Craftmerce

Over 40 million African brands are cut off from the global market,the system is highly fragmented, and there is no centralized platform for retailers and buyers to access these distinctive products. They lack digital footprints, access to global markets to scale their growth. 

Craftmerce has created a dedicated platform for retailers where they can easily access these products. 

By utilizing our innovative cutting-edge blockchain track and trace technology, retailers can verify product authenticity while benefiting from a transparent supply chain. This not only streamlines their procurement process but also automates many of the tedious tasks associated with purchasing inventory. Furthermore, our platform simplifies cross-border logistics for retailers who want to explore new brands and manage their inventory effectively.

Our target customers are retailers, buyers, and African artisans. African artisans  with little or no digital footprints and can't access international markets and retailers and buyers based in North America who have to go through middlemen or brokers to source ethical  unique products. 

We have a deep understanding of the problems African artisans and North American retailers face trying to transact in a fragmented ecosystem.

Craftmerce emerged as a result of Cynthia's personal journey in growing her textile business into a global powerhouse, reaching customers across over 40 countries and establishing a presence in 10,000 retail stores. This remarkable achievement was the culmination of seven years of relentless determination and perseverance.

After making an announcement on various social media platforms in 2019, Cynthia was inundated with requests for guidance from friends and industry peers who were eager to replicate her success on an international scale. Motivated by the desire to empower other African brands like hers, Cynthia joined forces with Sarah to establish a consulting firm dedicated to helping these artisans effectively market and export their products worldwide.

Craftmerce was founded as a result of the consulting firm's efforts, including carrying out beta testing and speaking to over 1000 brands and 300 retailers to develop a more scalable solution.

We are at the Pilot stage. We have over 3000 artisan groups  from 13 African countries in these categories fashion, home goods, accessories and leather. 

We have 4500 global retailers in our network, gotten partnerships with sezzle and DHL for payment and logistics. We have also raised $245,000 from Ondeck funds and Techstars. 

We are applying to MIT Solve because we believe in the power of innovation to address complex global challenges. MIT Solve offers a unique platform that brings together innovators, experts, and resources to tackle pressing issues through technology and entrepreneurship. Here's why Craftmerce sees MIT Solve as an ideal fit:

1. Access to Expertise: MIT Solve provides access to a vast network of experts, mentors, and advisors across various fields, including technology, business, and social impact. This network offers invaluable guidance and support to help us navigate challenges and scale its impact.

2. Collaborative Opportunities: MIT Solve fosters collaboration among innovators, investors, and policymakers to develop scalable solutions.By participating in Solve challenges and events, Craftmerce would connect with potential partners, investors, and customers who share our vision of empowering African artisans and promoting ethical sourcing.

3. Validation and Recognition: Being selected as a Solver by MIT Solve would provide valuable validation and recognition for Craftmerce's innovative approach to ethical sourcing and artisan empowerment. This recognition will enhance our credibility, attract talent, and open doors to funding opportunities and partnerships.

4. Resources and Funding: The program offers access to funding opportunities, including grants, prizes, and investment connections, which would support Craftmerce's growth and expansion efforts. Additionally, Solve provides access to resources, such as workshops, mentorship, and capacity-building programs, that will ensure Craftmerce thrive.

5. Global Reach: The program has a global reach and impact, enabling Craftmerce to connect with diverse stakeholders from around the world. This global perspective is essential for addressing complex challenges in the artisan sector, where issues such as fair trade, cultural preservation, and economic empowerment transcend geographic boundaries.

By participating in MIT Solve, we would leverage the Solve's platform resources, expertise, and network to accelerate our mission of creating sustainable livelihoods for African artisans and promoting ethical consumption worldwide. We believe that together with MIT Solve, we can drive meaningful change and create a more inclusive and equitable future for artisans and communities across Africa.

Craftmerce is an innovative online B2B wholesale digital platform that revolutionizes the interaction between small-scale African artisans and international retailers. More than 40 million African artisans are cut off from the global market, the system is highly fragmented, and there is no centralized platform for retailers and buyers to source these unique products. The Global handicraft market is expected to reach $752.2 Billion in total addressable market size by 2028, and it is expected to grow by a CAGR of 10.8%.  

Craftmerce provides African artisans with a unique opportunity to showcase and sell their products to a global audience while also offering them production management tools and advanced producer financing. Additionally, it offers international retailers the convenience of sourcing ethical products wholesale from one platform, saving them valuable time and effort in searching for inventory. Craftmerce addresses industry pain points by offering a comprehensive range of ethical products made in Africa, along with flexible buy-now-pay-later options and utilizing cutting-edge blockchain track-and-trace technology for transparent supply chain management. With streamlined  procurement processes and simplified cross-border logistics, Craftmerce empowers retailers to source ethical products,  and efficiently manage their inventory.

How Craftmerce Works:

1. Connecting Artisans with Markets: Craftmerce provides a platform where talented African artisans can showcase and sell their handcrafted products directly to retailers worldwide. Through our online marketplace, artisans gain access to a global customer base, enabling them to increase their sales and generate sustainable income.

2. Ethical Sourcing: We prioritize ethical sourcing practices, ensuring that artisans receive fair compensation for their work and that their cultural heritage and traditional craftsmanship are respected and preserved. By supporting ethical sourcing, retailers can offer unique, high-quality products to their customers while contributing to positive social and environmental impact.

Immediate Outputs:

1. Increased Market Access: Artisans gain immediate access to a broader market through our online platform, allowing them to sell their products beyond local markets and reach customers worldwide.

2. Fair Compensation: Artisans receive fair compensation for their products, empowering them economically and providing them with a sustainable livelihood.

3. Retailer Engagement: Retailers gain access to a diverse range of ethically sourced products, meeting the growing demand for sustainable and unique offerings in the retail market.

Longer-Term Outcomes:

1. Economic Empowerment: By earning a sustainable income from their craft, artisans can improve their living standards, invest in education and healthcare for their families, and contribute to the economic development of their communities.

2. Cultural Preservation: Craftmerce helps preserve traditional craftsmanship and cultural heritage by providing artisans with opportunities to showcase and sell their authentic products to a global audience. This contributes to the preservation and celebration of diverse cultural identities.

3. Sustainable Consumption: By promoting ethical sourcing and conscious consumerism, Craftmerce encourages consumers to make informed choices about the products they purchase, supporting sustainable production practices and responsible consumption habits.

Craftmerce's Impact Goals:

1. Empower 40M Artisans: Our primary goal is to empower the 40million African artisans by providing them with access to global markets, fair compensation, and opportunities for skills development and capacity building supporting SDG 1.

2. Generate $10 Million in Artisan Income: We aim to generate $10 million in income for artisans by facilitating sales of their handcrafted products through our platform, contributing to poverty alleviation and economic empowerment within artisan communities supporting the SDG8

3. Preserve Cultural Heritage: Craftmerce is committed to preserving cultural heritage by supporting traditional craftsmanship and celebrating the unique cultural identities represented by our artisan partners.

4. Facilitate Ethical Sourcing for 10,000 Retailers: We aspire to facilitate ethical sourcing practices for 10,000 retailers globally, helping them access a diverse range of ethically produced products while promoting sustainability and social responsibility in the retail industry while also supporting the SDG 12 

Measuring Progress:

1. Artisan Participation: We track the number of artisans onboarded onto our platform and monitor their level of engagement and satisfaction with our services. This includes metrics such as artisan sign-ups, product listings, and feedback received.

2. Artisan Income Generated: We measure the income generated for artisans through sales on our platform, tracking both the total revenue generated and the average income earned per artisan. This helps us assess the economic impact of our platform on artisan livelihoods.

3. Cultural Impact: We assess our cultural impact by monitoring the diversity of artisan groups represented on our platform, the preservation of traditional craftsmanship techniques, and any partnerships or initiatives aimed at promoting cultural exchange and appreciation.

4. Retailer Engagement: We track the number of retailers using our platform for sourcing ethically produced products, as well as their feedback and satisfaction levels. Additionally, we monitor the volume of orders placed by retailers and the growth of our retailer network over time.

Craftmerce leverages a combination of cutting-edge technology solutions to power its platform and address key challenges facing artisan communities, retailers, and consumers:

1. Digital Platform: At the core of Craftmerce is a robust digital platform that serves as a marketplace connecting artisans with retailers worldwide. The platform utilizes modern web development technologies, including front-end frameworks like React.js  for user interface design and back-end frameworks Node.js for server-side development. This technology enables seamless browsing, product discovery, ordering, and payment processing for both artisans and retailers.

2. Blockchain for Transparency: Craftmerce employs blockchain technology to ensure transparency and traceability in the supply chain. By recording transactions and product information on a decentralized ledger, we provide retailers and consumers with visibility into the journey of each product, including its origin, production process, and impact. This enhances trust and confidence in the authenticity and ethical sourcing of products.

3. Data Analytics and Machine Learning:We harnesses the power of data analytics and machine learning algorithms to analyze trends, predict demand, and personalize recommendations for retailers and consumers. By analyzing user behavior, purchasing patterns, and market trends, we optimize product listings, pricing strategies, and marketing campaigns to enhance the user experience and drive sales.

4. Mobile App Development: Craftmerce offers a mobile application for artisans to manage their store, upload product listings, track orders, and communicate with customers on the go. The mobile app is built using cross-platform development frameworks like React Native ensuring compatibility across Android devices and enabling artisans to access the platform conveniently from anywhere.

5. Collaborative Tools and Communication Platforms: Craftmerce provides collaborative tools and communication platforms, such as integrated messaging systems and video conferencing capabilities, to facilitate direct communication and collaboration between artisans and retailers. This fosters a sense of community and enables efficient communication for order fulfillment, product customization, and feedback exchange.

We are a team of 6 staff.

2 Cofounders- Full time 

2 Full time staff 

2 Part time staff

We launched in 2022 and have gained so momentum in fund raising, partnerships and also in traction. 

At Craftmerce, we are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where every team member feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives and talents. Here's how we ensure diversity and promote inclusivity within our team:

1. Diverse Leadership Team: Our leadership team reflects the diversity of the communities we serve, with members from different cultural backgrounds, genders, and professional experiences. We believe that diverse leadership is essential for driving innovation, fostering creativity, and making informed decisions that benefit our stakeholders.

2. Recruitment and Hiring Practices: We prioritize diversity and inclusion in our recruitment and hiring processes by actively seeking candidates from underrepresented backgrounds and ensuring equitable access to opportunities. We implement blind resume screening and standardized interview protocols to minimize biases and promote fair evaluation of candidates based on their skills, qualifications, and potential contributions to the team.

3. Training and Development: We invest in training and development programs to raise awareness and build skills around diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) topics for all team members. This includes workshops, seminars, and online resources covering topics such as unconscious bias, cultural competency, and inclusive leadership.

4. Employee Resource Groups: We encourage the formation of employee resource groups (ERGs) or affinity groups to provide spaces for team members with shared identities or experiences to connect, support each other, and advocate for inclusivity within the organization. These groups serve as platforms for dialogue, networking, and collaboration on DEI initiatives.

5. Inclusive Policies and Practices: We have established inclusive policies and practices that promote work-life balance, flexibility, and accessibility for all team members. This includes offering remote work options, flexible scheduling, parental leave policies, and accommodations for individuals with disabilities.

6. Regular Feedback and Communication: We foster open communication and transparency within the team, encouraging feedback and suggestions for improvement related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We conduct regular surveys and listening sessions to gauge employee satisfaction, identify areas for growth, and address any concerns or challenges proactively.

7. Community Engagement and Partnerships: We actively engage with external organizations, networks, and communities working on DEI initiatives to learn best practices, share resources, and amplify our impact. We seek opportunities for partnerships and collaborations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion both internally and externally.

By prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion in our workplace culture, policies, and practices, we strive to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where every team member feels empowered to thrive and contribute to our collective success. We recognize that our commitment to DEI is an ongoing journey, and we remain dedicated to continuous learning, improvement, and action in this area.

Our business model is very scaleable. We hold zero inventory, we charge a 15% commission of each transaction on the platform. Our team will be well positioned to generate more revenue to sustain our work through the provision of impact & ESG reports to the retailers and buyers  we work with, implementation and design expertise. 

Our plan to become financially stable, we are speaking to investors already for our pre seed round and have $120,000 committed from our full round. We also have secured partnerships with regional retail stores like MoMa, Sundace Catalog, Made Trade, Nully for distribution partnerships. We have also grown our revenue to $190,000 since we launched, we have raised $245,000 from investors like Techstars and Ondeck.