SOKO

SOKO is a women-led, ethical jewelry brand and tech-powered distributed manufacturing platform built to connect artisan communities in Kenya with the global market worldwide using mobile technology.

Unlike centralized factory production, we are using technology to support and enable the human workforce. In doing so, we’ve created an efficient “virtual factory”.

We’re inspired by powerful women who cease to be defined by the status quo. Through exploration of form, materiality, and artisan techniques, we create jewelry collections with evolved classics and subtle statements to celebrate uninhibited self-expression.

ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT IS THE KEY TO LASTING CHANGE

The artisan craft industry is the second-largest employer in the developing world, yet also one of the most marginalized. Most production takes place in small, informal workshops. Due to limited local sales and lack of financial infrastructure, millions of talented artisans are trapped in poverty, unable to earn enough to support their families.

Greater access to the global market creates the potential for more income, which allows artisans to support themselves, their families, and their communities and invest in their future with education, equipment, livestock, and land. This support has the potential to change the cycle of poverty— to change lives and change the world.

THE SOKO MODEL: A HUMAN-POWERED VIRTUAL FACTORY

We created our technology to enable the human workforce. This is a new approach to manufacturing — one that disrupts large-scale factory production models and enables us to scale artisan production of handcrafted jewelry. Our proprietary supply chain technology transforms the mobile phone into a powerful scalable business tool, which we call a ‘virtual factory’.

Our ‘virtual factory’ standardizes manufacturing to ensure quality and efficiency. From product specs to payment, news and information, training, and asset financing, workshop operations are automated in the artisan mobile application. We’ve created a supply chain that empowers artisans to sustainably manage and grow their business.

SUCCESS TO DATE

From 2014-2020, we've generated $13.4M in revenue. This year we are on track to grow the total business by +25% and our digital business represents 55% of the business up from 24% a few years ago.

*The above slide contains forward-looking projections that are not guaranteed.

We partner with key digital fashion market leaders like Nordstrom.com, Shopbop, NeimanMarcus.com, Revolve, Madewell, and MOMA to name a few.

We’ve worked to diversify our acquisition strategy and actively engage with customers at all points of the funnel. As a result, we’ve seen great success reducing our Cost of Acquisition and improvements in our Customer Lifetime Value.

We've grown our email list by almost 150% with a total list size of 140,000+ email and SMS. 

And our work with influencers has increased our social following.

Our current CLV is $194 and increasing
Our current CAC is $58 down -17%

However, the greatest metric of our success is the number of artisans we can support. Artisans in our network earn approximately 5X more than they would be selling in the local market and, as of 2020, our artisans have earned over $2.3M.

OUR FUTURE IS BRIGHT

We want you to be a part of our growth! 

Your investment will help us:

•  Ensure our artisan partners continue to receive the highest-level of support to maintain, grow and positively impact their businesses.

• Improve visibility through a refined paid and social media strategy.
• Build a loyal community through a Loyalty and Brand Ambassador Program.
• Add inventory to support the rapid growth of our digital marketplaces.

WE CAN MAKE AN IMPACT TOGETHER

As a certified B-Corp, we strategically balance purpose with profit.​ By leveraging the power of business for maximum positive impact, we can build a more inclusive and sustainable economy to help solve the social and environmental challenges our world faces today. This is an opportunity to invest in a brand and mission that you believe in.

We continue to work towards reducing inequality and poverty, building a healthier environment, stronger communities through the creation of high-quality jobs with dignity and purpose because financial inclusion and economic sovereignty are the keys to lasting impact and change.

We’re paving the way for higher standards that benefit all stakeholders - our artisan partners, their communities, our team that passionately works together to make a positive impact, and you.