News (1317)

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 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.

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 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 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. 

FasterCapital adds TrackenT to EquityPilot to advance two-axis solar tracking

Semnan, Iran & Dubai, UAE — 04 Mar 2026

Lead paragraph FasterCapital today announced that TrackenT, an EPC startup focused on integrated two-axis solar tracking structures, has been accepted into the EquityPilot program. The engagement pairs FasterCapital’s execution-focused support with TrackenT’s mechanical platform designed to improve reliability and land-use efficiency for utility-scale PV and CSP projects.

Nut graf FasterCapital and EquityPilot will concentrate in the first 30–60 days on detailed engineering reviews, pilot deployment planning near Semnan, and control-system validation to de-risk field execution and prepare the startup for phased commercial rollout.

Utility-scale solar developers increasingly seek solutions that raise energy yield and reduce lifecycle O&M burdens. In high-DNI regions, improved tracking can materially affect project economics. TrackenT’s centralized, megawatt-scale two-axis architecture targets these industry pressures by reducing distributed motors and electronics while aiming to eliminate inter-row shading.

What the Startup Delivers?

TrackenT delivers a centralized two-axis tracking structure that supports large arrays as a coordinated mechanical system rather than many small independent trackers. Key elements include a circular plan with radial long rows, reduced motor and controller count, centralized controls, and a design that aims to simplify washing and maintenance while improving wind stow safety and terrain tolerance.

Why Now

Module prices have stabilized and bifacial modules and higher land value are pushing developers to prioritize tracking strategies that maximize yield per hectare. Emerging markets with strong solar resources and constrained land availability are receptive to novel architectures that address both yield and O&M cost pressures.

What FasterCapital Will Provide?

- Execution guidance on engineering milestones, documentation, and test plans - Support with pilot planning and local deployment readiness activities - Access to FasterCapital’s mentor network and introductions to regional stakeholders - Review of go-to-market positioning and investor-ready materials

Program Plan (First 30–60 Days)

The initial workplan includes a technical due diligence and design-for-deploy review, refinement of control and safety specifications, a site-specific pilot implementation plan for the Semnan reference location, and preparation of materials to support pilot procurement and contractor coordination. FasterCapital’s team will work alongside TrackenT to prioritize near-term verification activities.

Leadership Comment

Hesham Zreik, Founder and CEO of FasterCapital (https://www.linkedin.com/in/heshamzreik/), said: ‘We’re excited to support TrackenT through EquityPilot. Our team will focus on execution milestones and connecting the startup with the right ecosystem stakeholders.’

Founder background

Founder Nima Mahboubi brings engineering and EPC experience and has developed TrackenT’s concept of an integrated, megawatt-scale dual-axis tracker with a pilot reference site near Semnan, Iran. The company intends to validate performance and repeatable installation processes under local field conditions.

Next 90 Days Planned milestones include completing engineering verification, finalizing pilot procurement packages, mobilizing field crews for the Semnan pilot, and conducting initial commissioning and performance monitoring. Results from the pilot will guide design refinements and commercial rollout strategy.

About TrackenT TrackenT is an EPC startup focused on integrated two-axis solar tracking structures for utility-scale PV and CSP projects. The company’s megawatt-scale mechanical approach aims to reduce component count, simplify maintenance, and optimize land use. TrackenT is preparing a pilot near Semnan, Iran, to validate the system in high-irradiance conditions. Website: trackent.com

About FasterCapital FasterCapital is a startup support organization focused on execution, preparedness for fundraising, and connecting founders to mentors, partners, and investors where appropriate. Through EquityPilot, FasterCapital supports teams as they refine strategy, improve materials, and pursue near-term milestones responsibly.

FasterCapital Welcomes Breezin to EquityPilot to Scale Serviced Living in Dhaka

Dhaka, Bangladesh & Dubai, UAE — 04 Mar 2026

As business travel, corporate relocations, and remote work continue to reshape urban accommodation demand, professional serviced apartments have become a critical segment in emerging markets. BREEZIN enters this landscape with offerings that span short-, medium- and long-term stays, targeting engineers, doctors, educators, corporate travelers, couples, and digital nomads, a demographic mix driving steady occupancy and higher revenue per available unit in Dhaka.

What the Startup Delivers?

Breezin is a serviced apartment operator offering turnkey residential and commercial units designed for professionals and extended-stay guests. Services include airport pickup (optional), concierge assistance, and customized packages for business and leisure. The company reports an investment total of BDT 209,290,000 allocated across setup, fixed assets, and operational costs, and emphasizes transparent, well‑informed investment management.

Why Now?

Post‑pandemic travel normalization and growing corporate mobility in Bangladesh have accelerated demand for flexible, professionally managed housing. BREEZIN’s model addresses the need for reliable, amenity-rich alternatives to hotels and informal rentals, helping employers and relocating individuals secure consistent, quality accommodation.

Program Plan (first 30–60 days)

Through EquityPilot, FasterCapital and BREEZIN will prioritize operational standardization and demand activation. Initial workstreams will include: - Audit of current unit operations and guest onboarding flows - Refinement of pricing tiers and stay-package structures (short/medium/long) - Pilot marketing campaigns targeting corporate HR teams, hospitals, and academic institutions - Fundraising readiness review and preparation of investor materials (no funding guarantees)

Leadership Comment

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

BREEZIN’s founding team combines local market experience in property operations and guest services with a focus on professional customer segments. That operational focus underpins the company’s portfolio approach to balancing occupancy with service quality.

Customer validation

BREEZIN’s target customer base business travelers, corporate relocations, healthcare professionals, educators, and digital nomads reflects stable demand channels, including employer bookings and extended-stay contracts common in Dhaka’s professional sectors.

Next 90 Days

Over the next three months, BREEZIN and FasterCapital will execute on pilot campaigns, complete an operations playbook, and assemble an investor‑ready package. The program will connect BREEZIN to FasterCapital’s network of mentors and service providers to improve unit utilization and guest lifetime value.

About BREEZIN

BREEZIN, Founded by Ibnul Ahsan is  a serviced‑apartment operator based in Mirpur-1, Dhaka, offering short-, medium-, and long‑term stays with optional airport pickup and concierge services. The company focuses on professionals and corporate clients and manages investments to support setup, assets, and operations.

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 to help Maleta Cyclic Distillation execute DDW milestones in EquityPilot

Kyiv, Ukraine & Dubai, UAE — Mar 03, 2026

Lead Maleta Light Water today announced plans to advance industrial-scale production of Deuterium Depleted Water (DDW) using an innovative cyclic distillation process, and will join FasterCapital’s EquityPilot program to refine execution and pilot commercialization. FasterCapital will support the team as it prepares the first replicable industrial unit for consumer, medical, and pharmaceutical markets.

Nut graf FasterCapital’s EquityPilot will focus on production planning and near-term operational milestones during the first 30–60 days, working with Maleta to translate their cyclic distillation IP into a staged industrial roll‑out.

DDW is a niche but growing segment across consumer health, medical, pharmaceutical, and fragrance applications. With global supply currently constrained by high production costs and specialized distillation requirements, manufacturers that lower energy and capital intensity could broaden market access for multiple DDW grades.

What the Startup Delivers?

Maleta Light Wate applies patented cyclic distillation trays and operational modes to increase separation efficiency and reduce energy use compared with traditional low-temperature vacuum rectification. The company plans an initial plant in a free economic zone with full utilities, distillation columns, heat-exchange systems, and a bottling line to produce DDW in multiple ppm grades for dietary and medicinal applications.

Why Now?

Rising interest in functional beverages and medically oriented water products, coupled with innovations that improve per‑unit production economics, makes this an opportune moment to pilot a lower‑cost industrial approach. Maleta’s two decades of industrial experience and published research provide technical credibility for commercial testing.

What FasterCapital Will Provide?

- Hands-on execution support to refine the pilot production plan and operational milestones - Fundraising readiness guidance and investor materials focused on manufacturing and regulatory pathways - Ecosystem introductions to manufacturing, regulatory, and distribution advisors - Feedback on go-to-market positioning for multiple DDW product grades

First 30–60 Days

The program will prioritize detailed production engineering reviews, cost and energy audits of the cyclic distillation sequence, regulatory pathway mapping for DDW as a dietary/food supplement, and development of pilot operational protocols ready for commissioning.

Leadership Comment

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

Next 90 Days

Maleta aims to complete detailed equipment specifications, secure site permits, finalize procurement lists, and begin commissioning activities. The combined focus will be on validating operating parameters for multiple DDW grades and preparing pilot-scale production for early commercial sampling.

About Maleta Light Wate

Maleta Light Wate develops and applies cyclic distillation technology and specialized trays to improve separation efficiency for high‑value fluids. The company is pursuing a first industrial DDW production unit designed to supply graded deuterium‑reduced waters for consumer, medical, and pharmaceutical applications. Vladimir Maleta serves as CEO.

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 I-Corp Studios Ltd via EquityPilot to scale premium African cinema

Lagos, Nigeria & Dubai, UAE — Mar 03, 2026

As global streaming platforms and theatrical audiences increase demand for premium African cinema, a gap remains between Nollywood’s prolific output and the small share of films that meet theatrical and international distribution standards. I-Corp Studios Ltd proposes a studio-first model to produce fewer, higher-budget films that can compete on the festival circuit, in cinemas, and on major streaming services.

What the Startup Delivers?

I-Corp Studios is a Lagos- and Port Harcourt-based premium production company focused on high-budget feature films, international co-productions, theatrical releases, streaming partnerships, and franchise IP development. The studio’s first slate targets action, political thrillers, epic historicals and festival-driven dramas, with projected revenue per premium film ranging from $5M to $50M depending on scale. The company aims to produce 1–2 high-budget cinematic films annually, building a recognizable West African studio brand.

Why Now?

Investment by major streamers in African content, a rising African box office (projected double-digit growth), and growing diaspora interest create a timely window for a studio that can meet international technical and narrative standards. I-CORP’s model is designed to capture this convergence: fewer productions, higher production values, and clear routes to global distribution.

Program Plan (first 30–60 days)

During EquityPilot’s initial engagement, FasterCapital will work with I-CORP to: - Finalize a prioritized slate and production timeline for the next 18 months - Strengthen pitch materials for streamer licensing and co-production approaches - Map distribution targets (theatrical, festival, streaming windows) and marketing estimates - Identify key production hires and infrastructure investments required to reach first-shot readiness

Leadership Comment

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

Founder background

Anowuru Chinemerem Precious, founder and lead creative, is an experienced screenwriter and producer with credits across feature and TV scripts. His long-term vision includes building a multinational studio system and franchise IP with appeal across African and international markets.

Funding readiness note

I-Corp Studios Ltd is advancing funding plans and is publicly seeking #500 Million to support development, production, marketing, distribution, and studio infrastructure. EquityPilot engagement will prioritize investor-ready materials and introductions to potential co-producers and licensing partners.

Next 90 Days

I-CORP and FasterCapital will complete a financing roadmap for the first title, secure at least one distribution or co-production lead, finalize key creative attachments, and prepare a festival submission strategy aligned to the production schedule.

About I-Corp Studios Ltd

I-Corp Studios Ltd is a premium Nigerian production company operating from Port Harcourt and Lagos with a vision to become West Africa’s most internationally recognized studio brand. The studio focuses on high-budget feature films, international co-productions, streaming partnerships, theatrical releases, and franchise IP development.

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 welcomes Ssembatya Vista Homes Ltd to EquityPilot to accelerate Kampala housing project

Kampala, Uganda & Dubai, UAE — Mar 03, 2026

Kampala faces continued pressure on supply for middle-income rental housing driven by students and young professionals. Smaller, well-located developments that combine durable construction and lower operating costs can deliver steady rental yields while helping address the city’s short-term housing deficit.

What the Startup Delivers?

Ssembatya Vista Homes Ltd proposes a compact, cost-efficient development delivering six 6-bedroom apartment units (approximately 80 m³ each) on a site in Kampala. The design emphasizes resilient construction (hollow-block, reinforced concrete, tiled finishes) and operating-cost reduction through solar water heating and rainwater harvesting. Projected first-year gross rental income is $30,024 with an expected ROI in the 10–24% range, targeting 90% occupancy among middle-income renters.

Why Now?

Rising urban demand and constrained supply make modest mid-density projects viable in well-served Kampala neighborhoods. Energy- and water-saving systems improve net operating margins and tenant appeal, while current contractor capacity and permit pathways enable a 12-month completion timeline.

Program Plan (first 30–60 days)

Under EquityPilot, FasterCapital will work with Ssembatya Vista Homes Ltd to: - Confirm plot title and perform final due diligence. - Refine cost estimates and procure firm contractor bids (2–3 quotes). - Complete design review, align permit strategy with local authorities, and build a milestone-based implementation plan. FasterCapital’s support focuses on execution readiness and connecting the founder with local contractors, technical advisors, and investor channels. This engagement does not guarantee funding.

Leadership Comment

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

Founder Comment Ssembatya Saadi, CEO of Ssembatya Vista Homes Ltd, said: “This program will help finalize our title checks, secure competitive contractor quotes, and accelerate permit approvals so we can deliver quality, affordable units within 12 months.”

Next 90 Days

1. Confirm plot availability and clear title search.
2. Finalize detailed contractor quotes and sign fixed-price construction contract.
3. Submit final design and secure permits; commence groundwork by month

4. FasterCapital will track these milestones with weekly progress check-ins and a 30/60/90-day milestone plan.

About Ssembatya Vista Homes Ltd

Ssembatya Vista Homes Ltd is developing a six-unit apartment block in Kampala targeting middle-income renters including students and young professionals. The project prioritizes cost-efficient construction, tenant-focused amenities, and sustainability measures (solar water heating and rainwater harvesting) to lower operating costs and improve long-term asset value.

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.

Institute of Trainers Mobile App LLC joins EquityPilot to modernize trainer management

Cairo, Egypt & Dubai, UAE — Mar 02 2026

Organizations, universities and training providers increasingly require systems that manage instructor performance, attendance and delivery across both online and offline formats. In many markets including Egypt and the Gulf professional trainers remain underserved by mobile tools that link freelancers, academies and corporate training plans with measurable outcomes. Institute of Trainers Mobile App LLC (the Institute of Trainers) addresses that gap with a purpose-built training management platform.

What the Startup Delivers?

Institute of Trainers has developed an AI-driven mobile and web application (native iOS/Android) that connects freelance and institutional trainers, trainees, academies and businesses. The platform combines a training management system (TMS/LMS), attendance and performance tracking, live in-room assessment tools, and a legal/verification workflow for trainers and organizations. The Institute of Trainers traces its origins to a nonprofit launched in 2016 by Sarah El -Deberky and has delivered concentrated 30-hour TOT programs and trained 500+ participants across industries and fields, totaling 1,000+ training hours.

Why Now?

Demand for blended training solutions has accelerated with organizations formalizing annual training plans and universities seeking stronger links to labor-market needs. Market research conducted by the Institute shows a substantial offline preference among freelance trainers and a sustained institutional need for organized summer programs, employee upskilling and performance tracking creating an opening for a solution that prioritizes offline trainer activation and compliance.

Program Plan (first 30–60 days)

Under EquityPilot, the Institute of Trainers and FasterCapital will focus on product refinement and go-to-market readiness: finalize core AI performance-tracking workflows, complete end-to-end payment integration, prepare a demo-ready app for pilot institutions, and build a prioritized outreach list of academies, corporates and co-working spaces for early pilots. No funding is guaranteed by program participation; the emphasis is on execution milestones and investor-readiness.

Proof / Customer Validation

The Institute of Trainers brings domain credibility from an operational nonprofit history, partnerships with IEEE Helwan student branch and IEEE Women in Engineering during its early activities, and hands-on delivery of multi-skill TOT programs. The team has completed ideation, legal registration, secured a payments API agreement, and onboarded a tech operations team into the development phase.

Founder background

Sarah El-Deberky, founder and CEO, is an industrial business excellence consultant engineer who established the nonprofit Institute of Trainers in 2016. Her experience in engineering and training program delivery informs the product’s focus on performance metrics and industry alignment.

Leadership Comment

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

Next 90 Days

Launch pilot integrations with 3–5 institutions, onboard an initial cohort of freelance trainers for in-market validation, iterate on AI performance-scoring based on pilot feedback, and prepare investor materials and traction metrics for follow-up fundraising conversations.

About Institute of Trainers Mobile App LLC

Institute of Trainers evolved from a nonprofit training organization (founded 2016) into a startup building an AI-enabled TMS/LMS to serve freelance trainers, academies, universities and businesses. The platform supports offline delivery, performance tracking, attendance management and marketplace connections for trainers and trainees.

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.

Nyemba House Of Bread Assembly Joins EquityPilot to Scale Women’s Livelihood Programs

Lusaka, Zambia & Dubai, UAE — 02 Mar 2026

Nyemba House Of Bread Assembly, a non-profit church organization focused on community development and empowerment, is joining FasterCapital’s EquityPilot to accelerate income-generating initiatives for its largely female membership. With monthly church offerings between K500,000 and K800,000 and no external investors, the congregation has already completed key infrastructure and now seeks programmatic support to build sustainable livelihoods for predominantly single mothers.

What the Startup Delivers?

Nyemba House Of Bread Assembly runs community-focused programs that combine skills training with production activities:

- Pig farming: income generation and improved household nutrition.

- Tailoring: vocational skills and local income opportunities.

- Maize farming: food security and marketable yields for surplus.

Why Now?

Economic pressures and school-fee burdens among members approximately 90% of the women served are single mothers make rapid, sustainable income solutions urgent. The church’s completed infrastructure and steady local revenue provide a strong base to scale program operations and to professionalize management, marketing, and distribution.

Program Plan (first 30–60 days)

FasterCapital will work with Nyemba House Of Bread Assembly to: - Assess current operations and revenue flows across the three initiatives. - Define measurable milestones for production, training throughput, and local sales. - Strengthen basic business processes: record-keeping, pricing, and community outreach. This is execution-focused support; FasterCapital does not guarantee funding but will improve readiness and investor-facing materials.

Leadership Comment

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

Founder background

Led by Pastor ps Mamonya Awemba Banda, Nyemba House Of Bread Assembly combines spiritual leadership with community development experience. The pastor and local leadership have mobilized member contributions to complete infrastructure and now seek to translate community trust into sustainable livelihoods.

Funding readiness note

The church operates without external investors and finances initiatives through offerings and tithes. EquityPilot will prioritize non-dilutive readiness work improving operations, creating business models for social programs, and preparing grant or impact-investor narratives suited to nonprofit structures.

Next 90 Days

Over the coming quarter, FasterCapital and the church will establish baseline KPIs, pilot tailored interventions (e.g., small-scale pig cohort, tailoring production batch), and produce a short investor/grant kit and impact report to pursue appropriate funding or partner opportunities.

About Nyemba House Of Bread Assembly

Nyemba House Of Bread Assembly is a non-profit church organization focused on community development, skills training, and food security. The organization prioritizes women’s empowerment through livelihood programs in farming, livestock, and vocational training to strengthen household incomes and educational access for children.

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 Ets Hugues & Fils through EquityPilot to modernize water production

Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo & Dubai, UAE — 02 Mar 2026 

FasterCapital announced today that it is working with Ets Hugues & Fils, a Kinshasa-based water treatment and distribution startup, through its EquityPilot program to help the company modernize operations and strengthen local distribution. FasterCapital will provide execution-focused support to advance the startup’s production, go-to-market readiness, and fundraising materials.

Nut graf FasterCapital and EquityPilot will focus on execution milestones in the first 30–60 days, prioritizing equipment modernization, production-line improvements, and initial distribution strengthening to accelerate measurable operational progress.

Why It Matters? 

Kinshasa faces growing demand for affordable, safe drinking water amid rapid urbanization and persistent public supply gaps. Limited access to treated water contributes to health risks and places pressure on households, schools, and small businesses that rely on convenient, low-cost solutions. Local production and distribution of treated water aim to reduce dependency on informal sources and improve day-to-day access for vulnerable communities.

What the Startup Delivers? 

Solution Overview Ets Hugues & Fils produces treated drinking water in 0.6L sachets and 5L bottles, operating from a borehole-fed treatment unit in Kinshasa. The team plans to modernize equipment and a production line to increase capacity toward the stated target of serving households, schools, and businesses more reliably and affordably.

Why Now? 

Timing Rising urban demand and existing gaps in municipal supply create an opportunity for locally produced treated water. Ets Hugues & Fils has already invested in core equipment and assembled an operational team; planned modernization aims to convert that foundation into higher daily output and improved distribution reach.

What FasterCapital Will Provide?

- Hands-on execution planning and milestone tracking to improve operational readiness - Support refining pitch materials and investment documentation for fundraising preparedness - Introductions to relevant mentors and ecosystem stakeholders for technical and market advice - Guidance on go-to-market prioritization and initial distribution strategies

Program Plan (first 30–60 days)

FasterCapital’s initial engagement will review technical and operational plans, validate the modernization roadmap, and refine financial and pitch materials. The team will work with Ets Hugues & Fils to prioritize equipment upgrades, production-line configuration, and early distributor outreach  focused actions designed to produce clear, verifiable milestones within the first two months.

Leadership Comment

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

Founder background

Ets Hugues & Fils is led by Founder and GM Hugues Nsiala, who guides strategy and operations with a focus on increasing safe-water access and affordability. The core team includes a marketing and administration lead, a finance officer, a technical director overseeing treatment and quality control, and an HR manager responsible for workforce organization. The team has invested in equipment and established initial operations to serve local demand.

Ecosystem relevance

Local production of treated water addresses direct community needs in Kinshasa and complements public efforts by offering accessible packaged solutions. Strengthening local supply chains and distribution networks can reduce reliance on informal sources and create jobs while improving daily water security for underserved neighborhoods.

90-Day Outlook

Over the next 90 days the partnership aims to complete prioritized equipment upgrades, begin scaled production trials, refine sales channels with local retailers and distributors, and prepare updated investor-facing materials to document progress.

About Ets Hugues & Fils

Ets Hugues & Fils is a Kinshasa-based water treatment and distribution company producing 0.6L sachets and 5L bottles of treated drinking water. The startup focuses on affordable, locally produced solutions to improve access to safe water and support community health and employment.

About FasterCapital

FasterCapital is a startup support organization focused on execution, preparedness for fundraising, and connecting founders to mentors, partners, and investors where appropriate. Through EquityPilot, FasterCapital supports teams as they refine strategy, improve materials, and pursue near-term milestones responsibly. 

FasterCapital backs premium French Press launch through EquityPilot

Pakistan & Dubai, UAE— Mar 01, 2026

FasterCapital today announced it will work with a new premium French Press brand entering the Amazon marketplace through its EquityPilot program, focusing on executional support to prepare the product for a scalable launch and early-market traction. The engagement centers on listing readiness, inventory planning, and customer-acquisition tactics tailored to the competitive coffee-accessories category.

Nut graf FasterCapital’s EquityPilot will concentrate on execution milestones during the first 30–60 days, including listing optimization, initial advertising strategy, and logistics readiness to support a test inventory shipment and launch period.

Why It Matters? 

At-home coffee brewing continues to attract consumers seeking premium, simple brewing solutions. The French Press category remains a high-volume accessory on marketplaces like Amazon, with consistent consumer interest in durable design and rich, full-bodied extraction. For new entrants, early marketplace execution and strong product positioning are key to gaining keyword rank and sustainable sales velocity.

What the Startup Delivers? 

NeedFiils is preparing a premium 34 oz. French Press designed for at-home use, positioned to compete on quality, finish, and packaging. The team has sourced manufacturing from an experienced supplier reportedly used by established Amazon brands, and plans an Amazon-first go-to-market strategy that emphasizes detailed listings, high-quality imagery, and an initial promotional cadence to build reviews and rank.

Why Now? 

Timing Consumer trends show growth in at-home specialty coffee and accessory spending. The startup aims to capitalize on this momentum by launching with focused inventory, competitive introductory pricing, and marketing that targets coffee enthusiasts who favor manual brewing methods.

What FasterCapital Will Provide? 

- Hands-on execution support for Amazon listing preparation and content refinement - Guidance on go-to-market tactics, pricing strategy, and initial advertising plans - Connections to operational partners for logistics, warehousing, and fulfillment best practices - Mentorship on fundraising readiness and investor-facing materials where appropriate

Program Plan First 30–60 Days Work will prioritize product and marketplace readiness: finalizing A+ content and imagery, preparing backend SEO and keywords, establishing Amazon shipments and safety/compliance checks, and launching measured advertising campaigns to test conversion and keyword performance. The team will also perform quality checks with manufacturing and review packaging for retail fulfillment.

Leadership Comment

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

Competitive Landscape

Industry Context The French Press segment on major marketplaces is active and price-competitive. New entrants typically compete on perceived product quality, product imagery, customer reviews, and pricing promotions. The startup plans to address these levers through an initial test inventory, aggressive listing readiness, and targeted advertising to build rank and social proof.

90-Day

Outlook Next 90 Days During the next three months the focus will be on executing the initial Amazon launch, gathering customer feedback and reviews, measuring ad performance and cost-per-acquisition, and deciding on follow-up inventory sizing. The outcome of this testing phase will inform broader marketing and distribution decisions.

About the Startup

The startup is preparing to introduce a premium French Press for consumers who prefer manual brewing. The product emphasizes quality materials and a retail-ready listing approach. The team cites a trusted manufacturing partner used by established Amazon brands and intends to begin with a test inventory and focused marketplace launch.

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. 

Ugandan agri‑startup Essymart expands agent network to reach 5,000 farmers

Mayuge, Uganda & Dubai, UAE — Mar 01, 2026

Smallholder farmers across East Africa face persistent barriers to affordable, quality farm inputs and advisory services. In Uganda alone, 64% of smallholders lack access to quality inputs, 66% of mobile users do not have smartphones or internet access, and only 15% routinely receive market information. Low extension coverage (1:2000 extension worker–farmer ratio) further constrains productivity and income growth. These gaps create an urgent market opportunity for last‑mile solutions that can serve farmers on feature phones and in remote locations.

What the Startup Delivers?

Essymart offers an inclusive, low‑technology platform and agent network that sources inputs directly from suppliers, provides last‑mile delivery, and delivers real‑time advisory by phone or on‑farm. The model reduces costs for farmers (reported cost savings of ~20% across seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, energy, transport and time), targets a +30% improvement in crop quality and quantity, and uplifts farmer incomes by an estimated +20% through better inputs and market access.

Why Now?

Rising input costs, persistent logistical gaps, and growing demand for accessible advisory services mean interventions focused on distribution and affordability can deliver rapid farmer impact. Essymart’s mobile‑first, agent‑based approach is designed for low‑smartphone environments and responds to urgent needs across Eastern Uganda.

Program Plan (first 30–60 days)

Through FasterCapital’s EquityPilot, Essymart will refine execution milestones and strengthen commercial processes. Initial support will focus on agent onboarding best practices, transaction workflow optimization, and buyer‑facing trade connections to scale order volume and increase retention. FasterCapital will prioritize fundraising readiness materials and introductions to ecosystem stakeholders.

Next Steps Proof (Traction and Validation)

Since launching in Mayuge in January 2021, Essymart operates in three districts of Eastern Uganda with 10 agents. Key metrics include 1,200 paying customers, 120 monthly orders, 45 monthly transaction customers, an 80% customer retention rate, $45,000 in revenue to date, and 12 youth and women jobs created. The startup projects onboarding 5,000 farmers over the next two years, which it estimates will translate into $250K in revenue.

Customer Validation

Essymart reports consistent repeat usage and a high retention rate, demonstrating demand for affordable inputs and last‑mile delivery. The agent network supports weekly consignments (300 KG) and direct farmer connections to buyers, which helps close the information and logistics gap for smallholders.

Ecosystem Relevance

Essymart’s model aligns with EquityPilot’s focus on execution and investor readiness. FasterCapital will work with the team to sharpen growth milestones and expand the agent footprint to deepen rural reach.

Leadership Comment

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

Next 90 Days

Essymart will scale agent recruitment, finalize pricing cadence for the Silver plan and agent fees, pilot enhanced advisory flows for non‑smartphone users, and prepare fundraising materials. The objective: accelerate farmer onboarding toward the 5,000‑farmer target and increase monthly order volume.

About Essymart

Essymart, founded by  Viola Nakadama connects smallholder farmers in Eastern Uganda to affordable, quality farm inputs and real‑time advisory via a low‑tech, agent‑driven network. The company focuses on cost reductions, improved yields, and market linkages to raise farmer incomes.

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 Welcomes Exnus Protocol to EquityPilot to Advance On‑Chain Reward Systems

Nigeria & Dubai, UAE — Mar 01 2026

As decentralized finance matures, projects that fuse governance, staking, and sustainable reward design are increasingly critical to long‑term network health. Exnus Protocol arrives with a focus on high‑performance reward infrastructure built on Solana, addressing growing demand for low‑cost, real‑time token utilities that scale with user activity and governance participation.

What the Startup Delivers?

Exnus Protocol is a next‑generation decentralized reward infrastructure on Solana that unites staking, governance, and algorithmic reward balancing. The $EXNUS token is designed to serve as the protocol’s operational currency for staking, on‑chain governance, voting power, ecosystem access, and community incentives. Exnus targets fast, low‑cost interactions with an upgradable smart contract framework and a commitment to security and audit transparency prior to mainnet launch.

Why Now?

Solana’s throughput and negligible fees remove key friction for on‑chain voting, instant rewards, and frequent staking events. At the same time, the market is shifting away from purely speculative token models toward utility‑driven ecosystems where governance and rewards align with sustainable liquidity and long‑term participant incentives. Exnus’s design — combining a dynamic, metric‑based reward algorithm with unified staking/governance mechanics responds to that shift.

Program Plan (first 30–60 days)

Under EquityPilot, Exnus Protocol will focus on completing smart contract development, coordinating the private sale phase with technical milestones, and executing an independent security audit. FasterCapital’s support will prioritize execution roadmaps, governance design review, and introductions to Solana ecosystem tooling and potential integrators. This phase emphasizes delivery and verification rather than fundraising guarantees.

Leadership Comment

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

Next 90 Days

Exnus will complete the smart contract audit and testing, align private sale milestones with audit outcomes, and prepare DAO activation and mainnet launch. FasterCapital will assess readiness for subsequent growth phases, advise on on‑chain governance mechanics, and help prioritize early integrations that extend protocol utility across the Solana ecosystem.

Ecosystem Relevance

Built specifically on Solana, Exnus is positioned to leverage low fees and high throughput for complex reward and governance workflows. The protocol’s modular smart contract approach anticipates future integrations with Solana‑based DeFi tooling and third‑party staking utilities.

About Exnus Protocol

Exnus Protocol, founded by Iwundu James, is a decentralized reward infrastructure built for scalable and sustainable staking, as well as robust on-chain governance on the Solana blockchain. The protocol prioritizes tangible utility for its $EXNUS token through algorithmic reward balancing, transparent on-chain data visibility, and security-first smart contract engineering aligned with industry best practices.

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.

Teachly reports new milestones with ongoing FasterCapital support

Lagos, Nigeria & Dubai, UAE — Feb 28, 2026

Teachly, the Nigerian edtech startup focused on improving secondary education access and outcomes, today reported a series of operational and product milestones as it advances with ongoing support from FasterCapital. https://fastercapital.com

With continued support from FasterCapital through LaunchUp?

Teachly is concentrating on execution priorities that include student onboarding, product feature rollout, and strengthening go‑to‑market activity during this growth phase.

What the Startup Delivers? 

- Released a redesigned website with new features on 8 February 2026 to improve user onboarding and content access.

- Platform serves secondary schools through coordinated student onboarding and tutor support, plus outreach such as a radio program for young learners.

Current FasterCapital Support

FasterCapital continues to provide hands-on, milestone-oriented support to Teachly, including: - Milestone planning and execution follow-up to prioritise product and partner activities - Pitch and communication refinement for public events and investor readiness - Fundraising readiness support and strategic prioritization guidance - Introductions to relevant ecosystem stakeholders and outreach channels

Execution highlights and evidence

- Partnership network now includes 11 secondary schools with ongoing onboarding of students from these partners.

- Team strengthened with five new hires: three retained corps members who served with Teachly, one tutor, and one graphic designer.

- Visibility and recognition: participation in the Falling Walls pitching event; winner of the Ubuntu Digital Excellence award; ongoing presence in the NIGCOMSAT Accelerator Program (Cohort 2) awaiting Demo Day; and a radio program aimed at the Young Minds audience. - Marketing activity has been stepped up to support platform adoption and school engagement.

Leadership Comment

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

Current Execution Priorities

Teachly’s immediate workstreams are focused on: onboarding students from partner schools and refining platform features based on early feedback; amplifying marketing to increase school and parent awareness; operationalizing recent hires into delivery roles; and preparing for upcoming accelerator Demo Day and pitching opportunities.

Customer validation

Teachly is reporting active onboarding activity with students from its partner schools, providing a practical testbed for platform features and tutoring workflows. This direct engagement enables iterative improvements to user experience and curriculum delivery while informing marketing and retention priorities.

Ecosystem relevance

Teachly’s work sits at the intersection of education and digital inclusion in Nigeria. Participation in local accelerator programming and community channels, alongside broadcast outreach via a youth radio program, illustrates a multi-channel approach to reaching students, schools, and educators in the region.

About Teachly

Teachly is a Nigerian education technology startup working with secondary schools to deliver digital learning support, tutoring, and educator resources. The company focuses on practical classroom support through school partnerships, targeted content, and tools that help teachers and students navigate blended learning.

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. 

Paaka and EquityPilot unite to convert informal carts into trusted retail units

India & Dubai, UAE — Feb 28 2026

India’s street-food sector is a culturally vital but fragmented market. A widespread trust deficit rooted in hygiene concerns, regulatory uncertainty and the cost of formalization keeps many consumers, especially younger demographics and families, away from stalls with excellent food. At the same time, vendors operate in precarious conditions: most stalls are informal, frequent evictions remove livelihoods, and compliance remains out of reach for many. That gap suppresses income for millions of micro-entrepreneurs and leaves a substantial consumer need unmet.

What the Startup Delivers?

Paaka transforms basic street-food stalls into “Verified Hubs” by delivering professional branding, a PAAKA-TRUSTED verification mark, strict hygiene protocols, and a digital loyalty system that drives repeat customers. The rollout is cash-flow friendly: PAAKA spends two weeks driving incremental sales with no upfront fee, then charges a fixed monthly Partnership Fee only after vendors demonstrate increased profits. Hygiene is enforced through a rating system; verification is revoked if a cart’s score falls below 4/5.

Why Now?

Rising consumer awareness about food safety, combined with increasing mobile penetration and digital payments, creates a ripe moment to convert trust into transaction. Municipal attention to informal street vendors and periodic mass evictions means vendors who can demonstrate legality and hygiene will secure both customers and municipal leverage. PAAKA’s model captures these dynamics by reducing the cost and risk of formalization while increasing vendor revenue.

Program Plan (first 30–60 days)

Through EquityPilot, PAAKA will work with FasterCapital advisors to sharpen execution and operational playbooks. Initial focus areas: - Standardize onboarding processes for verified hubs and hygiene audits. - Pilot three high-density corridors with branded units and the loyalty stack to measure repeat visit uplift. - Refine vendor training modules and partnership fee tiers by location. This phase emphasizes measurable sales lift, compliance readiness, and repeatable vendor acquisition.

Leadership Comment

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

Customer Validation

PAAKA’s model addresses a classic market failure: customers cannot reliably distinguish hygienic vendors from unsafe ones. By combining visible certification with loyalty-driven repeat traffic, PAAKA reduces search friction for consumers and increases average daily takings for vendors turning hygiene and legality from cost centers into value drivers.

Founder Background

Abhimanyu Agarwal founder built the concept from first principles: preserving street-food heritage while enabling vendor economic mobility. PAAKA’s vision is a branded network of standardized carts offering visible verification, uniforms, upgraded equipment, and formal licensing support making it possible for vendors to transition from “illegal encroachers” into recognized business owners.

Next 90 Days

- Complete three pilot deployments and publish hygiene and revenue uplift case studies. - Formalize the verification and fee schedule based on pilot learnings. - Begin FSSAI licensing assistance workflows for pilot families and document operational SOPs for scaling.

About PAAKA

PAAKA is a growth engine for India’s street-food vendors, turning informal stalls into PAAKA-TRUSTED Verified Hubs. The company provides branding, hygiene protocols, equipment support, a digital loyalty system, and a results-first commercial model that defers fees until vendors see profit increases. PAAKA’s aim is to create a visible, trusted street-food network that preserves culinary heritage while improving vendor livelihoods.

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.