News (3549)

FasterCapital’s LaunchUp: Horizon Congo Mining advances legal, risk and launch preparation

Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo & Dubai, UAE — Mar 08, 2026 

Horizon Congo Mining, an active participant in FasterCapital’s program, today reports continued progress in institutional structuring, governance design, and fundraising readiness as it prepares for a phased operational launch. With ongoing support from FasterCapital through LaunchUp, the team is formalizing legal, contractual, and risk-management frameworks while refining investor materials and the project roadmap.

For editorial use: FasterCapital and the LaunchUp program are providing ongoing support focused on milestone planning, fundraising readiness, and execution follow-up as Horizon Congo Mining advances its current structuring and launch preparations.

Update Summary

Horizon Congo Mining is reporting a series of operational and communications milestones: multiple press releases published across PRLog, PRfree, PressReleasePoint, and IssueWire have increased visibility among investors, partners, suppliers, and professionals; draft agreements and coordination documents for the next phase have been prepared and are under review; and strategic planning for a phased launch including milestone-based execution, escrow mechanisms, and governance frameworks is underway to reduce operational and financial risk.

What the Startup Delivers? 

Horizon Congo Mining is focused on building a compliant, governance-led project platform in the Democratic Republic of the Congo that aims to combine structured operational milestones, escrow arrangements, and clear coordination documents to manage risk during early implementation and fundraising stages.

Current FasterCapital Support

FasterCapital’s continued collaboration is focused on:

- Milestone planning and execution sequencing to support the phased launch - Fundraising readiness and refinement of investor-facing materials - Pitch and communication refinement for partner and supplier engagement - Strategic introductions and ecosystem positioning where appropriate - Ongoing execution follow-up and governance advisement

Current Execution Priorities

The team’s current priorities are institutional structuring, legal and contractual review, risk-management design, and finalizing draft coordination documents for the next implementation stage. Parallel activities include maintaining visibility with targeted stakeholders and iterating investor materials in preparation for upcoming fundraising steps.

Ecosystem Relevance

Operating in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Horizon Congo Mining is focusing on aligning project governance and contractual structures with regional regulatory expectations and stakeholder norms. This emphasis on formal structuring is intended to create clearer operational pathways for local suppliers, international service providers, and professional advisors who have expressed renewed interest following recent communications.

Funding Readiness Note

Horizon Congo Mining continues to refine its roadmap and investor materials to support future fundraising and implementation stages. FasterCapital’s support is aimed at improving readiness and presentation; this is advisory work only and does not guarantee funding outcomes.

Leadership Comment

“Hesham Zreik, Founder and CEO of FasterCapital, said: ‘We’re pleased to continue supporting Horizon Congo Mining through LaunchUp. Our team is focused on current execution priorities, milestone tracking, and connecting the startup with relevant ecosystem stakeholders as it advances.’” 

About Horizon Congo Mining

Horizon Congo Mining is a Democratic Republic of the Congo–based project focused on establishing a governance-led mining initiative. The company is concentrating on institutional structuring, contractual clarity, and risk-management measures to support a phased approach to operations and fundraising.

About FasterCapital

FasterCapital works with founders to turn plans into disciplined execution through milestone-based support, hands-on guidance, and improved fundraising readiness. With programs including LaunchUp, FasterCapital helps startups sharpen positioning, clarify priorities, and connect with relevant ecosystem stakeholders as they grow. 

Fastercapital Adds Shefa Zoe To Equitypilot To Address Urgent Short‑Term Staffing Gaps

Durban, South Africa & Dubai, UAE — March 08, 2026

Lead Fastercapital Is Supporting Shefa Zoe, The Special Personnel Relief Services Platform From Shefa Zoey Holding, Through Its Equitypilot Program To Help The Team Move From Concept To Measurable Execution And Employer Adoption. Fastercapital’s Engagement Will Focus On Refining The Product, Operational Readiness, And Early Employer Integrations.

Nut Graf Fastercapital’s Equitypilot Will Concentrate On The First 30–60 Days Of Product Execution For Shefa Zoe, Including Design Refinements, Employer Onboarding Pilots, And Technical Integrations To Validate Immediate-Use Scenarios.

Why It Matters?

South Africa Faces Very High Unemployment And Unpredictable Short‑Term Staffing Needs Across Security, Healthcare, Retail And Facilities. Employers Lose Productivity When Last‑Minute Absences Occur And Current Staffing Channels Are Slow Or Administratively Heavy. Shefa Zoe Aims To Make Temporary Replacements Discoverable And Bookable In Under An Hour, Addressing Both Employer Operational Risk And Access To Immediate Work For Jobseekers.

What The Startup Delivers?

Solution Overview Shefa Zoe Is A Mobile And Web Platform Designed To Connect Vetted, Psira‑Accredited Security Personnel, Nursing Staff And General Labourers With Employers And Households In A Short‑Notice Timeframe. Key Features Being Developed And Tested Include: - Role‑Based Vetting And Digital Cvs With On‑Shift Performance Reviews - Radius‑Based Job Alerts And Rapid Acceptance Flow For Relief Staff - Employer Dashboard For Instant Requests And Provisional Invoicing - Basic On‑Platform Assessments For Readiness Before Dispatch

Why Now?

Timing Recent Labour Market Volatility And Recurring Operational Disruptions Create Demand For Rapid Temporary Staffing. An App That Reduces Paperwork, Shortens Response Time, And Tracks On‑Shift Performance Addresses A Clear, Immediate Need For Organisations That Cannot Afford Skill Gaps Or Unstaffed Shifts.

What Fastercapital Will Provide?

Fastercapital Support Scope - Hands‑On Execution Support To Refine Shefa Zoe’ Product Roadmap And Prioritise Employer Pilot Features - Fundraising Readiness Guidance And Pitch Refinement (No Funding Guarantee Implied) - Introductions To Relevant Ecosystem Stakeholders, Mentors And Potential Early Adopters - Operational Advice On Compliance, Billing Flows And Performance Tracking - Practical Assistance In Preparing Materials For Employer Due Diligence

Program Plan (First 30–60 Days)

Initial Work Plan - Product: Iterate On Onboarding Flows, Alerting Logic And The Digital Cv/Performance Review Sections.

- Employer Pilots: Deploy Controlled Pilot Requests With A Small Set Of Employers To Validate Response Time And Acceptance Flow.

- Operations: Set Up Provisional Invoicing And Payment Hold Procedures, And A Basic Emergency Transport Plan For Dispatched Staff.

- Data & Metrics: Define The Key Operational Metrics For Daily Monitoring (Response Time, Arrival Time, Booking Completion, Satisfaction).

Leadership Comment

“Hesham Zreik, Founder And Ceo Of Fastercapital, Said: ‘We’re Excited To Support Shefa Zoe Through Equitypilot. Our Team Will Focus On Execution Milestones And Connecting The Startup With The Right Ecosystem Stakeholders.’”

Founder / Team Shefa Zoey Holding Established Shefa Zoe To Use Tech And Innovation To Tackle Unemployment And Provide Transparent Access To Short‑Term Work. The Platform Targets Security Officers, Nurses And General Labourers And Is Designed To Minimise Administrative Burden For Employers While Tracking On‑Shift Performance For Workers’ Digital Records. The Team Will Work With Fastercapital On Employer Outreach And Pilot Operations.

Next 90 Days

90‑Day Outlook Over The Next Three Months Shefa Zoe And Fastercapital Will Complete An Employer Pilot Cohort, Refine The App’s Critical Flows Based On Real‑World Feedback, And Produce An Investor‑Ready Package That Outlines Operational Metrics And Next‑Stage Needs. The Focus Will Be Practical Execution Rather Than Speculative Claims Of Future Outcomes.

About Shefa Zoe

Shefa Zoe (Special Personnel Relief Services) Is A Mobile And Web Service From Shefa Zoey Holding That Connects Vetted, On‑Demand Temporary Staff With Employers And Households. Shefa Zoe Is Built To Provide Fast Replacements For Absent Workers, Reduce Hr Admin, And Offer Transparent, Merit‑Based Access To Short‑Term Work For Jobseekers.

About FasterCapital

FasterCapital is a global venture builder and online incubator dedicated to co-funding and co-founding innovative startups. Established in 2014, we are now #1 venture builder in terms of number of startups that we have helped, money invested and money raised. It supports startups worldwide through various programs, including funding assistance, business development, and technical support. The EquityPilot program is designed to help early-stage startups build scalable solutions with mentorship, strategic guidance, and network support.

FasterCapital’s Tripz advances AI ride-matching, document verification, and payments

Amman, Jordan & Dubai, UAE — Mar 08, 2026 

Tripz, the Jordan-based mobility startup, today reports a series of product and operational milestones supported by FasterCapital as it advances through the LaunchUp program. Recent work includes backend optimization for AI-driven ride matching, progress on AI-powered driver document verification, stronger payment confirmation logic and driver wallet infrastructure, and preparations for an Egypt relaunch focused on Cairo and Alexandria.

Concise editor-friendly nut graf FasterCapital and LaunchUp are providing ongoing support as Tripz focuses on current execution priorities: product robustness, automated driver KYC, payment reliability, and market relaunch operations.

What the Startup Delivers? 

Tripz continues to refine its technology stack to improve user and driver experiences.

Deliverables in this phase include:

- Backend performance and AI tuning to improve ride-matching efficiency under higher load.

- An AI-driven driver document verification pipeline that extracts structured data and feeds it into Tripz’s database for automated onboarding workflows.

- Robust payment confirmation logic and a strengthened driver wallet system designed to reduce transaction errors and reconcile payments more reliably.

Current FasterCapital Support

FasterCapital’s ongoing support during this phase includes:

- Milestone planning and execution follow-up to track technical and operational deliverables.

- Fundraising readiness support and pitch refinement as Tripz pursues investment.

- Assistance with communications and investor materials to clarify the value proposition.

- Introductions to relevant ecosystem stakeholders where appropriate.

- Strategic prioritization to align product work with market relaunch objectives.

Current Execution Priorities

Tripz’s current priorities are focused on: completing the AI document verification automations and database integration; finalizing payment confirmation logic and driver wallet reliability improvements; finishing backend optimization for high-load performance; and completing operational planning for the planned Egypt relaunch in Cairo and Alexandria.

Funding readiness note

Tripz has refined its investment materials and is pursuing fundraising conversations, targeting $400K for 40% equity. FasterCapital continues to provide fundraising readiness support, including pitch refinement and investor outreach guidance. No funding outcomes are guaranteed.

Ecosystem relevance

Resuming operations in Egypt is a strategic regional step given market size and urban mobility demand. Tripz’s engineering-focused milestones aim to deliver a repeatable technical and operational playbook that can be applied to multi-city launches across the region while adhering to localized requirements for driver onboarding and payments.

Leadership Comment

Hesham Zreik, Founder and CEO of FasterCapital, said: ‘We’re pleased to continue supporting Tripz through LaunchUp. Our team is focused on current execution priorities, milestone tracking, and connecting the startup with relevant ecosystem stakeholders as it advances.’

About Tripz

Tripz is a Jordan-based mobility startup focused on AI-enhanced ride matching and streamlined driver onboarding and payments. The team is advancing product and operational systems to support reliable urban mobility services and regional expansion.

About FasterCapital

FasterCapital supports startups through execution-focused guidance, fundraising readiness support, and access to a broad ecosystem of mentors, partners, and investors where appropriate. Through programs such as LaunchUp, FasterCapital helps founders refine strategy, strengthen materials, and make measurable progress toward near-term milestones. 

TownTicks updates: product newsfeed live, Business Services launching, AI agents in development

Toronto, Canada & Dubai, UAE — Mar 08, 2026 

Town Ticks, the City Information System provider active in Toronto and Dubai, today reported product and operational milestones as it advances development of assistive AI agents scheduled for summer 2026, with ongoing support from FasterCapital through the LaunchUp program. The company has added a product newsfeed and will launch TownTicks Business Services in March to broaden its city information offerings and merchant tools ahead of agent deployment.

Concise second paragraph (editor-friendly nut graf) With continued collaboration from FasterCapital under LaunchUp, TownTicks is focusing on product expansion and commercialization tools for businesses while preparing its assistive AI agents for release. FasterCapital’s current support prioritizes execution tracking and market readiness as the company advances.

What the Startup Delivers? 

Product Snapshot TownTicks has introduced a product newsfeed that lets users select categories of interest or shopping intent and receive trending items, best sellers, and new launches — designed to increase discoverability (“Buy what is popular or gift what is new”). Complementing this consumer-facing layer, TownTicks will launch Business Services: a packaged set of software tools for business promotion, with agent-enabled services planned for a later phase.

Current FasterCapital Support

FasterCapital’s ongoing contribution in this phase includes:

- milestone planning and execution follow-up to keep product and service timelines on track - fundraising readiness guidance and pitch refinement where appropriate - introductions to relevant ecosystem stakeholders and market positioning support - strategic prioritization and milestone tracking as TownTicks advances development

Current Execution Priorities

TownTicks’ current priorities are focused on: rolling out the Product Newsfeed to engaged city users; launching TownTicks Business Services for merchants in early March; expanding and structuring city datasets to support agent capabilities; and continuing engineering work on assistive AI agents for the targeted summer 2026 release.

Leadership Comment

“Hesham Zreik, Founder and CEO of FasterCapital, said: ‘We’re pleased to continue supporting TownTicks through LaunchUp. Our team is focused on current execution priorities, milestone tracking, and connecting the startup with relevant ecosystem stakeholders as it advances.’”

Ecosystem relevance

TownTicks operates at the intersection of urban information systems and consumer-facing services. Its product newsfeed and forthcoming Business Services are designed to serve residents and merchants in city markets like Toronto and Dubai, helping to populate the data environment required by assistive AI while creating immediate utility for local businesses.

Competitive landscape

TownTicks competes in the broader city information and urban assistance category, where structured, timely local data and merchant engagement capabilities are key differentiators. The company is prioritizing data breadth and service tooling to support future agent-driven interactions rather than relying on single-channel discoverability.

About TownTicks

TownTicks organizes city information through a City Social Network and is advancing toward Assistive AI agents that use structured urban data to assist citizens in day-to-day life. TownTicks’ product is available to residents in Dubai and Toronto.

About FasterCapital

FasterCapital works with founders to turn plans into disciplined execution through milestone-based support, hands-on guidance, and improved fundraising readiness. With programs including LaunchUp, FasterCapital helps startups sharpen positioning, clarify priorities, and connect with relevant ecosystem stakeholders as they grow. 

FasterCapital adds Wormscope to EquityPilot to address endoscopy access

Iraq & Dubai, UAE — 08 Mar 2026

Lead FasterCapital has accepted Wormscope into its EquityPilot program, supporting the development and early execution plan for two medical devices Wormscope and the Portable Diagnostic Wormscope (PDW) designed to expand access to less-invasive endoscopic screening and diagnostics. The startup’s work focuses on making endoscopy-style exams simpler, lower-risk, and more accessible in clinical and outpatient settings.

Nut graf FasterCapital’s EquityPilot will concentrate on execution milestones during the first 30–60 days, aligning product definition, regulatory planning, and manufacturer engagement to move WORMSCOPE toward manufacturable prototypes and pilot clinical testing.

Why It Matters?

Endoscopy remains a critical diagnostic tool, but cost, logistics, and patient comfort limit access in many settings. Innovations that reduce procedural complexity and enable wider distribution of diagnostic devices can help clinics offer more frequent, earlier screening and potentially improve patient follow-up rates.

What the Startup Delivers?

Solution Overview WORMSCOPE is an electronic endoscopy alternative designed to be compact, lower-risk for patients, and less dependent on complex sterilization workflows. The Portable Diagnostic Wormscope (PDW) is a consumer-oriented diagnostic device intended to be simple to use with AI-assisted analysis for preliminary screening. Both products are described by the inventor as designed to support remote or online procedures and AI-enabled self-guidance features.

Why Now?

Timing Advances in miniaturized imaging, mobile connectivity, and AI-assisted interpretation make this an opportune moment to pursue devices that shift some diagnostic activity outside traditional endoscopy suites. Manufacturers have expressed interest in producing new single-use and lower-maintenance devices, contingent on development funding and regulatory planning.

What FasterCapital Will Provide?

FasterCapital Support Scope

- Hands-on execution support focused on early milestones and manufacturability

- Guidance on regulatory and clinical planning pathways appropriate for medical devices

- Introductions to manufacturing partners and supply-chain advisors in relevant regions

- Assistance refining go-to-market positioning and investor-facing materials

First 30–60 Days Program Plan

In the opening weeks, the team will validate technical requirements, document regulatory strategy options, and engage with potential manufacturers to define prototype specifications. FasterCapital and the founder will jointly prioritize clinical use cases, refine product requirements, and prepare materials needed for early-stage partner conversations.

Leadership Comment

“Hesham Zreik, Founder and CEO of FasterCapital, said: ‘We’re excited to support WORMSCOPE through EquityPilot. Our team will focus on execution milestones and connecting the startup with the right ecosystem stakeholders.’” 

Founder Quote

Dr. Mohammed Hamid Al-sabawi, inventor of WORMSCOPE and PDW, said: “These devices are designed to broaden access to diagnostic endoscopy tools by minimizing patient discomfort and simplifying sterilization and maintenance. We welcome FasterCapital’s execution-focused approach to help translate the designs into manufacturable products.”

Next 90 Days

90-Day Outlook Over the next three months the work will center on completing a manufacturable prototype spec, initiating regulatory pathway conversations, and lining up pilot manufacturing quotes. The goal is to emerge with clear next-stage development milestones and a prioritized plan for pilot clinical validation.

About Wormscope

Wormscope and the Portable Diagnostic Wormscope (PDW) are device concepts developed by Dr. Mohammed Al-sabawi, aimed at delivering less-invasive, lower-complexity endoscopic imaging and AI-assisted screening. The devices are described as intended to reduce procedural barriers in hospitals and outpatient clinics and to support remote or self-guided screening workflows, subject to clinical validation and regulatory approvals.

About FasterCapital

FasterCapital is a global venture builder and online incubator dedicated to co-funding and co-founding innovative startups. Established in 2014, we are now #1 venture builder in terms of number of startups that we have helped, money invested and money raised. It supports startups worldwide through various programs, including funding assistance, business development, and technical support. The EquityPilot program is designed to help early-stage startups build scalable solutions with mentorship, strategic guidance, and network support.

FasterCapital’s CashOver advances in Lebanon with new user and merchant milestones

BEIRUT, Lebanon & Dubai, UAE — March 07, 2026

CashOver, now live in the Lebanese market, is reporting early operational progress as it advances under ongoing support from FasterCapital and the LaunchUp program. The fintech has surpassed 200 registered users with steady daily sign-ups, onboarded 20 active merchants across key categories, expanded brand visibility, and is operating a freemium model in Q1 2026 to accelerate user and ecosystem growth while preparing for an upcoming funding round.

Concise second paragraph (editor-friendly nut graf): FasterCapital and LaunchUp continue to support CashOver’s current execution focus on accelerating user acquisition, expanding merchant coverage, and fundraising readiness through milestone-based guidance and market positioning work.

What the Startup Delivers? 

CashOver provides a consumer-facing payments experience and merchant onboarding capabilities designed to simplify transactions across retail and service categories. The current freemium model is intended to lower barriers for user adoption while creating a pipeline of merchant relationships that can convert to paid tiers as engagement deepens.

Current FasterCapital Support

FasterCapital’s continued collaboration in this phase includes: - Milestone planning and execution follow-up to maintain momentum toward revenue and user targets - Fundraising readiness support, including pitch refinement and investor materials preparation - Strategic prioritization of go-to-market activities and merchant expansion sequencing - Introductions to relevant ecosystem stakeholders and advisors to support commercial scale-up

Current Execution Priorities

CashOver’s immediate priorities are focused on ongoing user acquisition through targeted visibility initiatives, expanding active merchant coverage across high-value categories, optimizing the freemium offering to improve engagement, and preparing pitch materials and investor outreach for the upcoming funding round. Operationally, the team is balancing customer support, merchant success workflows, and product iteration based on early usage signals.

Leadership Comment

Hesham Zreik, Founder and CEO of FasterCapital, said: ‘We’re pleased to continue supporting CashOver through LaunchUp. Our team is focused on current execution priorities, milestone tracking, and connecting the startup with relevant ecosystem stakeholders as it advances.’

About CashOver

CashOver is a Lebanon-based payments and merchant onboarding platform that enables consumers and local merchants to transact with reduced friction. The company is focused on accelerating adoption through a freemium model, building merchant partnerships, and preparing for a funding round to fuel next-stage expansion.

About FasterCapital

FasterCapital works with founders to turn plans into disciplined execution through milestone-based support, hands-on guidance, and improved fundraising readiness. With programs including LaunchUp, FasterCapital helps startups sharpen positioning, clarify priorities, and connect with relevant ecosystem stakeholders as they grow. 

FasterCapital: Oilplat reports alpha platform ready for Phase II AI/Blockchain

Panama City, Panama & Dubai, UAE — Mar 07, 2026 

Oilplat, operating as ENERGYPLAT INC. (OILPLAT Platform), today reported a series of execution milestones as it advances its energy trading and supply platform with ongoing support from FasterCapital and the EquityPilot program. Recent progress includes an alpha-stage platform prepared for Phase II AI/Blockchain integration, stronger IP protection, market interest from energy suppliers, and an updated investment structure to reduce investor risk.

This update reflects Oilplat’s continued collaboration with FasterCapital and EquityPilot; the company’s current execution focus centers on Phase II AI/Blockchain integration and staged milestone delivery toward revenue-linked platform launch.

What the Startup Delivers?

- Alpha-stage platform architecture finalized and ready for production deployment with Phase II AI/Blockchain integration planned.

- A supplier pipeline showing confirmed interest from multiple energy suppliers across oil, electricity, and natural gas sectors.

- Brand and IP protections bolstered with 10+ international trademarks; social media traction (daily infographic posts across LinkedIn, Facebook, and X/Twitter) delivering 15,000+ views over the past 3 months.

Current FasterCapital Support

FasterCapital’s ongoing support during this phase includes:

- Milestone planning and execution follow-up to align technical delivery with investment milestones.

- Fundraising readiness support, including structuring staged payment milestones tied to platform launch and revenue targets.

- Pitch and communication refinement to clarify investor materials and public messaging.

- Introductions to relevant ecosystem stakeholders and follow-up with potential investors and suppliers.

- Strategic prioritization focused on production readiness and commercial engagement.

Current Execution Priorities

Oilplat’s current priorities are focused on next-stage integration and commercial preparedness: completing Phase II AI/Blockchain workstreams, validating supplier integrations, operationalizing trademarked assets for go-to-market messaging, and aligning platform release milestones with the revised investment structure (50% equity for $10M with staged payments tied to launch and revenue).

Customer Validation

Market interest is reflected in confirmed supplier interest across oil, electricity, and natural gas sectors and in a steady social engagement program: daily infographic posts across LinkedIn, Facebook, and X/Twitter have generated 15,000+ views over the past 3 months. These early signals are informing prioritization of supplier integration work ahead of broader commercial rollout.

Leadership Comment

Hesham Zreik, Founder and CEO of FasterCapital, said: ‘We’re pleased to continue supporting Oilplat through EquityPilot. Our team is focused on current execution priorities, milestone tracking, and connecting the startup with relevant ecosystem stakeholders as it advances.’ 

About Oilplat ENERGYPLAT INC.

OILPLAT Platform is developing a multi-commodity energy trading and supply platform. Current workstreams include an alpha-stage platform advancing to Phase II AI/Blockchain integration, IP protection with 10+ international trademarks, and supplier engagement across oil, electricity, and natural gas. The company is aligning its product roadmap with a revised investment structure and continued investor engagement.

About FasterCapital

FasterCapital works with founders to turn plans into disciplined execution through milestone-based support, hands-on guidance, and improved fundraising readiness. With programs including EquityPilot, FasterCapital helps startups sharpen positioning, clarify priorities, and connect with relevant ecosystem stakeholders as they grow. 

Upifyme to expand career guidance through FasterCapital’s EquityPilot

United States & Dubai, UAE —  07 Mar 2026

Millions of students and employees struggle to identify their strengths and align education and careers for long-term success. Low workplace engagement, frequent major changes among college students, and a large share of degree holders working in roles that do not require a college degree point to a persistent mismatch between talent and opportunity. Upifyme addresses this gap with a research-driven, technology-first approach to personal discovery and career planning for users in the US and India.

What the Startup Delivers?

UpifyMe offers an end-to-end, gamified platform that combines adaptive games, immersive animations, and advanced ML models to surface users’ interests, behaviors, and aptitudes. The product suite includes career exploration modules, research-backed outlooks and improvement recommendations, and personalized school-selection guidance to help users choose education paths that support target careers. The platform also supports 1:1 expert calls and community features that bridge exploration to actionable outcomes.

Competitive landscape

Upifyme positions itself as a holistic alternative to point solutions. Standard psychometric assessments focus narrowly on aptitude; niche platforms or college-advice sites may cover interests or majors without dynamic career forecasting. Upifyme’s combination of immersive discovery, ML-driven career mapping, and school recommendations differentiates it in a fragmented market of career-advice and assessment tools.

Founder background

Founded by Uday Rana (Founder & CEO), Upifyme’s leadership brings product, operations, research, and game-development experience. The founding team includes experienced researchers and technologists with backgrounds in product management, animation, and education research, supported by design and marketing specialists focused on scalable user acquisition across two primary geographies.

Why Now?

Demand for actionable career guidance is acute: a substantial portion of workers and students change course or remain mismatched between education and employment. Upifyme targets an estimated combined user base of ~100 million in the US and India and a total addressable market estimated at $10B with an average revenue per user of $100. The timing aligns with growing adoption of digital, personalized education tools and increased institutional interest in outcomes-driven student advising.

Program Plan (first 30–60 days)

Through EquityPilot, FasterCapital will work with Upifyme on go-to-market optimization, performance marketing experiments across ASO/SEO and paid channels, enhancement of the expert-call product, and technical improvements to the ML profile engine. Initial milestones include refining the 1M-impressions funnel model, running pilot B2B school subscription outreach, and deploying key product features that support monetization.

Leadership Comment

Hesham Zreik, Founder and CEO of FasterCapital, said: ‘We’re excited to support Upifyme through EquityPilot. Our team will focus on execution milestones and connecting the startup with the right ecosystem stakeholders.’”

Next 90 Days

Upifyme will prioritize user-acquisition experiments in the US and India, launch school-subscription pilots, integrate expert-call workflows, and iterate on ML-driven personalization to improve conversion and retention metrics. FasterCapital will provide mentorship, go-to-market support, and introductions to partners and potential investors.

About Upifyme

Upifyme delivers an immersive, research-backed platform for personal discovery, career exploration, and school selection. Using adaptive games, animations, and machine learning, Upifyme helps students and early-career users align education choices with career outcomes to increase long-term success and fulfillment.

About FasterCapital

FasterCapital is a global venture builder and online incubator dedicated to co-funding and co-founding innovative startups. Established in 2014, we are now #1 venture builder in terms of number of startups that we have helped, money invested and money raised. It supports startups worldwide through various programs, including funding assistance, business development, and technical support. The EquityPilot program is designed to help early-stage startups build scalable solutions with mentorship, strategic guidance, and network support.

FasterCapital backs Rev. Yapi Sylvain Gnangoran’s tomato farm through EquityPilot

Agboville, Ivory Coast & Dubai, UAE — 07 Mar 2026 

FasterCapital today announced it will work with Reverend Yapi Sylvain Gnangoran’s intensive tomato production project through EquityPilot, targeting production scale-up and operational readiness for market contracts with agro-industrial buyers and resellers. The collaboration pairs FasterCapital’s execution-focused program with a locally adapted soilless cultivation model designed to increase yield and provide year-round fresh tomatoes.

Nut graf FasterCapital and EquityPilot will concentrate on execution milestones and practical operational planning during the first 30–60 days, focusing on translating the farm’s technical and commercial plan into prioritized, verifiable activities for market introduction and early revenue generation.

Côte d’Ivoire faces a persistent vegetable supply gap that drives seasonal shortages and import dependence. The tomato project aims to address that gap by deploying modern soilless (hydroponic) cultivation on two hectares in Agboville, producing a targeted annual output to supply local fresh-market buyers and agro-industrial processors. The market backdrop includes seasonal price spikes and a reliance on imported tomato products.

What the Startup Delivers? 

Excel And Impact Agro develops a modern agricultural farm for intensive tomato production using soilless substrate and drip irrigation. Key features include year-round cycles, high-yield varieties (SHANTY F1, SUMO, LINDO F1, PADMA F1), and an operations model designed to deliver fresh tomatoes directly to agro-processors and resellers. The promoter projects high productivity versus traditional open-field methods and anticipates creating permanent local jobs.

Why Now? 

Timing With national policy focus on lowering food costs and reducing import dependency, now is an opportune moment to scale domestic vegetable production. The technique proposed is locally mastered and targets periods of historical shortage, improving supply stability during peak-price months.

What FasterCapital Will Provide? 

FasterCapital Support Scope - Execution planning and milestone sequencing to move from feasibility to operational launch - Fundraising readiness guidance and refinement of pitch materials (no funding guaranteed) - Connections to relevant ecosystem stakeholders to explore market and supply chain introductions - Operational advisory on scaling production cycles and workforce deployment

First 30–60 Days Program Plan

During the initial 30–60 days, FasterCapital and the project team will map immediate operational priorities: finalize production schedules, validate supply-of-substrate logistics, refine cost and working-capital needs, and prepare buyer outreach materials. The effort will produce a focused 60-day action plan with clear owners and measurable checkpoints.

Leadership Comment

“Hesham Zreik, Founder and CEO of FasterCapital, said: ‘We’re excited to support Reverend REV. Yapi Sylvain Gnangoran through EquityPilot. Our team will focus on execution milestones and connecting the startup with the right ecosystem stakeholders.’” 

Next 90 Days

Near-Term Roadmap Over the following 90 days, the team plans to complete site fit-out, establish substrate and fertilizer supply lines, recruit and train core staff, begin first transplanting and irrigation commissioning, and initiate buyer engagement for offtake conversations. Outputs will include a validated production timetable and an updated financial run-rate reflecting early-cycle yields.

About the Startup

Rev. Yapi Sylvain Gnangoran’s project is a planned two-hectare intensive tomato farm in Agboville deploying soilless cultivation and drip irrigation to increase yields and provide year-round fresh tomatoes. The model emphasizes higher productivity per hectare, local substrate sourcing, and supply to agro-industrial buyers and resellers, with projected job creation and local economic benefit.

About FasterCapital

FasterCapital works with founders to turn plans into execution through structured milestones, hands-on support, and guidance that improves fundraising readiness. With programs including EquityPilot, FasterCapital helps startups sharpen positioning, validate priorities, and connect with relevant ecosystem stakeholders. 

Ahead Of Time Productions and FasterCapital to focus on localization and engagement via EquityPilot

Yaoundé, Cameroon & Dubai, UAE — 07 Mar 2025

FasterCapital has welcomed Ahead of Time Productions, an inclusive Pan‑African educational platform developed by Ahead of Time Productions (ATP), into its EquityPilot program to help the startup accelerate product localization, user engagement testing, and go‑to‑market readiness. The collaboration pairs FasterCapital’s execution-focused support with Ahead Of Time Productions's quiz‑based learning model spanning primary to lifelong education.

Nut graf FasterCapital, through EquityPilot, will concentrate on product localization, go‑to‑market testing, and early operational milestones during the first 30–60 days to help Ahead Of Time Productions's refine its offering for diverse African learning contexts.

Why It Matters? 

Africa’s digital education demand is growing as mobile penetration and AI adoption rise, yet many available solutions are not adapted to local curricula, languages, or connectivity realities. Ahead Of Time Productions's aims to fill that gap by delivering hyper‑localized, low‑friction learning experiences designed for daily routines and broad accessibility across ages and social groups.

What the Startup Delivers?

Solution Overview Ahead Of Time Productions's is a freemium mobile app and complementary e‑learning ecosystem that uses quiz-driven micro‑learning, adaptive algorithms, and a teacher engagement model to improve retention and motivation. Offerings include curriculum-aligned quizzes, health and life‑skills series, a web radio, and a website for resource simplification and intercultural dialogue. Premium tiers provide exam prep, analytics, and certificates.

Why Now?

Timing The convergence of rising smartphone access, unmet localized content needs in Francophone and other African markets, and rapid AI tool availability creates an opening for solutions that are low‑data, culturally relevant, and habit‑forming. Ahead Of Time Productions's freemium + premium model is designed to build daily learning habits that support retention and long‑term monetization.

What FasterCapital Will Provide?

FasterCapital Support Scope - Execution guidance to refine Ahead Of Time Productions's immediate product and go‑to‑market priorities - Mentoring and connections to regional education and tech ecosystem stakeholders - Support for fundraising readiness and investor materials (no funding guarantee) - Operational advice around user acquisition strategies and teacher engagement

Program Plan First 30–60 Days

The initial work plan will focus on localization of core modules, rapid user testing in target regions, analytics setup to measure engagement, and refinement of premium features based on early feedback. FasterCapital and Ahead Of Time Productions will prioritize low‑data experiences and teacher-facing adoption pathways.

Leadership Comment

“Hesham Zreik, Founder and CEO of FasterCapital, said: ‘We’re excited to support Ahead of Time Productions through EquityPilot. Our team will focus on execution milestones and connecting the startup with the right ecosystem stakeholders.’”

Next 90 Days

Upcoming Milestones Over the next quarter, the partnership will run pilot deployments for curriculum modules, collect teacher and student feedback, iterate on retention mechanics, and prepare materials for follow‑on partnerships and licensing conversations.

About Ahead Of Time Productions

Ahead Of Time Productions is an inclusive Pan‑African educational initiative created by Ahead of Time Productions (ATP). It delivers quiz‑based learning from primary school through lifelong learning, with localized content, health and life‑skills modules, and a freemium model designed to embed daily learning habits and expand educational opportunity across African markets.

About FasterCapital

FasterCapital is a global venture builder and online incubator dedicated to co-funding and co-founding innovative startups. Established in 2014, we are now #1 venture builder in terms of number of startups that we have helped, money invested and money raised. It supports startups worldwide through various programs, including funding assistance, business development, and technical support. The EquityPilot program is designed to help early-stage startups build scalable solutions with mentorship, strategic guidance, and network support.

FasterCapital-supported Integral Systems reports Robhie™ SaaS commercialization readiness

Madrid, Spain & Dubai, UAE — Mar 06, 2026

INTEGRAL SYSTEMS S.A.S, based in Spain, is reporting the consolidation of four commercial-ready SaaS modules within its ROBHIE™ ecosystem covering document intelligence, residential community management, a virtual internal communications infrastructure, and hotel reservation systems while continuing to develop go-to-market capabilities with support from FasterCapital. https://fastercapital.com

Concise second paragraph (editor-friendly nut graf): FasterCapital and the LaunchUp program continue to support INTEGRAL SYSTEMS S.A.S, focusing on execution priorities such as milestone planning, product commercialization readiness, and targeted introductions to relevant ecosystem stakeholders as the company advances.

Update Summary

INTEGRAL SYSTEMS is reporting product and operational progress: four distinct SaaS modules have been consolidated into the ROBHIE™ ecosystem and are positioned for commercialization. The update reflects ongoing engineering, product integration, and commercialization preparation work rather than initial development, and signals the company’s current focus on market-readiness and operational execution.

What the Startup Delivers? 

Product Snapshot: The ROBHIE™ ecosystem now encompasses:

- Document intelligence: automated extraction and classification to streamline administrative workflows.

- Residential community management: tools designed for owners’ associations and property managers.

- Virtual internal communication infrastructure: an internal messaging and coordination layer for distributed teams.

- Hotel reservation systems: a reservation and availability engine tailored for boutique and small-chain hospitality operators.

Current FasterCapital Support

FasterCapital’s ongoing contribution to INTEGRAL SYSTEMS during this phase includes: - milestone planning and execution follow-up to keep commercialization timelines on track; - fundraising readiness support and pitch refinement where appropriate; - introductions to relevant ecosystem stakeholders and potential advisors; - strategic prioritization and market positioning support to focus go-to-market efforts.

Current Execution Priorities

INTEGRAL SYSTEMS’ current focus is commercialization readiness: validating module interoperability, finalizing deployment workflows, refining product messaging, and preparing sales and support materials. The team is also advancing technical hardening and integration points that will support early adopter deployments and smoother onboarding once customers are contracted.

Leadership Comment

Hesham Zreik, Founder and CEO of FasterCapital, said: ‘We’re pleased to continue supporting INTEGRAL SYSTEMS S.A.S through LaunchUp. Our team is focused on current execution priorities, milestone tracking, and connecting the startup with relevant ecosystem stakeholders as it advances.’ 

About INTEGRAL SYSTEMS S.A.S

INTEGRAL SYSTEMS S.A.S is a Spain-based software company developing the ROBHIE™ ecosystem, a set of SaaS modules for document intelligence, residential community management, virtual internal communications, and hotel reservation systems. The company is focused on delivering integrated, operational software for property management and hospitality operators.

About FasterCapital

FasterCapital works with founders to turn plans into disciplined execution through milestone-based support, hands-on guidance, and improved fundraising readiness. With programs including LaunchUp, FasterCapital helps startups sharpen positioning, clarify priorities, and connect with relevant ecosystem stakeholders as they grow. 

FasterCapital backs EasyBusy App through EquityPilot to tackle contractor inefficiencies

Fiji & Dubai, UAE — 06 Mar 2026

FasterCapital has selected EasyBusy App for its EquityPilot program, linking the startup with hands-on execution support focused in the first 30–60 days on product engineering, contractor onboarding, and regional operations scale-up. FasterCapital’s involvement is designed to help EasyBusy App accelerate development of a trust-first, multilingual contractor marketplace tailored for the GCC.

Nut graf FasterCapital’s EquityPilot will concentrate on execution milestones during the first 30–60 days, working with EasyBusy App to prioritize product features, operational readiness, and contractor verification workflows.

Why It Matters?

Across the GCC, on-demand contractor and home-services segments face persistent pain points difficult discovery, manual scheduling, high no-show rates, fragmented communication, and inconsistent compliance across cities and regulators. These frictions increase transaction costs for consumers and make it harder for reliable contractors to scale across emirates and countries. A regionally localized, trust-focused platform aims to reduce these inefficiencies and improve service reliability.

What the Startup Delivers?

Solution Overview EasyBusy App is a trust-first, multilingual contractor platform designed for the GCC. The product focuses on verified contractor profiles, escrow-style payment flows and dispute mediation, multilingual support for contractor–customer communication, and a centralized digital workflow to replace fragmented channels such as calls, messaging apps, and paper invoices. The platform targets trades including MEP, handyman services, and cleaning, and is built to address city-by-city compliance requirements across the region.

Why Now?

Timing Regulatory and consumer expectations for service reliability and documented compliance are increasing across GCC markets. Simultaneously, mobile-first adoption and partner payments infrastructure in regional hubs such as Dubai and Riyadh create an opening for localized marketplaces that emphasize verification, dispute resolution, and a multilingual experience.

How FasterCapital Will Provide?

- Hands-on product and engineering guidance to refine core features and launch native mobile workflows - Support for contractor onboarding strategies and verification processes to build a trust-first network - Assistance in integrating payments and KYC flows and preparing materials for partner conversations - Operational advising for regional rollout, including multi-city compliance practices and support models

Program Plan First 30–60 Days

EasyBusy App and FasterCapital will prioritize a sprint-based plan concentrating on native app stability and payments integration, contractor verification workflows, and building initial regional operations playbooks. The period will include technical milestones, process definitions for onboarding contractors, and attention to multilingual customer experience and support.

Leadership Comment

Hesham Zreik, Founder and CEO of FasterCapital, said: ‘We’re excited to support EasyBusy App through EquityPilot. Our team will focus on execution milestones and connecting the startup with the right ecosystem stakeholders.’

Next 90 Days

Near-Term Roadmap Over the next 90 days EasyBusy App plans to complete core product engineering items, begin contractor onboarding in target cities, run early pilot jobs to validate workflows, and iterate on verification and payments processes based on pilot feedback. FasterCapital will continue to work with the team on operational readiness and introductions to relevant ecosystem partners.

About EasyBusy App

EasyBusy App Founded by Mohammed Shamir Sharukh Khan, is a marketplace designed to make hiring contractors in the GCC easier, safer, and more transparent. The platform focuses on verified contractors, escrow-like payment handling, multilingual support, and digital workflows to replace fragmented communications and paper processes. EasyBusy App targets service verticals including MEP, handyman, and cleaning services and is built for regional regulatory and language diversity.

About FasterCapital

FasterCapital is a global venture builder and online incubator dedicated to co-funding and co-founding innovative startups. Established in 2014, we are now #1 venture builder in terms of number of startups that we have helped, money invested and money raised. It supports startups worldwide through various programs, including funding assistance, business development, and technical support. The EquityPilot program is designed to help early-stage startups build scalable solutions with mentorship, strategic guidance, and network support.

FasterCapital backs qOtimp through EquityPilot to advance quantum finance

Singapore & Dubai, UAE — March 05, 2026  

FasterCapital has selected qOtimp, a Singapore-based fintech focused on quantum-powered options pricing and portfolio optimization, to join the EquityPilot program. The collaboration aims to refine qOtimp’s go-to-market integration for institutional APIs and consumer-facing web and mobile tools designed to deliver more accurate, faster insights for options and portfolio construction.

Nut graf FasterCapital and EquityPilot will focus the first 30–60 days on validating technical integration points and product-market fit for qOtimp’s combined options-pricing and portfolio-optimization workflow. The immediate work will center on pilot integrations with institutional workflows and building the API layer for trading platforms.

Why It Matters? 

Financial institutions and investment platforms are under rising pressure to improve pricing accuracy and rebalancing efficiency for derivatives and portfolios. Traditional Monte Carlo and closed-form approaches can be computationally slow or limited for complex instruments. qOtimp aims to apply quantum-inspired and quantum-executable algorithms to reduce compute time and improve scenario analysis for both institutional and retail users.

What the Startup Delivers? 

Product Snapshot qOtimp offers a quantum-driven options pricing engine alternative to classical Monte Carlo and Black–Scholes methods, and a portfolio-optimization tool that produces near-optimal allocations across selected assets. The stack is intended to be API-ready for banks and trading platforms and to power consumer mobile and web apps that surface scenarios, Sharpe-like assessments, and option valuations for portfolio holdings.

Why Now? 

Timing Interest from banks, fintechs, and research groups in quantum-assisted financial analytics has increased as algorithmic approaches mature and cloud-accessible quantum simulators become practical for development. qOtimp is positioning its solution to operate today on simulators and early hardware, while designing for portability to emerging quantum backends.

What FasterCapital Will Provide? 

- Hands-on execution support to refine product milestones and developer workflows - Guidance on API design and pilot integration with institutional systems - Fundraising readiness advice and pitch refinement support - Connections to relevant ecosystem stakeholders, mentors, and potential pilot partners

Execution Plan First 30–60 Days

FasterCapital and qOtimp will validate the end-to-end flow that pairs optimized portfolio allocations with corresponding options prices, prioritize API endpoints for institutional pilots, and focus on data and scenario validation. The team will also refine messaging for B2B APIs and the consumer subscription proposition.

Leadership Comment

Hesham Zreik, Founder and CEO of FasterCapital, said: ‘We’re excited to support qOtimp through EquityPilot. Our team will focus on execution milestones and connecting the startup with the right ecosystem stakeholders.’ 

Founder Note qOtimp, founded by M Pandurangan, is developing an integrated offering that combines quantum-based options pricing with portfolio optimization to reduce rebalancing costs, improve risk assessment, and make institutional-grade analytics more accessible to retail platforms.

Next 90 Days

Upcoming Milestones qOtimp will pursue pilot conversations with targeted hedge funds and trading platforms, deliver a prioritized API specification, and launch a closed beta of the integrated mobile/web experience to selected users. The work will feed back into product improvements and investor and partner outreach.

About qOtimp

qOtimp (Quantum Options & Portfolio Optimization) is a fintech startup based in Singapore building quantum-driven financial analytics for options pricing and portfolio optimization. The company is focused on delivering accurate pricing for complex derivatives and near-optimal allocation scenarios via APIs and consumer apps that aim to bridge institutional analytics and retail accessibility.

About FasterCapital

FasterCapital works with founders to turn plans into execution through structured milestones, hands-on support, and guidance that improves fundraising readiness. With programs including EquityPilot, FasterCapital helps startups sharpen positioning, validate priorities, and connect with relevant ecosystem stakeholders. Learn more at FasterCapital.

FasterCapital’s Launchup: Mia and Mai Reports New Global Milestones

Cape Town, South Africa & Dubai, UAE — March 5, 2026 

Mia and Mai Luxury, the South African luxury house behind the “Controlled Ultra-Luxury” model, is reporting a series of operational and commercial milestones as it advances on the global stage with ongoing support from FasterCapital through Launchup. Recent progress includes surpassing $300 million in total retail sales, a $500 million valuation, standardized fulfillment processes, and $682,000 in high-value revenue between November and January.

Concise second paragraph (editor-friendly nut graf) With continued collaboration from FasterCapital through Launchup, Mia and Mai’s current execution focus is on fulfillment optimization, global marketing reinvestment, and private-client order management as the company scales its international footprint.

Update Summary

Mia and Mai is reporting execution-led progress across revenue, valuation, operations, and market positioning. The company highlights its status as the first African luxury brand competing in the global luxury market, continued international private-client demand, and a standardized 7-step luxury order lifecycle designed to maintain quality while supporting growth.

Current FasterCapital Support

FasterCapital’s ongoing collaboration in this phase includes: - Milestone planning and execution follow-up aligned with the startup’s global rollout - Fundraising readiness support and valuation advisory as the business refines equity positioning - Pitch and communication refinement for investor and private-client materials - Introductions to relevant ecosystem stakeholders to accelerate supply chain and fulfillment options - Strategic prioritization and market positioning support for international expansion efforts

What the Startup Delivers? 

Mia and Mai offers artisanal footwear and luxury goods under a Controlled Ultra-Luxury model that emphasizes craftsmanship, limited-volume pre-orders, and white-glove service for private clients. Operational improvements now include a seven-step order lifecycle and reinforced quality assurance processes to protect brand integrity across international deliveries.

Current Execution Priorities

The company’s current priorities are ongoing fulfillment optimization to handle higher-value orders, reinvesting in global marketing to sustain momentum, refining private-client services, and operationalizing supply-chain improvements to support international delivery consistency.

Leadership Comment

“Hesham Zreik, Founder and CEO of FasterCapital, said: ‘We’re pleased to continue supporting Mia and Mai through Launchup. Our team is focused on current execution priorities, milestone tracking, and connecting the startup with relevant ecosystem stakeholders as it advances.’”

Ecosystem relevance

Mia and Mai’s progress signals growing visibility for African luxury craftsmanship within global markets. By reporting substantial retail sales and establishing presence in key luxury hubs, the company contributes to a broader regional narrative where differentiated manufacturing, storytelling, and private-client services are creating export-ready luxury offerings from Africa.

Customer validation

Recent commercial indicators underline customer demand for Mia and Mai’s model: $682,000 in high-value revenue across a single seasonal window, strong pre-order activity for elite footwear, and ongoing international private-client demand. These operational signals are guiding near-term investments in fulfillment and client service.

About Mia and Mai

Mia and Mai is a South African luxury brand operating a Controlled Ultra-Luxury model that blends artisanal footwear craftsmanship with white-glove client services. The company reports over $300 million in total retail sales to date, a $500 million valuation, and ongoing international demand as it refines fulfillment and marketing for a growing private-client list.

About FasterCapital

FasterCapital works with founders to turn plans into disciplined execution through milestone-based support, hands-on guidance, and improved fundraising readiness. With programs including Launchup, FasterCapital helps startups sharpen positioning, clarify priorities, and connect with relevant ecosystem stakeholders as they grow.

Industrial Fishery Sarl reports user growth, product deployment, and pilot traction with ongoing FasterCapital support

line Yaoundé, Cameroon & Dubai, UAE — 05 Mar 2026

Industrial Fishery Sarl, an existing participant in FasterCapital’s program, today reported progress across product, commercial pilots, and user growth as it advances its operational objectives in Cameroon. With ongoing support from FasterCapital to refine execution and fundraising readiness, the company deployed new platform features, opened active negotiations for three-month pilot contracts, and registered a rise in active users tied to improved processing efficiency. 

Concise second paragraph (editor-friendly nut graf) FasterCapital continues to support Industrial Fishery Sarl through Launchup with a focus on milestone planning and execution follow-up as the startup concentrates on product rollout and pilot delivery. This ongoing collaboration is aligned to the company’s current execution priorities and operational scaling.

What the Startup Delivers? 

Industrial Fishery Sarl is deploying product features designed to streamline investment processing and improve user experience for stakeholders in the commercial fishing sector. The platform aims to reduce administrative wait times and support partner firms through trial deployments that validate operational benefits during real-world pilot periods.

Current FasterCapital Support

FasterCapital’s ongoing contribution to Industrial Fishery Sarl includes: - Milestone planning and execution follow-up to track progress against targets - Fundraising readiness support and pitch refinement as needed - Introductions to relevant ecosystem stakeholders where appropriate - Strategic prioritization and market positioning support during this phase

Current Execution Priorities

The startup’s current priorities are operational and execution-focused: complete three-month pilot tests with partner firms, monitor and validate efficiency gains from recent feature deployments, and scale user acquisition under a new marketing lead. The team has onboarded Nicolas Dufourcq as Marketing Manager to scale acquisition and support pilot conversion efforts.

Leadership Comment

Hesham Zreik, Founder and CEO of FasterCapital, said: ‘We’re pleased to continue supporting Industrial Fishery Sarl through Launchup. Our team is focused on current execution priorities, milestone tracking, and connecting the startup with relevant ecosystem stakeholders as it advances.’ (Hesham Zreik: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heshamzreik)

Current Evidence and Traction

- Active Users: 214 (milestone reached; +19% week-over-week) - Efficiency: 20% reduction in waiting time for investment processing - Pipeline: Active negotiations and signatures for 3-month pilot tests in progress - Market signal: Cited as an “innovation to watch” in global VC reports; product deployment has attracted heightened investor interest

About Industrial Fishery Sarl

Industrial Fishery Sarl is a Cameroon-based startup focused on improving operational efficiency in fisheries investment and management through digital tools. The company develops platform features that aim to reduce processing delays and support pilot engagements with industry partners to validate value in live settings.

About FasterCapital

FasterCapital works with founders to turn plans into disciplined execution through milestone-based support, hands-on guidance, and improved fundraising readiness. With programs including Launchup, FasterCapital helps startups sharpen positioning, clarify priorities, and connect with relevant ecosystem stakeholders as they grow. Learn more at FasterCapital.

Jlc Industry Of Tomato Paste Sarl U joins FasterCapital’s EquityPilot to scale tomato concentrate production

Lome, Togo & Dubai, UAE — Mar 05, 2026

Demand for shelf-stable, locally produced tomato concentrate is rising across West Africa as processors and retailers seek reliable supply chains and reduced import dependence. Jlc Industry Of Tomato Paste Sarl U aims to address seasonal volatility in fresh tomato supply and inadequate local processing capacity by establishing a dedicated unit to transform fresh tomatoes into concentrated paste for retail and industrial customers.

What the Startup Delivers?

JLC Industry Of Tomato Paste Sarl U, led by founder Mensah Selom Adjete Fulbert. Fulbert, will design, install, and operate a production line for concentrated tomato paste covering procurement of fresh tomatoes, heat-based concentration, quality control, and packaging for both consumer and B2B markets. The venture targets consistent product quality, improved shelf life, and reduced post-harvest losses for local growers through aggregation and contract farming relationships.

Why Now?

Regional supply chains and rising consumer demand favor locally produced tomato paste to replace costly imports. Advances in small-to-medium-scale processing equipment, combined with growing interest from regional distributors, create a timely opportunity to capture underserved market segments and support local agricultural value chains.

Program Plan (first 30–60 days)

Through the EquityPilot program, FasterCapital will work with JLC INDUSTRY OF TOMATO PASTE SARL U to: - Finalize a phased execution plan for plant setup and commissioning. - Validate the sourcing strategy and initial supplier agreements with local tomato growers. - Strengthen commercial materials (pitch, sales, and quality assurance documentation) to engage early buyers. - Define measurable milestones for equipment procurement, staffing, and first production run.

Leadership Comment

Hesham Zreik, Founder and CEO of FasterCapital, said: ‘We’re excited to support JLC INDUSTRY OF TOMATO PASTE SARL U through EquityPilot. Our team will focus on execution milestones and connecting the startup with the right ecosystem stakeholders.’

Founder background

Founder MENSAH Selom A. Fulbert brings project-level planning for agro-processing and an understanding of local tomato production dynamics. The founder’s experience informs the project’s emphasis on farmer aggregation and quality-driven processing.

Ecosystem relevance

The initiative aligns with regional goals to strengthen food processing capacity, reduce post-harvest loss, and create upstream demand for smallholder tomato producers contributing to local jobs and value retention.

Next 90 Days

Jlc Industry Of Tomato Paste Sarl U and FasterCapital will prioritize selecting a site, securing equipment quotes, signing initial grower agreements, and engaging potential first customers. The program will monitor progress against defined execution milestones to prepare the startup for follow-on investor engagement and commercial launch.

About Jlc Industry Of Tomato Paste Sarl U

Jlc Industry Of Tomato Paste Sarl U (Founder: MENSAH Selom A. Fulbert) is a Togo-based startup focused on the production, transformation, and commercialization of concentrated tomato paste. The company’s mission is to improve supply stability, reduce losses, and deliver consistent-quality tomato concentrate to regional markets.

About FasterCapital

FasterCapital is a global venture builder and online incubator dedicated to co-funding and co-founding innovative startups. Established in 2014, we are now #1 venture builder in terms of number of startups that we have helped, money invested and money raised. It supports startups worldwide through various programs, including funding assistance, business development, and technical support. The EquityPilot program is designed to help early-stage startups build scalable solutions with mentorship, strategic guidance, and network support.

FasterCapital’s EquityPilot supports ParlyPay’s cross-border payments and fraud work 3

Lagos, Nigeria & Dubai, UAE — Mar 05, 2026 

ParlyPay, an active participant in FasterCapital’s program, is reporting new product releases and business development milestones as it advances in its current growth stage with ongoing support from https://fastercapital.com and the Launchup program. Recent product work extends ParlyPay’s cross-border account connectivity and strengthens invoice management for business customers while the team pursues strategic conversations in the Middle East and West Africa.

Concise second paragraph (editor-friendly nut graf) FasterCapital and Launchup continue to support ParlyPay’s execution priorities, focusing on product refinement, milestone planning, and introductions that align with the startup’s current business development and fraud-mitigation efforts.

What the Startup Delivers? 

ParlyPay now provides linked account access across a broad set of banks in Europe, the UK, and North America, and has added invoice management capabilities tailored to current and ongoing business transactions. These enhancements are designed to simplify reconciliation and improve visibility for businesses that manage payments and invoicing across borders.

Current FasterCapital Support

FasterCapital’s ongoing contribution in this phase includes: - Milestone planning and execution follow-up to keep product and business-development efforts on track - Fundraising readiness support and pitch refinement where appropriate - Introductions to relevant ecosystem stakeholders to facilitate regional expansion and compliance conversations - Strategic prioritization and market-positioning guidance as ParlyPay advances

Current Execution Priorities

ParlyPay’s current focus is on stabilizing and scaling its new bank linking capabilities across Europe, the UK, and North America, improving user workflows for invoice management, and progressing business development conversations that could establish a footprint in Qatar and expand cross-border fraud-mitigation cooperation within West Africa.

Ecosystem relevance

ParlyPay’s ongoing discussions with the Qatar Financial Centre and regional bodies in West Africa reflect its aim to align product capabilities with regional operating and compliance frameworks. These conversations target stronger local presence, regulatory alignment, and collaborations with law-enforcement and investigative stakeholders to help address cross-border fraud risks that affect merchants and financial intermediaries.

Leadership Comment

“Hesham Zreik, Founder and CEO of FasterCapital, said: ‘We’re pleased to continue supporting ParlyPay through Launchup. Our team is focused on current execution priorities, milestone tracking, and connecting the startup with relevant ecosystem stakeholders as it advances.’” 

About ParlyPay

ParlyPay is a Nigeria-based fintech focused on simplifying cross-border payments and business payment workflows. The company continues to expand bank connectivity across Europe, the UK, and North America and to enhance invoice-management tools that support ongoing transactional needs for businesses. ParlyPay’s leadership has recently received industry recognition and media coverage for its work in fintech innovation.

About FasterCapital

FasterCapital works with founders to turn plans into disciplined execution through milestone-based support, hands-on guidance, and improved fundraising readiness. With programs including Launchup, FasterCapital helps startups sharpen positioning, clarify priorities, and connect with relevant ecosystem stakeholders as they grow. 

Fastercapital Welcomes Naoras To Equitypilot To Accelerate Iso And Certification Services

Algeria & Dubai, UAE— 05 Mar 2026

As North African Economies Diversify And Regulatory Requirements Tighten Across Industry Sectors, Demand For Accredited Certification And Management-System Services Is Growing. Certification Bodies That Can Deliver Iso-Conformant Auditing, Assessment And Certification Services Locally While Aligning With International Standards Are Increasingly Important For Public- And Private-Sector Organizations Seeking Market Access, Compliance And Operational Resilience.

What The Startup Delivers?

NAORAS (North Africa Organization For Registration, Audit And Systems), Founded By Lotfi Zaboub, Is Positioning Itself As An Algeria-Based Certification And Conformity Assessment Organization Delivering Iso 9001, Iso 14001, Iso 45001, Iso 27001, Iso/Iec 17025 And Iso 50001 Services. The Startup Combines Consulting, Audit And Certification Workflows With A Focus On Serving Public Enterprises, Private Industry And Laboratories Across Multiple Economic Sectors.

Why Now?

Regulatory Reform And Economic Diversification Efforts In The Region Are Increasing Institutional Demand For Accredited Quality, Safety And Environmental Management Services. Local Capacity Gaps And An Underserved Market Present An Opening For A Professional Certification Provider That Combines International-Standard Processes With In-Country Presence And Sectoral Expertise.

Program Plan (First 30–60 Days)

Through Equitypilot, Naoras Will Work With Fastercapital’s Team To: - Finalize Governance And Compliance Documentation Required For Accreditation Readiness. - Strengthen Go-To-Market Materials For Key Buyer Segments (State Enterprises, Large Private Groups, Laboratories). - Map Initial Auditor Recruitment And Training Plans To Support Iso 17021 And Iso/Iec 17025 Accreditation Objectives. This Engagement Focuses On Execution Milestones And Market-Readiness Activities; Participation Does Not Constitute A Funding Commitment.

Leadership Comment

Hesham Zreik, Founder And Ceo Of Fastercapital, Said: ‘We’re Excited To Support Naoras Through Equitypilot. Our Team Will Focus On Execution Milestones And Connecting The Startup With The Right Ecosystem Stakeholders.’

Founder Background

Lotfi Zaboub, Naoras Founder, Brings Over A Decade Of Multidisciplinary Professional Experience Across Telecommunications, Manufacturing, Energy, It, Healthcare Management Systems And Laboratory Services. His Team Emphasizes Building Local Expertise And Recruiting Auditors And Consultants Able To Operate Across Algeria And The Broader North Africa Region.

Funding Readiness Note

Naoras Is Advancing Accreditation Readiness, Operational Planning And Investor Outreach. Through Equitypilot Fastercapital Will Assist With Investor-Facing Materials, Financial Modeling Templates And Introduction Support To Regional And International Capital Sources.

Next 90 Days

Naoras And Fastercapital Will Prioritize Accreditation Documentation, Pilot Audits With Early Clients, Recruitment Of Certified Auditors, And Outreach To Prospective Anchor Clients In Algeria. Progress Will Be Measured Against Milestone Checklists For Accreditation Readiness And Early Commercial Engagements.

About Naoras

Naoras (North Africa Organization For Registration, Audit And Systems) Is An Algerian Certification Body Delivering Management-System Certification, Audit And Consulting Services Across Multiple Iso Families. Naoras Focuses On Compliance, Operational Excellence And Capacity Building For Organizations In North Africa.

About FasterCapital

FasterCapital is a global venture builder and online incubator dedicated to co-funding and co-founding innovative startups. Established in 2014, we are now #1 venture builder in terms of number of startups that we have helped, money invested and money raised. It supports startups worldwide through various programs, including funding assistance, business development, and technical support. The EquityPilot program is designed to help early-stage startups build scalable solutions with mentorship, strategic guidance, and network support.

FasterCapital update: Vumah advances ZK verification SDKs with institutional pilot talks

Nairobi, Kenya & Dubai, UAE — 04 Mar 2026

Vumah Labs, a Kenyan startup developing AI- and zero-knowledge (ZK)-powered verification tools, today reported progress across product, technical and fundraising workstreams as it advances with ongoing support from FasterCapital. The company’s Kweli deepfake-verification prototype is live on Starknet and the team has pivoted toward building modular ZK SDKs for legal, health and financial verification, using Kweli as a reference application.

FasterCapital and the LaunchUp program continue to support Vumah’s current execution focus on SDK development, institutional pilot readiness, and fundraising preparation as the company advances technical and operational milestones.

Why It Matters?

Trusted verification tools that combine AI and privacy-preserving cryptography are increasingly necessary for legal and regulated contexts. Vumah’s work aims to provide modular infrastructure that institutions can integrate while preserving user privacy an approach that addresses growing demand for verifiable media and sensitive-data attestations without exposing underlying data.

What the Startup Delivers? 

- Kweli prototype (deepfake verifier) running on Starknet demonstrates a working reference implementation of Vumah’s approach.

- Vumah is building modular ZK SDKs intended for legal, health and financial verification use cases; Kweli serves as the proof point for the SDK architecture.

- SDK v0.1 development is underway alongside a reworked technical whitepaper and a revised three-year financial model.

Current FasterCapital Support

FasterCapital’s ongoing collaboration includes: - Milestone planning and execution follow-up tied to SDK development and pilot readiness - Fundraising readiness support and pitch refinement - Strategic prioritization and market positioning guidance - Introductions to relevant ecosystem stakeholders where appropriate

Current Execution Priorities

Vumah’s current priorities are: completing SDK v0.1 development, finalizing the technical whitepaper and financial model, preparing documentation and integration guides for institutional pilots, and advancing fundraising conversations tied to incubation milestones.

Leadership Comment

“Hesham Zreik, Founder and CEO of FasterCapital, said: ‘We’re pleased to continue supporting Vumah through LaunchUp. Our team is focused on current execution priorities, milestone tracking, and connecting the startup with relevant ecosystem stakeholders as it advances.’” 

Ecosystem relevance

Vumah is engaged in early institutional pilot discussions with judiciary bodies and research organizations in Kenya, targeting co-development pilots in 2026 and initial conversations in Q4 2025. The company is positioning its modular SDKs to meet the integration and privacy needs of public-sector and research stakeholders that require auditable, privacy-preserving verification.

Funding readiness note

Vumah is pursuing a mixed grant and equity fundraising strategy. The team submitted an HRF grant application and is exploring ecosystem grants across multiple chains as part of a chain-agnostic approach. Vumah is also participating in FasterCapital’s incubation program and is working toward a broader fundraising target aligned with its next-stage development needs.

About Vumah

Vumah develops AI and zero-knowledge verification infrastructure, focusing on modular SDKs for legal, health and financial verification. The company uses privacy-preserving cryptography and machine learning to enable verifiable attestations while minimizing exposure of underlying sensitive data. Vumah’s core team of three has more than a decade of shared experience and is supported by advisors in finance, economics and human resources.

About FasterCapital

FasterCapital works with founders to turn plans into disciplined execution through milestone-based support, hands-on guidance, and improved fundraising readiness. With programs including LaunchUp, FasterCapital helps startups sharpen positioning, clarify priorities, and connect with relevant ecosystem stakeholders as they grow.

FasterCapital supports Dimu Paypoint’s agent-network rollout in EquityPilot

Lilongwe, Malawi & Dubai, UAE — 04 Mar 2026

Lead FasterCapital has selected Dimu Paypoint to join its EquityPilot program, supporting the startup’s plan to expand low-cost, agent-based payment and cash-in/cash-out services across Malawi. The engagement is designed to help Dimu Paypoint accelerate infrastructure deployment and merchant onboarding while improving access to basic payment services for underserved communities.

Nut graf FasterCapital and EquityPilot will focus the first 30–60 days on execution milestones that strengthen Dimu Paypoint’s agent network, payment routing, and bill-pay integrations to enable broader access to formal financial services across targeted districts.

Why It Matters? 

Malawi faces persistent gaps in formal financial access: a significant share of the population lacks reliable banking services and access to equipment that enables simple money transfer and bill payment. Digital payments represent growing activity, yet many citizens remain unbanked or underbanked and rely on informal channels for payments and transfers. Increasing accessible on-the-ground payment options aims to reduce friction for everyday transactions such as utility bills, school fees, and remittances.

What the Startup Delivers

Solution Overview Dimu Paypoint is developing a distributed agent kiosk network and independent service points to provide cash-in/cash-out, bill payments (electricity, water, phone, city rates, examination fees), money transfers, subscription and ticket purchases, and account deposit/withdrawal services for local consumers and small merchants. The service is intended to operate from shops, market stalls, petrol stations, and community centers to meet people where they shop and work.

Why Now? 

Timing Mobile money adoption and digital payments are increasing regionally, but equipment penetration and agent reach remain limited in Malawi. The startup’s agent-first model aims to address a practical bottleneck limiting bankability for many residents by placing transaction-enabled points in everyday locations.

What FasterCapital Will Provide? 

FasterCapital Support Scope - Hands-on execution guidance to prioritize and sequence near-term deployment milestones - Operational and product advice to scale agent on-boarding and kiosk placement - Assistance refining go-to-market messaging and merchant incentives - Connections to relevant ecosystem stakeholders and technical advisors

Program Plan First 30–60 Days

FasterCapital and Dimu Paypoint plan to prioritize agent recruitment criteria, deploy pilot kiosks in selected districts, finalize payment routing integrations with mobile wallets and banks, and establish operational reporting to track uptime and transaction flows. This phase focuses on operational readiness and user experience improvements rather than fundraising outcomes.

Leadership Comment

“Hesham Zreik, Founder and CEO of FasterCapital, said: ‘We’re excited to support Dimu Paypoint through EquityPilot. Our team will focus on execution milestones and connecting the startup with the right ecosystem stakeholders.’”

Next 90 Days

Near-Term Roadmap Dimu Paypoint aims to expand the pilot agent footprint, broaden biller integrations, and collect field metrics on transaction volumes and customer satisfaction to inform a scalable rollout plan. The team will iterate on agent economics and kiosk placement to enhance convenience for local users.

About Dimu Paypoint

Dimu Paypoint focuses on expanding everyday payment access in Malawi through an agent-operated kiosk network and transaction services designed for shops, markets, stations, and community centers. Leadership includes Director Gadi Misheck Banda, Operational Director Ms Maria Mbamba, Commercial Director Mr Robert Nkandawire, and Marketing Director Ms Patricia Sibale. 

About FasterCapital

FasterCapital works with founders to turn plans into execution through structured milestones, hands-on support, and guidance that improves fundraising readiness. With programs including EquityPilot, FasterCapital helps startups sharpen positioning, validate priorities, and connect with relevant ecosystem stakeholders.