Denis Opudo
The Somalian Gulivery startup is an online mobile delivery platform. The initiative was launched in January this year by Mr. Deeq Mohamend Hassan and his wife Mrs. Sado Ali Borrot. It allows for acquisition of groceries, meals from restaurants and supermarkets as well as door-to-door delivery. The startup has a group of staff who facilitate the delivery process by the use of motorcycles. Mr. Deeq family started the business from the existence of large market gap of commodities delivery in Hargeisa city. This idea came after the family moved back to Somalia from London when they purchased several products but lacked means of delivery. Most people from the region entirely depended on the trusted taxi drivers to deliver commodities from city malls to Peoples’ doorstep. The challenge inherent was the high cost of hiring a taxi and sometime adulteration of products ordered. After a short period of market research, the family realized that many people in the city had been experiencing the same problem. The business opportunity was that people were willing to pay for delivery services if made available.
The founders used their saving to finance the project but later sourced more funds from local angel investors. The enterprise managed to make more than 700 deliveries in Hargeisa city for a period less than 10 weeks. There has been an outcry in by people from Mogadishu demanding the same services in the capital city of Somalia. Previously, the startup had no competitors but after taking the service to Mogadishu, new delivery companies emerged in the city. Mr. Deeq said that the culture of Somali people is to copy new business idea in the region.
Despite stiff competition, Gulivery startup had the absolute advantage of more than 3 months in the market. The business also made about 500 deliveries in the first month of operation in Mogadishu. The startup currently makes more than 1,200 deliveries with nearly 7.5% of subscribers make two or more orders monthly. The enterprise generates revenue through charging delivery fees depending on the nature of product, time and distance. The major defy facing the company is an inadequate number of motorcycle drivers. The company is working hard to override the challenge and to take the business to the East Africa countries. The mission of Mr. Deeq is to lead delivery agencies in East Africa community in five years to come.
