An African Venture Studio
We are creating the playbook to building world class companies solving Africa’s biggest problems, while actually doing it!
Tech Enabled
We believe in using technology to enable and amplify impact. We embed technology in our solutions in a bid to accelerate our work.
Impact Driven
Our startups have impact at the core of it, as we try to solve real world problems facing Africans, in Africa.
Ecosystem Approach
We work with partners in Academia, Government, NGO world, Private sector, ecosystem enablers, financiers and everyone looking to create an impact.
Discover Our Approach To Startups
We are building a process based approach to ideating, validating and launching startups in Africa.
01
Ideation
We carefully identify and develop innovative ideas through detailed market research, needs assessment, systems problem identification and brainstorming sessions. This structured approach helps ensure that the ideas are both original and viable, with a large enough opportunity thus setting a solid foundation for further development.
02
Validation
These ideas are then tested using lean startup methods, which include creating prototypes (Minimum Viable Products) , gathering user feedback, and analyzing if the ideas can succeed in the market. This step helps confirm that the ideas are practical and have the potential for impact and scaling.
03
Launch & Scaling
Once viable, the studio puts together a team and resources to build, launch, and grow the startup. This organized approach reduces risks and boosts the chances of success by making sure each startup idea is carefully evaluated and supported throughout its development.
Our Portfolio
ACTV Wellness
Validated
Highly recommended!
Wellness whether physical, mental or spiritual should not be expensive. Our wellness app accessible on Whatsapp gives you access to wellness expertise on your phone.
Foleni
Validated
Highly recommended!
Road safety gamification with the aim of creating behavioural change leading to kinder roads. Involved CBC Road Safety quizzes for kids, Driving school prep and other general quizzes.
Shauri AI
Validated
Highly recommended!
AI interpretation of Lab test results whether blood test or urinalysis. All you need is a photo uploaded to our WhatsApp Chatbot.
Chuo
In Validation
Highly recommended!
Gamified learning of CBC curriculum using daily quizzes on WhatsApp. Think Duolingo for CBC from Grade 2 to 9.
Shangazi AI
In Validation
Highly recommended!
AI powered relationship coach and advisor accessed through a Whatsapp Chatbot. Navigate the complexities of relationships be it romantic or familial talking to Shangazi.
Ocula
In Validation
Highly recommended!
Affordable glasses for everyone in Africa. Bringing sight to the underserved.
Maya Health
Validated
Highly recommended!
Sexual reproductive information and resources in your pocket. Take charge of your sexual wellbeing by chatting with MAYA our Sexual Reproductive Health Chatbot.
Wema Baby
Validated
Highly recommended!
Building virtual parenting communities because noone should be going through child raising alone.
Sura Micro-Learning
Validated
Highly recommended!
A WhatsApp based Micro- Learning platform helping you increase productivity at work and life through building processes.
Ustarabu
In Validation
Highly recommended!
Building tools to keep public and elected officials accountable by creating informed and engaged citizens through gamifying civic information.
Process driven approach to Start-Ups
With every idea we validate and launch, we are fine tuning our startup playbook to validate and launch faster, identify impactful ideas worth allocating resources to, minimise our risk while yielding scaleable results consistently.
Check out our startups.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a startup studio?
A startup studio is an organization that creates and launches multiple startups by providing resources, expertise, and a structured process.
How does a startup studio differ from a traditional incubator or accelerator?
Unlike incubators and accelerators, which support external startups, startup studios generate their own ideas and build companies in-house from the ground up.
What types of startups does Ishara Labs create?
We are currently sector agnostic (any industry) but focusing on how AI (Artificial Intelligence), chatbots and WhatApp can be used to create impact in different industries.
Can external entrepreneurs or ideas be brought into a startup studio?
While we are currently focusing on getting internal ideas and validating them, we are working on ways in which we can invite external ideas and use our time tested processes to validate and launch these. Let us chat at [email protected]
How can I get involved in your Startups?
We currently do not have any open roles, but we would love it if you could interact wil our startups and give feedback. This would help in our validation of ideas. Give feedback to the respective startups communictaion channels.
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