Belco Group’s Value Gas Station joins FasterCapital Equitypilot to scale EV-ready fuel hubs
Airdrie, Alberta, Canada & Dubai, UAE — Dec 09, 2025
Belco Group Inc and FasterCapital today announced a strategic partnership through FasterCapital’s Equitypilot program to accelerate an ultra‑modern, EV‑ready gas station and hospitality hub in Airdrie and across Alberta, leveraging capital, tech and go‑to‑market support to raise USD 3M.
Market opportunity & problem statement
The North American fueling and convenience sector is undergoing rapid change: growing EV adoption, rising consumer demand for one‑stop travel hubs, and an expectation for digital payments and loyalty. Traditional stations struggle to combine fuel retailing, EV charging, food and lodging services profitably. Value Gas Station targets this white space with a highway‑adjacent site in Airdrie, addressing traveler and fleet pain points with an integrated, tech‑enabled model.
Startup solution & differentiation Value
Gas Station (BELCO Group Inc.) offers gasoline, diesel and card‑lock services alongside a convenience store, car wash, oil‑change bay, motel, restaurant and electric vehicle charging points — all supported by an app for frictionless pump assignment and payments. The design bundles higher‑margin retail and hospitality services with fuel sales to increase per‑customer lifetime value. Early feasibility work projects $500K in year one scaling to $2.5M by year three, demonstrating a clear path to profitability and defensible differentiation in the Calgary–Airdrie corridor.
FasterCapital partnership value
Through the Equitypilot program, FasterCapital will provide structured capital raising support, mentorship, product and payments integration guidance, and access to its global investor network. FasterCapital’s selective screening and operational playbooks will accelerate infrastructure rollout, procurement of fuel‑dispensing and EV charging equipment, and the launch of the consumer app — compressing a 12–18 month build timeline and strengthening investor readiness.
Executive quotes
“Hesham Zreik: “FasterCapital invests in practical, revenue‑driven startups that modernize legacy industries. Value Gas Station combines proven retail economics with future‑ready EV and hospitality offerings — a category fit for Equitypilot’s capital and scaling playbook.” Hesham Zreik, Founder & CEO, FasterCapital
“Partnering with FasterCapital brings the funding, technology and commercial roadmap we need to deliver a best‑in‑class fueling and hospitality experience in Airdrie,” said the CEO of BELCO Group Inc. “This collaboration validates our model and accelerates our ambition to become Alberta’s leading highway service hub.” Hendrix Browne Crabbe CEO, BELCO Group Inc.
Growth trajectory & near‑term plan
With an immediate raise target of USD 3M, Value Gas Station will complete construction, install EV chargers and pumps, launch its payment app, and open the convenience, car wash and motel facilities within 12–18 months. Subsequent phases will scale to multiple Alberta markets and enable card‑lock fleet contracts, regional marketing campaigns and loyalty rollout.
About BELCO Group Inc.
Value Gas Station is an Airdrie‑based developer and operator of integrated fuel, EV charging, convenience retail and hospitality services. Founded to modernize highway fueling, BELCO Group Inc. combines retail, auto services and lodging to increase traveler convenience and commercial resilience.
About FasterCapital
FasterCapital is a global venture builder and online incubator dedicated to co-funding and co-founding innovative startups. Established in 2014, we are now #1 venture builder in terms of number of startups that we have helped, money invested and money raised. It supports startups worldwide through various programs, including funding assistance, business development, and technical support. The Equitypilot program is designed to help early-stage startups build scalable solutions with mentorship, strategic guidance, and network support.

Social Media Player Inc. Accelerates Global Growth Through Strategic Partnership with FasterCapital
Cape Town, South Africa & Dubai, UAE – Aug 21 2025
Social Media Player Inc, an emerging innovator blending music, podcasts, and influencer content into a unified digital platform, today announced a strategic partnership with FasterCapital through its EquityPilot program. This collaboration aims to accelerate Social Media Player’s expansion into global markets including the USA, UK, Europe, and China by leveraging FasterCapital’s extensive resources, expertise, and capital-raising support.
Market Opportunity & Problem Statement
The digital content creation industry is experiencing exponential growth, driven by increasing demand for diverse, interactive, and monetizable platforms. Despite the dominance of giants like YouTube, TikTok, and SoundCloud, many creators face challenges such as restrictive monetization policies and fragmented audiences. Social Media Player Inc. addresses these inefficiencies by offering a holistic, creator-centric platform that integrates the best features of existing services while fostering a vibrant community. With the global app market projected to grow at over 8% CAGR and increasing content consumption worldwide, the timing is ideal for a platform that empowers creators and consumers alike.
Startup Solution & Differentiation
Social Media Player Inc. uniquely combines the spontaneity of TikTok, the depth of YouTube, and the musical focus of SoundCloud into a seamless mobile and web application. Its core offering includes a premium subscription priced at $7/month, unlocking ad-free experiences, early feature access, and exclusive content. The platform also plans to integrate AI-driven content recommendations and immersive AR/VR features to enhance user engagement. Founded by a seasoned music industry veteran, the startup benefits from deep industry insights and a global vision to nurture creativity and monetization. Early financial projections show strong profitability and rapid user growth, positioning Social Media Player as a formidable competitor in the digital media space.
FasterCapital Partnership Value
Through the EquityPilot program, Social Media Player Inc. gains access to FasterCapital’s global network, technical mentorship, and strategic capital-raising assistance. FasterCapital’s rigorous selection criteria ensure that only high-potential startups with scalable solutions are admitted, underscoring the credibility of this partnership. The collaboration will accelerate product development, market entry, and user acquisition, aiming for rapid scaling within 12-18 months. Additionally, FasterCapital’s guidance will support Social Media Player in navigating complex regulatory environments across diverse markets, enhancing compliance and operational resilience.
Executive Quotes
Hesham Zreik, Founder and CEO of FasterCapital, stated, “[Social Media Player Inc.] exemplifies the kind of innovative, market-disrupting startup that aligns perfectly with our EquityPilot program’s vision. Their unique integration of music, podcasts, and influencer content addresses a critical gap in the digital media ecosystem. We are excited to support their journey toward becoming a global leader, leveraging our expertise and resources to accelerate their growth.”
Morne Arendse, Founder and CEO of Social Media Player Inc., commented, “Partnering with FasterCapital is a pivotal milestone for us. Their proven track record and global reach provide the perfect launchpad to realize our vision of a unified, creator-centric platform. Together, we will empower creators worldwide, foster community, and deliver unparalleled value to users across continents.”
Growth Trajectory & Future Plans
In the near term, Social Media Player Inc. plans to finalize its platform development, launch beta testing, and initiate aggressive marketing campaigns targeting key regions. The company aims to expand its user base rapidly, introduce tiered subscription models, and build strategic partnerships with brands and educational institutions. Capital requirements for the next funding round are projected at $1 million to support scaling operations and technology enhancements. Long-term, the startup envisions becoming a market leader that redefines digital content consumption and monetization globally.
About Social Media Player Inc.
Founded in 2019 in Cape Town, South Africa, Social Media Player Inc. is a digital media startup blending the best of YouTube, TikTok, and SoundCloud into a single platform. Its mission is to empower creators—podcasters, musicians, influencers—and connect them with global audiences through innovative technology and community-driven features. The company is committed to fostering creativity, collaboration, and sustainable monetization.
About FasterCapital
FasterCapital is a global technology incubator and venture capital firm specializing in accelerating early-stage startups through its EquityPilot program. With a proven track record of scaling disruptive technology ventures, FasterCapital offers startups mentorship, technical resources, and capital-raising support.