
Tagline
Decide with data
Team
Joseph Rutakangwa, CEO
Eric Sewankambo, COO
Location
Los Angeles, CA
Partnered
2021
Status
Active
Exited
Bonfire Lead
Company description
Rwazi is a market intelligence platform for local and multinational consumer goods companies seeking to gain a competitive edge in developing markets. Their platform provides real-time, actionable data on who is buying what, for how much, from where, when, and why. Rwazi's proprietary data analytics software provides a deep understanding of consumer behavior and preferences, empowering businesses to make informed decisions that drive revenue and expansion.
Why solve this problem?
We believe it is important to solve the problem of providing multinational companies with actionable data from emerging markets for several reasons.
Firstly, emerging markets represent a significant growth opportunity for businesses looking to expand their reach and revenue. However, the lack of reliable data from these markets can be a major obstacle for businesses looking to tap into these opportunities.
Secondly, by leveraging a network of local consumers, Rwazi is able to provide real-time insights into consumer behavior and market trends that would otherwise be difficult to obtain. This information can help businesses make more informed decisions when it comes to product development, pricing, distribution, and marketing strategies.
Lastly, Rwazi's platform is designed to be accessible and user-friendly, making it easy for businesses of all sizes to leverage the power of market intelligence. By democratizing access to data and insights from emerging markets, Rwazi is helping to level the playing field and drive more inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
Hardest thing about being a founder?
If I had to pick one, it would be the level of responsibility that comes with leading a company. As a founder, you are not just responsible for your own success, but also for the success and well-being of your team, your customers, and your investors. This can be a heavy burden to bear, particularly when things are not going well or when tough decisions need to be made. The weight of this responsibility can be stressful and emotionally draining, and it requires a high level of resilience, adaptability, and determination to overcome.
Biggest piece of advice for aspiring founders?
My biggest piece of advice for aspiring founders would be to focus on working smart, rather than just working hard. While hard work is certainly important, it's equally important to be strategic and efficient in how you approach your goals. Look for ways to automate or delegate tasks, prioritize your time and resources, and focus on high-impact activities that will move your business forward.
Most exciting moment so far?
When Matt Kozlov told us we have been accepted into the Techstars Los Angeles program.
Why did you choose Bonfire?
We chose Bonfire Ventures as our lead investor for several reasons. Firstly, Bonfire has a strong track record of success in investing in early-stage software and digital media companies like ours. I was impressed with their portfolio of companies and the expertise they bring to the table.
Secondly, I appreciated the hands-on approach that Bonfire Ventures takes with their portfolio companies. They are not just passive investors, but are actively involved in helping their portfolio companies grow and succeed. I felt that this approach would be a good fit for our company, as we are still in the early stages of building our business and could benefit from their guidance and support.
Thirdly, I was impressed with the team at Bonfire Ventures and their alignment with our vision for Rwazi. They understood our mission and our unique approach to market intelligence, and were excited about the potential for our platform to drive growth and expansion in emerging markets.
Overall, I felt that Bonfire Ventures was the right investor for us at this stage in our journey. Their expertise, hands-on approach, and alignment with our vision and values made them a natural partner for our company, and I am excited to work with them as we continue to grow and scale Rwazi.
What's it like to work with Bonfire?
One thing we appreciate about Bonfire is their hands-on approach. They are not just passive investors, but are actively involved in helping us build systems, refine our product, and execute our growth strategy.
Overall, I would say that working with Bonfire has been a true partnership. They are deeply invested in our success and are always looking for ways to add value and support our growth. We feel fortunate to have them as an investor and partner and I am excited to see where our journey together takes us.
Favorite book, useful tool or app?
Book - Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
Tool - ChatGPT