YB
Your business
One clear line telling investors and customers what you make or do.
Wants investorsWants customersEarly revenue
Seeking
ETB 500,000
10% equity
min ETB 50k
min ETB 50k
Profile previewBadge added after review
For Ethiopian small businesses and start-ups
Get your business in front of investors and customers.
Show what you make, say how much funding you need and exactly where it will go. Verified investors and buyers find you, then message, call or video call you directly.
- Documents checked by our team
- Message, call or video call
- Local and international investors
Groundwork makes introductions only. No money moves through the platform; you agree terms directly with each other.
One profile, three kinds of people
Every business profile is built to answer the questions investors and customers ask first.
Businesses
Showcase and ask
- Upload products, photos and your portfolio
- State your funding ask and how you'll use every birr
- Get a verified badge once your documents check out
Investors
Find vetted deals
- See only businesses within your investment range
- Check ID, license, registration, TIN and VAT at a glance
- Message, call or video call founders directly
Customers
Buy from local makers
- Discover suppliers, makers and service providers
- Ask about bulk orders, pricing and delivery
- Deal with registered, tax-compliant businesses
How it works
Create your profile
Describe the business, the team and what you sell.
Submit your documents
National ID, business license and registration, TIN and VAT certificates.
Get verified
Our team reviews within 2–3 business days and adds your badge.
Connect
Investors and customers reach out by message, call or video.
Businesses from every corner of the economy
From coffee roasters in Addis Ababa to cold storage in Bahir Dar. Investors filter by the sectors they know.
AgricultureFarming, processing, cold storage and agri-inputs.
Food & drinkCoffee, bakeries, honey, spices and packaged food.
ManufacturingTextiles, leather, furniture and light industry.
LogisticsDelivery, courier, transport and warehousing.
TechnologySoftware, fintech, e-commerce and digital services.
Crafts & retailHandwoven goods, ceramics, jewellery and shops.
HealthClinics, pharmacies, diagnostics and wellness.
ServicesRepairs, education, events and professional services.
What we verify before a business goes live
Documents are reviewed by our team and never shown publicly. Visitors only see which checks passed.
National IDConfirms the owner is who they say they are.
Business licenseConfirms the license is valid and current.
Business registrationCertificate showing the business is legally registered.
TIN certificateTaxpayer identification, matched to the license.
VAT certificateRequired for VAT-registered businesses.
International
Invest in Ethiopia from anywhere
Businesses can open their listing to foreign and diaspora investors and state their ask in the currency they choose. Investors abroad can list themselves so founders can reach them.
- Your currencyAsks in USD, EUR, GBP, AED, SAR, CAD, CNY or KES, next to the birr amount.
- Diaspora directoryInvestors abroad choose to be listed, without their email or phone.
- Meet across time zonesMessage, then move to a voice or video call when you are ready.
Built on trust
Private by defaultDocuments, email addresses and phone numbers are never shown on a profile.
Introductions onlyNo payments, deposits or escrow pass through Groundwork. You agree terms directly with each other.
Members onlyListings are visible only to signed-in members with a verified email.
Investors see the right fitEach investor only sees businesses asking within their range, so the conversations you get are relevant.
Recently verified
Sign in or create an account to view businesses.
Sign in to see verified businesses
Business profiles, funding asks and messaging are open to members only. Joining is free.
Questions and answers
Still unsure? Create an account and look around. You can list your business whenever you are ready.
Does Groundwork handle the money?
No. Groundwork only makes introductions. Investments, orders and payments are agreed and made directly between you and the other party, outside the platform.
What does it cost?
Joining is free. Groundwork doesn't take a share of any deal, because no money moves through it.
Who can see my verification documents?
Only our review team. Documents are stored apart from your profile and are never shown on it. Visitors only see a check mark for each item that passed review.
How long does verification take?
Usually 2–3 business days after you submit. We email you when your listing goes live, or tell you exactly what to fix.
Which businesses do investors see?
Each investor picks an investment range, and Discover only shows businesses asking for an amount inside it. Businesses open to international investment also appear on the International page.
Can I invest from outside Ethiopia?
Yes. Investors abroad and in the diaspora can join, browse businesses that welcome foreign investment in USD, EUR, GBP and other currencies, and list themselves in the investor directory.
How do we talk once we connect?
By message, voice call or video call inside Groundwork. Your email and phone number stay private until you choose to share them.
Ready to get started?
List your business in about 15 minutes, or join as an investor or customer.