, input suppliers, agromonic advisors, warehouses, logistic providers and even financial services.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire FasterCapital to accomplish?

• Use FasterCapital’s recommendation system to identify and approach angel investors
• (c) Use FasterCapital’s knowledge and expertise in providing a fair valuation of the Startup(s) and terms of raising capital
• The support in improving presentation (Pitch Deck, Business Plan)

SOLUTION

How did you find FasterCapital?

Online Search

Why did you select FasterCapital over others?

Company values aligned

How many teammates from FasterCapital were assigned to this project?

1 Employee

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

Mazao Online is an innovative AgriTech mobile platform dedicated to supporting smallholder farmers in Tanzania by addressing key challenges along the agricultural value chain. The platform integrates digital solutions aimed at enhancing productivity, improving market access, promoting financial inclusion, and supporting climate-smart agriculture. Its ultimate objective is to increase food security and farmer incomes through the effective use of technology.

Mazao Online provides smart farming tools that deliver real-time weather updates, soil health insights, pest and disease alerts, and AI-driven crop management recommendations. Farmers also receive tailored agronomic advice specific to their crop type, location, and season, along with access to an extensive knowledge base of best practices and local extension services. To enhance financial inclusion, the platform enables farmer profiling and credit scoring, linking users to microfinance institutions and loan providers. An additional feature, MazaoBIMA, offers agricultural insurance that protects farmers against climate-induced crop failures and other risks.

The platform strengthens market access by directly connecting farmers with buyers, eliminating middlemen, and offering real-time price updates. It also provides a digital marketplace where farmers can trade produce and access farm inputs. Capacity-building efforts include digital training modules covering business planning, financial literacy, and post-harvest handling, delivered via both the app and community-based ICT hubs. These hubs also support group formation and cooperative development among farmers.

Key deliverables of Mazao Online include the mobile app itself, a robust farmer registration and profiling system, an AI-based crop advisory engine, an integrated marketplace module, and the MazaoBIMA insurance solution. The platform also features financial linkage systems, a farmer dashboard for data monitoring, e-learning tools, and a comprehensive monitoring and evaluation framework to track adoption and impact.

Mazao Online aims to reach over 500,000 smallholder farmers in Tanzania by 2027, with an expected average income increase of 30% within two harvest seasons. The platform also seeks to connect at least 60% of its users to financial and insurance services, thereby contributing significantly to enhanced food security, sustainable farming practices, and rural economic development.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

The collaboration with FasterCapital yielded several measurable outcomes that demonstrate significant progress and success for the Mazao Online project. With their support, we developed a professionally crafted investor pitch deck, a comprehensive business plan, a detailed market study report, and a business viability assessment. These strategic documents have been instrumental in improving our investor engagement readiness. As a result, we have attracted interest from three angel investors, with two currently undergoing due diligence, and we have submitted applications to five accelerator and early-stage investment programs using the materials developed in partnership with FasterCapital.

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

FasterCapital demonstrated strong project management capabilities throughout our collaboration. From the outset, they established a clear timeline for each deliverable, including the pitch deck, business plan, market study, and business viability report. All items were delivered either on or ahead of schedule, with milestones tracked through a structured and transparent communication process. They maintained consistent follow-up, provided regular progress updates, and adhered strictly to agreed-upon deadlines.

What truly stood out was their responsiveness to our needs. FasterCapital was highly flexible and adaptive, quickly incorporating feedback and tailoring their support to align with our evolving strategy and local market realities. Whether it was refining financial projections, adjusting product positioning, or reworking slide content to improve clarity for investors, they acted swiftly and constructively.

Mr. Hala Habeeb, in particular, was instrumental in maintaining open lines of communication, offering expert input, and ensuring that all deliverables met high-quality standards. His proactive engagement made the collaboration feel like a true partnership rather than just a consultancy service. Overall, their efficient project management and personalized support significantly contributed to the strategic growth and investor readiness of Mazao Online.

What was your primary form of communication with FasterCapital?

Email or Messaging App

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

What stood out most about FasterCapital was their holistic and hands-on approach to startup support, which goes far beyond traditional advisory services. Unlike many firms that simply provide templates or generic guidance, FasterCapital takes the time to understand the unique context of your business and tailors every deliverable—from pitch decks to market studies—to reflect your specific goals, market environment, and investor targets.

One of the most impressive aspects is their deep technical and business expertise under one roof. They combine strategic planning, financial modeling, and market research with product development insights, ensuring that every aspect of the business is aligned and investor-ready. Their ability to provide end-to-end support, from ideation to fundraising, is rare and extremely valuable for early-stage startups.

The personalized attention we received—especially from Mr. Hala Habeeb—made the process smooth and impactful. His responsiveness, industry knowledge, and commitment to quality made a tangible difference in accelerating our readiness for funding and growth.

In summary, FasterCapital’s blend of professionalism, strategic depth, and execution makes them a uniquely valuable partner for any startup seeking to scale with confidence.

Are there any areas for improvement or something FasterCapital could have done differently?

While our overall experience with FasterCapital was excellent, one area for improvement is timeliness in responding to urgent queries or last-minute requests, as occasionally responses were slower than expected during critical phases.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Sales Representative of mp3ready

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

There are tons of mp3 files stored on the cloud and you just need an engine that can retrieve them for us. This will allow us to play any piece of music without the need to store it on any device. Having also a recommendation engine as well will be a bonus!

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire FasterCapital to accomplish?

• We partnered with FasterCapital to help with two major objectives: securing funding and refining our product development. Our primary goal was to raise capital to fuel our growth, and FasterCapital's team assisted us in navigating multiple funding rounds. Additionally, they helped us refine our product by offering expert advice on its design and future features, ensuring it met the needs of our target market.

SOLUTION

How did you find FasterCapital?

Clutch Site

Why did you select FasterCapital over others?

Pricing fit our budget

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

We came up with the idea when we remarked that each of our friends has an account online where they store their songs. Those songs were accessible from a browser but known in most cases only to the owner. We were trying to look into our friend's directory to discover new music that we might like. Then the AHA moment came when we thought, why couldn't we turn this into an engine?
We contacted people in FasterCapital, explained our idea and prepared a business plan. They had already experience in developing a search engine and thus they can grealy help us as we don't have to start from zero.
We discussed on how we can improve on the crawler, increase its speed and make it dedicated to mp3 files. We crafted the specifications together and we started! After four months of working with them, we had a prototype. To our surprise, the prototype was able to find 100 million mp3 files within a month! After more improvement and running it for six months, we were able to cross our 2 billion songs!
The engine has also a recommendation style to allow users to discover music available online.

We are building a search engine on deep web to find all the music buried in the web. The engine will be able to identify and crawl sites and get mp3 files.
We also need to make a specialized player which will be able to use the search engine results to play a specific songs. Then we will need a recommendation engine to allow people to like a piece of music then discover new pieces from it.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

If you visit 4shared.com then you will find lot of mp3 files laying around. The same for many websites where people upload their music to the cloud. Is there a way we can play those songs? Is there a way where we can make a search engine from those songs? 

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

FasterCapital’s project management was highly efficient and organized. They kept us informed throughout every stage of the process, ensuring transparency and accountability. We were particularly impressed with how they managed timelines and consistently delivered on time. They were responsive to our needs, addressing any concerns quickly and offering solutions that helped us stay on track throughout the partnership.

What was your primary form of communication with FasterCapital?

Virtual Meeting

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

What stood out most about FasterCapital was their hands-on approach and commitment to understanding our business at a deep level. They didn’t just offer generic advice or funding; they genuinely collaborated with us to understand the vision behind our product and guided us in making key decisions. Their team is highly proactive, offering innovative solutions and pushing us to think beyond the ordinary. Additionally, the fact that they were willing to cover a portion of our funding in exchange for equity was a unique aspect of their offering, aligning their interests with ours and showing a deep commitment to our success.

Are there any areas for improvement or something FasterCapital could have done differently?

Overall, our experience with FasterCapital was excellent, but one area that could be improved is their communication during the early stages of the partnership. While they were always responsive and helpful, there were occasional delays in the initial information exchange that caused slight confusion. Once the project gained momentum, however, communication became seamless. A more structured onboarding process could help set expectations early on and improve the initial stages of collaboration.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the advisor of abcmob

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

The solution provided by abcMob is highly innovative. The framework allows for the development of native applications that are compatible with a wide range of handsets and operating systems. By writing one code that can be translated into native code for different platforms, abcMob eliminates the need for businesses to hire multiple development companies or wait for applications to be built from scratch.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire FasterCapital to accomplish?

• We hired FasterCapital to help us raise capital and improve our fundraising efforts. Specifically, our goal was to secure $3.5M in funding, which would enable us to accelerate our growth. FasterCapital's Raising Capital Program was crucial in helping us refine our business model, enhance our pitch, and gain access to a wide network of investors. We also sought their expert guidance to increase investor interest and build credibility for our business, all of which they successfully helped us achieve.

SOLUTION

How did you find FasterCapital?

Clutch Site

Why did you select FasterCapital over others?

Pricing fit our budget

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

We had an idea to make it easier to develop mobile applications on many different platforms that are suitable for SMEs. We joined FasterCapital to get good consultation about our new idea and how best to implement it. The idea has been greatly improved, refined and we have now good sales operations going. We have already covered more than 18 different sectors with ready-made mobile applications on Android, iOS, and HTML. Our applications are native and compatible with a wide range of handsets.

To quickly create cross-platform mobile applications for different businesses, we built a framework that addresses both technical and business challenges. The framework allowed us to explain business processes and produce native code for different platforms. Although the development of this framework has taken more than one year and lots of iterations, it has helped easily and quickly build applications for 18 different sectors.
We are now presenting the customer with a half-made solution that is close to what they have in mind. In two weeks we can get a beta version of what the customer needs. Our software architecture is also separated in different layers thus we don't need to get access to the client's servers when building the mobile application.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

The solution provided by abcMob is highly innovative. The framework allows for the development of native applications that are compatible with a wide range of handsets and operating systems.

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

FasterCapital demonstrated excellent project management throughout our partnership. They kept us on track with a structured timeline and ensured all tasks were completed on time. Whenever we needed support or had questions, their team was responsive and provided clear, actionable guidance. The communication was always prompt, and we felt supported every step of the way, from pitch refinement to connecting with investors.

What was your primary form of communication with FasterCapital?

In-Person Meeting

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

What truly stood out to us was FasterCapital’s personalized approach. They took the time to fully understand our business, goals, and challenges, which allowed them to tailor their advice to our specific needs. This attention to detail made a significant difference and helped us refine our strategy in ways that felt meaningful and directly aligned with our objectives. Their extensive network of investors was another highlight, as it allowed us to connect with individuals who truly believed in our vision.

Are there any areas for improvement or something FasterCapital could have done differently?

While we were extremely satisfied with the overall experience, one area where FasterCapital could improve is in providing more post-funding support in operational areas, such as scaling our business and navigating the next steps after securing capital. Although their expertise in fundraising was exceptional, further guidance on areas like product development or operational scaling would have been valuable. However, this is a minor point compared to the immense value they brought to our fundraising process.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Marking Manager of BazarMaker

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Bazarmaker helps users worldwide to create vertical online social consumer to consumer marketplace.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire FasterCapital to accomplish?
Raise Capital

SOLUTION

How did you find FasterCapital?

• Online Search
• Referral

Why did you select FasterCapital over others?

Good value for cost

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

The idea started as a graduation project. We wanted to build a system facilitating the creation of marketplaces for a specific product. We remarked that many products can only be sold locally. The local marketplace should be vertical in nature to allow users to search easily depending on many attributes of each product. In each case someone had the idea to build a local marketplace then they had to start from scratch! It's a time consuming process. So we drafted an architecture allowing people to create marketplaces easily. 
Our early version was developed on .net then we moved it to php and added lot of features plus the creation of a mobile application supporting the marketplace.
To address these challenges, Bazarmaker implemented a robust architecture allowing users to create vertical marketplaces more efficiently. The team transitioned the platform from .NET to PHP, which enabled faster feature development and easier integration of plugins. The introduction of a mobile application streamlined the user experience, allowing users to access marketplaces on-the-go. 
Bazarmaker also incorporated customizable templates and modular components, which empowered users to tailor their marketplaces to specific product categories and local needs without starting from scratch. This approach reduced the time and effort required to launch new marketplaces while ensuring the platform could scale globally with minimal friction.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

As Bazarmaker expanded globally, it faced several key challenges. The initial problem stemmed from its users’ demand for highly specialized, localized marketplaces. Building a marketplace from scratch for each unique product or region was time-consuming and complex. 
Additionally, ensuring scalability and maintaining the user experience across different markets became increasingly difficult. Another major challenge was adapting the platform to cater to diverse user preferences and legal requirements in various regions.

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

FasterCapital’s management of the project was exceptional. They delivered all components on time and addressed our requirements with precision. Their responsiveness and dedication are key to the project’s success.

What was your primary form of communication with FasterCapital?

• In-Person Meeting
• Virtual Meeting

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

The level of detail and care they put into every part of the process was extraordinary, ensuring nothing was overlooked.

Are there any areas for improvement or something FasterCapital could have done differently?

Clearer communication of expectations and timelines could have avoided some misunderstandings along the way.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Manager of LetUsCloud

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

LetusCloud is a company specialized in virtualization & cloud computing. The goal is to bridge the gap between enterprises and virtualization. Through our innovative solution we will be providing Virtualization as a Service (VaaS) to all companies (small and big enterprises).

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire FasterCapital to accomplish?

• Raise Capital

SOLUTION

How did you find FasterCapital?

• Online Search
• Referral

Why did you select FasterCapital over others?

Good value for cost

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

Since about four to five years, virtualization became an interesting and important topic. We have come across many of our friends who were trying to get virtualization courses, either because the subject sounded cool or because their employers are interested in it and know that it's the future.
As we were expert in the subject, we got always consulted regarding what courses to take, advantages of each platform and how much this topic is getting attention. It was clear to us that many enterprises are understanding that virtualization has become a necessity. But there are still many challenges facing enterprises when they want to move to virtualization.
According to an article on the BusinessInsider describing the main challenges facing enterprises willing to move to virtualization, most challenges are that CIOs don't know the value of virtualization, lack of knowledge of running virtualization systems within the enterprise, and inability to assess resources need and new structure of a virtualized environment. It was clear to us that many enterprises wanted to move to virtualization but they lack the knowledge and the ability to move to the cloud.
Our goal is to bridge this gap by allowing IT staff with no prior virtualization knowledge to build a virtual network. We thought that such solution will allow tech people with no background knowledge about virtualization to build quickly and easily clouding solutions.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

Lack of transparency in financial offers and conditions.

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

Trust is crucial in any partnership, and FasterCapital proved to be trustworthy throughout our project They consistently meet deadlines and are incredibly responsive, making us feel valued and understood.

What was your primary form of communication with FasterCapital?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

I can’t believe how approachable and friendly the team at FasterCapital was! Every question I had was met with prompt and insightful answers.

Are there any areas for improvement or something FasterCapital could have done differently?

The regular updates were helpful, but more frequent insights on investor interest and next steps would have enhanced our ability to strategize and adjust our approach in real-time.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the CEO & Co-Founder of TvLize

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

TVlize is a company that specializes in improving and socializing TV. At TVlize, we are changing the TV experience both for viewers and broadcasters. Viewers will be able to participate in shows by commenting at any time, tagging a point of time, ansewring a survey and changing the course of action of a show. TVlize can also allow people to use their desktops, tablets or smartphones to watch TV. Viewers will move from lean-backward to lean-forward experience once they feel they can read comments from friends and peers and comment back. Viewers will have their own social networks within TVlize to share comments and tags on a show either privately, in a group or publicly.
Broadcasters can use TVlize solutions to get accurate statistics, know when viewers join a program and when they leave and how much they are interacting with the program. TVlize can also allow broadcaster to embed HTML content with the show being broadcasted so that viewers can get more information from the show or links pointing to deals or discounts.
TVlize also provide other mining and profiling products for broadcasters enabling them to divide viewers into groups and recommend shows to them or do targeted advertising.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire FasterCapital to accomplish?

• Raise Capital

SOLUTION

How did you find FasterCapital?

• Online Search
• Referral

Why did you select FasterCapital over others?

High ratings

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

We came with the idea when we were watching a soccer match with friends. It is clear that all people are shouting at the same time when there's a missed chance or a goal that has been scored. The idea was to label moments on the video through crowd-sourcing. We also wanted to allow users to comment on a video in a specific time. Comments can then be replayed while users are rewatching shows and movies thus enriching the video content itself.
We worked on the idea for several iterations and we discussed it with friends to make sure it's attractive. It was clear that everybody was interested in the idea and its impact.

Lean-backward To Lean-Forward
One of the things we disliked most about TV experience is the lean-back experience where people are passive viewers who just watch with almost no interaction other than switching to another channel! We thought that this should change and we should enable people to comment and enrich the TV experience.
We can't change how TV is being watched but we can open a channel through PC & Mobile for people to comment and interact.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

Difficulty in direct communication with the technical support team.

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

We cannot thank FasterCapital enough for their outstanding management of our project They not only delivered everything on time but also ensured they were responsive to our needs, making the entire process smooth and efficient.

What was your primary form of communication with FasterCapital?

• In-Person Meeting
• Virtual Meeting

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

One of the most impressive aspects of working with FasterCapital was their clear communication. Complex concepts were broken down into easy-to-understand language.

Are there any areas for improvement or something FasterCapital could have done differently?

FasterCapital’s support was excellent, but providing clearer, more defined timelines for each stage of the fundraising process might have allowed us to plan more effectively and set better expectations.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Co-Founder of BookThatBook

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

BookThatBook offers a solution where sellers and buyers of books can discover each other and exchange books. The solution asks the customer to define the type of book (school, university or other) and thus enable easier search and matching.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire FasterCapital to accomplish?

Raise Capital

SOLUTION

How did you find FasterCapital?

• Online Search
• Referral

Why did you select FasterCapital over others?

Good value for cost

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

BookThatBook offers a solution where sellers and buyers of books can discover each other and exchange books. The solution asks the customer to define the type of book (school, university or other) and thus enable easier search and matching. The solution is available as a mobile app and accessible also through HTML5 from feature phones or from PC/laptops.

Books for univeristy are expensive and students at campus find it hard to search for used books that might help them save some money. So the students need a solution that allow them to discover what secondhand books are available so that they can exchange or buy/sell them.

Parents also confront the same problem when their children are moving to the next class. They don't know what to do with old books, nor do they have an idea when they can get used ones.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

The market is mostly regulated by amazon or smaller companies that offer books. We need a simple solution that can connect students or people based on proximity and on one-to-one basis.

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

FasterCapital exceeded our expectations by delivering every element of our project on time. Their team was highly responsive to our needs, providing clear and timely communication throughout the process.

What was your primary form of communication with FasterCapital?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

FasterCapital's collaborative spirit was a key factor in our success. They worked closely with us, aligning their efforts with our goals, which made the fundraising journey feel like a true partnership.

Are there any areas for improvement or something FasterCapital could have done differently?

FasterCapital's help with fundraising was very effective, though a bit more strategic advice on how to position ourselves uniquely in a competitive market could have made the difference in attracting even more investors.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the CEO of Desvy. We design architecture systems for AI and software.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with FasterCapital?

We needed help to scale and get a proper head start while I focused on the development aspect.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

FasterCapital helps me with the stuff I don’t have time to complete now since I have to refine the system on my own. They’ve helped me think deeper about what I want to see my system do. The team has worked on a marketing plan, business plan, viability, and pitch deck refinement.

What is the team composition?

We’ve worked with 2–5 teammates from FasterCapital.

How did you come to work with FasterCapital?

We found them through an online search. They decided to invest in me first, and that was attractive.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in February 2026, and the engagement is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?

FasterCapital’s involvement and willingness to help have made a huge difference. Everything has improved. We’ve had more client interaction, and we’ve gotten one pilot client and a second potential client.

How did FasterCapital perform from a project management standpoint?

They always deliver on time. We communicate via email and messaging apps.

What did you find most impressive about them?

FasterCapital’s people interaction and clear communication are impressive.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I’m satisfied with their work.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

I fully recommend them to anyone who wishes to fund or find help to fund their project.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the CEO of Wiker e Ariela. 

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Wiker E Ariela is a general trading and service company that focuses on optimizing the agricultural supply chain and logistics, using data analysis and performance indicators to increase operational efficiency and social impact in the sector.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire FasterCapital to accomplish?

• Preparing for Investment
• Scalability
• Supply Chain Optimization

SOLUTION

How did you find FasterCapital?

Online Search

Why did you select FasterCapital over others?

• High ratings
• Good value for the price.
• Company values ​​aligned

How many teammates from FasterCapital were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

Detailed Scope of Work
The project is structured around four fundamental pillars:

1. Diagnostic and Structuring of Metrics (Analytics Assessment)
Gap Assessment: Identification of flaws in current data collection and financial planning methods.
KPI Dictionary: Technical definition of indicators for all company verticals (General Trade, Logistics, Poultry Farming, and Social Impact).
Benchmark Definition: Establishment of performance targets based on market standards for the agricultural and logistics sectors.
2. Data Collection and Management Architecture
Process Digitization: Replacement of manual or paper records with integrated digital systems.
Tool Implementation: Configuration of field data collection technologies (such as ODK or KoboToolbox) and GPS tracking systems for the fleet.
Data Hygiene: Establishment of protocols to ensure the accuracy, completeness, and security of the collected information.
3. Visualization and Reporting (Dashboards)
Dashboard Development: Creation of dynamic visualizations (Power BI or Google Data Studio) for monitoring sales, margins per SKU, and logistics efficiency.
Impact Reports: Structuring metrics that demonstrate social return (farmers' income and waste reduction) for ESG purposes and attracting investors.
4. Implementation Roadmap and
Strategic Phasing: Dividing the project into chronological stages (Short, Medium, and Long Term).
Training and Culture: Guidance to integrate the use of KPIs into the team's daily decision-making cycle.
Predictive Analytics: Preparing the database for future implementations of artificial intelligence and demand forecasting.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrated progress or success?

Based on the FasterCapital report, the measurable results that demonstrate the project's success and progress are not just isolated numbers, but the technical ability to measure and optimize operations. Since the company is in its initial phase, success is defined by structuring indicators that allow for complete control of the business.

The main established results and success metrics are:

1. Supply Chain and Logistics Efficiency
: Progress is measured by the transition from an informal operation to precision logistics.

Post-Harvest Loss Rate Reduction: One of the critical indicators for the agricultural sector, measuring the effectiveness of handling and transportation.
Fill Rate: Percentage of orders fulfilled in full, demonstrating commercial reliability.
Cost per Kilometer and Load Factor: Optimization of fleet use, ensuring that vehicles do not circulate empty or with costs above market rates.
2. Financial Health and Viability (Unit Economics)
The report establishes metrics that prove the sustainability of the business model:

Gross Margin per SKU (Product): Clear identification of which products generate real profit after logistics costs.
Burn Rate and Runway: Rigorous monitoring of cash consumption to ensure business continuity until the next investment round.
LTV:CAC Ratio (Customer Lifetime Value vs. Customer Acquisition Cost): Essential to demonstrate to investors that the business is scalable.
3. Measurable Social Impact (ESG)
Unlike purely commercial companies, success here is also measured by its impact on the community:

Variation in Farmers' Income: Quantification of the real increase in income for partner producers.
Job Creation: Number of jobs generated directly and indirectly.
Tons of Food Saved: Reduction in food waste that previously did not reach the market.
4. Data Maturity and Governance
Technological progress is a tangible result of the project:

Data Accuracy and Completeness Rate: Shifting from manual records to 100% validated digital data.
Report Automation: Reducing the time spent creating weeks-long reports to real-time queries via dashboards.
5. Poultry Farming Performance (Specific Sector)
For the egg/chicken production unit, success is measured by:

FCR (Feed Conversion Ratio): Efficiency in transforming feed into the final product.
Mortality Rate: Direct indicator of the quality of management and health of the flock.
In summary, the success of the project is manifested in Wiker E Ariela's ability to present auditable and accurate reports, transforming operational data into strategic intelligence to attract investments and expand its operations in the Angolan market.

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

Based on the report and framework presented by FasterCapital for Wiker E Ariela, project management and response to needs can be described as follows:

Project Management:
The management followed a consultative and structured approach, focused on the transition from "conceptual" to "operational." The management model stood out for:

Strategic Phasing: The project did not attempt to implement everything at once. It was divided into logical stages (0-3 months for foundation, 3-9 months for automation, and up to 36 months for scaling), demonstrating prudent risk management.
Focus on Data Governance: Management prioritized the creation of a "single source of truth," eliminating manual records and introducing auditability and data accuracy.
Multidisciplinary Approach: The approach covered everything from field logistics to high-level financial metrics for investors, showing a holistic view of the business.
Meeting Deadlines:
The report establishes a detailed Implementation Roadmap with clear timelines.

Delivery of the Planning: The diagnostic items, KPI definition, and data architecture design (consulting phase) were delivered as structured in the document.
Execution Schedule: The plan foresees continuous deliveries. The initial phase of "KPI Dictionary and Basic Data Collection" is defined for the first 3 months, indicating that the project is following the planned schedule for structuring the operational base.
Response to Needs:
FasterCapital responded very specifically to the particular challenges of Wiker E Ariela in Angola, especially in the agricultural and logistics sectors:

Personalization: Instead of providing generic KPIs, the report included highly specific metrics, such as Post-Harvest Loss Rate and Feed Conversion in Poultry Farming, demonstrating an understanding of the technical nature of the operation.
Pragmatic Solutions: By recommending tools like ODK and KoboToolbox (which work offline or in areas with limited connectivity), they addressed the need to operate in challenging logistical contexts.
Investor Focus: They identified the company's need to raise capital, delivering metrics such as Burn Rate, Runway, and LTV:CAC, which are the necessary "language" to attract external capital.
In short, the response was highly tailored, transforming the company's operational needs into a technical and professional action plan that places Wiker E Ariela at a higher level of management maturity.

What was your primary form of communication with FasterCapital?

Email or Messaging App

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

In short, what's most impressive is the vision of transforming the informality of general commerce into a precision operation, using data as the main tool for competitiveness.

Are there any areas for improvement or something FasterCapital could have done differently?

Although the FasterCapital report is technically robust and strategic, a critical analysis reveals some areas where the approach could have been more in-depth or adapted to the practical reality of a growing company in Angola:

1. Local Context of Infrastructure (Connectivity)
The report suggests modern digital tools (Power BI, Google Data Studio, Cloud), but could have delved deeper into contingency strategies for infrastructure. In many agricultural areas or logistics routes, the lack of stable electricity and high-speed internet is a constant challenge. The plan could have included:

Specific data synchronization protocols for technologically "shadow" zones.
Low-cost, highly durable hardware solutions for drivers and collectors in the field.
2. Change Management and Human Capacity Building
The transition from manual records to a rigorous KPI system requires a significant cultural shift. The report focuses heavily on the "what" (the metrics) and the "technology," but could have provided more detail on the "how" to empower the local team:

Specific training plans for employees who may have limited digital literacy.
Strategies to encourage accuracy in data collection in the database (avoiding the "bias" of data entered only to meet targets).
3. Depth in Mitigating Market Risks
The report is excellent in internal metrics, but could have been more assertive regarding external macroeconomic risks, which are vital for Wiker E Ariela:

Metrics to monitor exchange rate volatility (Kwanza), which directly affects the cost of imported inputs and feed in poultry farming.
Indicators of regulatory risk or local trade barriers that impact product flow.
4. Simplicity in the Initial Phase
The recommended KPI list is extensive and sophisticated (LTV:CAC, MAPE, advanced Unit Economics). For a company in the initial and conceptual phase, there is a risk of "analysis paralysis". FasterCapital could have:

The "3 Golden KPIs" (the most critical) for the first 90 days have been identified, allowing management to focus on the essentials before implementing the full dashboard.
5. Integration with the Existing Value Chain
The report focuses heavily on the company "from the inside out." It could have explored the digital integration with suppliers (farmers) more thoroughly.

How to create a reverse feedback channel where the farmer also has access to some data, encouraging them to improve product quality even before it reaches Wiker E Ariela's logistics?
In short, the report delivers an excellent theoretical and technical foundation, but would have benefited from a more focused look at the "factory floor" and the operational and human particularities of the Angolan business environment.