SASA

SasaAfrica, an e-commerce platform that connects artisans from developing regions to the global marketplace, using a simple mobile phone.

  • Stage Full Product Ready
  • Industry Mobile
  • Location Cambridge, MA, USA
  • Currency USD
  • Founded January 2011
  • Employees 6
  • Website sasaafrica.com

Company Summary

Sasa is an e-commerce platform that connects mobile enabled artisans at the BOP directly to web-based consumers. Sasa has developed the first online marketplace that enables artisans to post and sell their products online, even if they lack access to the Internet, a computer, or a bank account. Sasa transforms the ubiquitous mobile phone into a tool that revolutionizes the traditional export supply chain into a peer-to-peer exchange.

Team

  • Ella Peinovich
    CEO

    Ella, a graduate of MIT, has worked on social enterprises in and around the slums of Nairobi for the past 3 years. With experience in systems design, social entrepreneurship, and a desire to improve women’s autonomy in a sustainable manner, Ella is one of the chief visionaries and designers of SasaAfrica, ensuring its sustainable growth.

  • Gwendolyn Floyd
    COO

    Gwen is an internationally recognized expert in leveraging mobile technology for achieving development goals. She has started three successful businesses in the last decade and specializes in understanding the developmental promise of entrepreneurship in the developing world.

  • Catherine Mahugu
    Technical Director

    Kate has been involved in various ICT for Development projects including Stanford University’s Nokia Africa Research Center Design Project building mobile applications targeting informal communities. Kate joined the SasaAfrica team to help develop a scalable and appropriate technological solution, and manage technology integration across mobile and web platforms.

  • Kotsanai Matereke
    Programs Manager

    Kaye develops and implements the vendor and agent trainings for SasaAfrica and grows SasaAfrica’s vendor recruitment networks. Kaye is an expert in education in developing economies. Kaye’s professional background is in conflict and mediation, which has empowered him to help people resolve diverse conflict scenarios that can limit them from achieving their goals. Kaye has worked in communities in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Kenya. Kaye’s personal

  • Christine Selig
    Director of Outreach and Business Development

    Christine’s background is in social science research and organizational development. She has a PhD in social and cultural studies in education and has worked as an applied researcher to create the conditions for people to think freshly and develop alternatives in the global economy so that everyone has a chance at a decent life. At Sasa, Christine works to build resources and grow vendor and consumer networks. Christine also leverages Sasa’s soci

  • Kelvin Nkinyili
    Mobile Technology

    Kelvin studied business information technology at Strathmore University and computer science at the University of Nairobi. His background is in software/web development with expertise in leveraging technology to support business strategies.

Advisors

  • Jeff Stein, Wilmer Hale
    Lawyer
    Unconfirmed
    Daniel Berman, McGladrey LLP
    Accountant
    Unconfirmed

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