Goly is a peer-to-peer marketplace that connects individuals or businesses in the service industry with those who need them.
The platform is mobile-only and service providers can list their services directly on the mobile app. “We understand that traditional marketplaces in forms of web directories hardly work in emerging markets but mobile do,” says Fakayode Joseph, Goly CEO, on why the startup focuses only on a mobile experience.
Goly works in three steps; a sign-up with a Facebook account or via an email. A user looking to provide a service can list services he is open to provide while users looking for a service can choose a service provider from a list of alternative organizations/individuals registered on the app – just like oDesk. The marketplace makes use of location sensors in stripping down service providers to those closest to the user.
Joseph tells TechCabal that the startup is working on improving the app and some features are currently in the works including an in-app chatting module that will enable clients and service providers communicate directly in the app, including a support for in-app payments and a third layer verification system. “We are also working on a utility patentable system that connects the marketplace and the payment system” he says in reference to in-app payments.
Founded in 2014 by Fakayode Joseph, the CEO and Khoa Viet Nguyen the CTO, the startup has its headquarters in Finland with operations in Lagos. It has so far raised €20,000 in funding both internally and from angel investors. Goly is currently part of NewCo Factory, a Helsinki-based Business Accelerator Program supporting teams with international growth potentials.
The team is also behind the collaborative video recording, editing and sharing app, ClipMe similar Facebook’s Riff which launched last April fool’s day.
Goly is in its pre-launch in Philippines and is currently available in parts of Lagos, Nigeria with up to 500 profiles, according to Joseph. “Kenya is next,” Joseph tells TechCabal.
The app is available on the Google Play Store.
