Startup Targets Informal Labour Market with Digital Platform
Nairobi, Kenya & Dubai, UAE — March 27, 2026 — A new mobile-first employment platform is aiming to reshape how young people in Kenya access work, as Tich App joins the EquityPilot program run by FasterCapital.
The partnership comes at a critical moment for Kenya’s labour market, where youth unemployment remains a persistent challenge. Individuals aged 15 to 34 account for roughly 35% of the country’s population, yet face the highest barriers to stable employment—particularly in rapidly growing urban centres such as Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru and Eldoret.
Millions of young people in these cities live in informal settlements, where access to structured employment opportunities is limited. Job searching often depends on word-of-mouth referrals, a system widely viewed as inefficient and prone to exploitation.
Tich’s founders say their platform is designed to bring transparency and structure to this fragmented ecosystem.
Digitizing Access to Gig Work
Tich operates as a mobile marketplace connecting users with short-term and gig-based work opportunities. The platform is designed to formalize informal labour channels while improving visibility for both workers and employers.
Key features include tools for job discovery and application management, user ratings and verified references, and guidance on basic contract terms. The app also enables workers to diversify their income streams by accessing a variety of short-term roles.
By consolidating these functions into a single platform, Tich aims to create a more efficient and equitable labour market for urban youth.
Strategic Backing Through EquityPilot
The company’s entry into FasterCapital’s EquityPilot program is expected to accelerate product development and market entry.
Founded in 2014, FasterCapital provides technical co-founding, mentorship, and access to investor and partner networks for early-stage startups. Through EquityPilot, Tich will receive support in refining its Android application, executing its go-to-market strategy, and building connections within the regional startup ecosystem.
Hesham Zreik, Founder and CEO of FasterCapital, expressed his enthusiasm:
“We’re excited to support Tich through EquityPilot. Our team will focus on execution milestones and connecting the startup with the right ecosystem stakeholders”.
Experienced Team Driving Local Impact
Tich’s leadership team brings experience from marketing, digital product development, and community engagement, including professionals affiliated with Sunami Marketing Services and local technology hubs.
One team member brings more than two decades of experience in Kenya’s marketing sector, providing insight into the structural challenges facing youth employment. The company says this expertise informs a product roadmap tailored to local realities.
Pilot Launch Planned in Key Urban Centres
Over the next 90 days, Tich plans to roll out a pilot phase in Nairobi and Mombasa, two of Kenya’s largest urban labour markets.
The company’s short-term objectives include completing Android development milestones, onboarding employer partners, and launching operations in both cities. It will also track key performance indicators such as job placement rates, user retention, and employer satisfaction.
These metrics will guide future scaling efforts as the company expands into additional cities.
Funding Sought to Support Expansion
To execute its 12-month growth strategy, Tich is seeking US$150,000 in funding. The capital will be directed toward user acquisition, operational scaling, and stakeholder engagement.
A significant portion of the funding will support outreach initiatives in informal settlements and on social media platforms popular with young users. The company also plans to expand into Kisumu, Nakuru, and Eldoret, while building partnerships with local organizations and community hubs.
Building a More Inclusive Labour Market
Tich positions itself as part of a broader effort to improve employment access for young people in emerging markets. By aggregating gig opportunities and introducing greater transparency into hiring processes, the platform aims to reduce inefficiencies and improve worker protections.
FasterCapital, for its part, continues to expand its role as a venture builder supporting startups addressing structural economic challenges.
As Kenya’s urban population continues to grow, solutions like Tich may play an increasingly important role in bridging the gap between informal labour and formal economic participation.