Practice area
Mobile-first business tooling
Research and pilot programmes on the everyday business software that small operators in emerging markets actually need — built for entry-level Android handsets and intermittent connectivity.
What we research
- Proof-of-delivery flows that work offline and reconcile when a signal returns.
- Supplier-rating systems that survive low literacy and high turnover.
- Simple invoicing and record keeping in local currencies, on phones with limited storage.
- Field-tested onboarding patterns for users new to formal business tools.
How we engage
Most engagements here are research partnerships and co-funded pilots, typically with development-finance institutions, foundations, NGOs, and operator co-operatives. We publish findings under permissive licences so other teams can build on the work.
We keep teams small, run pilots in a single market at a time, and document trade-offs honestly. We will tell you when an idea is not worth funding.
Where we have worked
Early field work has focused on small farmers and small manufacturers in parts of West Africa, East Africa, and South Asia. We are interested in extending this to other markets where the same constraints apply.
Funding a pilot?
If you fund or commission research in this space, we are happy to scope a small pilot. A short outline by email is enough to start.