We brainstormed on the idea over a couple of months to see how possible it is to solve people’s problem, how it can be built and how to validate the idea and ship the product. This stage was solely done by the co-founders initially, before consulting other stakeholders.
By the end of February, we came up with the name DuLoft and headed over to Corporate Affairs Commission for company incorporation, which gave us the legality to do business in Nigeria.
Feasibility study, market and user research was carried out on the idea and how it relates and affects the proposed customers and how they can also benefit from the idea. Tenant surveys and Landlord surveys were conducted and we received few responses from the landlords and massive positive responses from tenants to have such a system in existence. In other words, at the end, the tenants were ready and anticipating, but the landlords had cold feet in dealing only with a digital property management/listing platform.
Because we had done a thorough research on the process of managing properties and processing funds of transactions, we were mandated to register for SCUML, which will certify us authentic to process funds. We got our certification on this month of August 2024.
We built our MVP and deployed it ready for launching.
Between November and January 2024, we launch our PMS and did some advert/digital marketing to attract/push the push the product to the customers. After exhausting the little fund we had, we didn’t get the desired result due to the statutory and human factors we encountered as hindrances stopping the product from adoption.
DuLoft first MVP launch failed due to some factors that hindered the business model and structure. We initially wanted to build a system that we can use to manage people’s property ourselves; meaning that we will become property managers, and take care of people’s property especially majoring on listing with the help of our PMS. Some of the factors that opposed DuLoft first launch was the fact that when it was time for validation of idea, the system was ready but the landlords could not do without local agents, who we wanted to displace and render easy access to properties at very low/affordable rates.
We decided to take a break and test the idea’s likelihood of meeting user’s need. We consulted professionals and relevant stakeholders on assessing the idea and business model. Thereafter, we went back to the drawing board to unlearn, relearn, undo and redo what was necessary. This idea testing/assessment gave rise to a new DuLoft as a tool that existing property managers, estate management companies and remote landlords can use to manage their portfolio of properties including the tenants.
A fresh feasibility study and market research was carried out on the idea, market, and user needs.
The DuLoft team was built with a Product Manager, two Developers, and a Product Designer to build the MVP and relaunch.
The MVP will be launched and open for public testing and new user onboarding.
The MVP of DuLoft will be fully ready and functional for use.
DuLoft MVP will be launched and onboard new users continuously.
We will campaign in Abuja FCT and launch with new users and partnerships.
Release of the mobile application version of DuLoft PMS.
API and integration of other tools like Google Drive and QuickBooks for a seamless experience.