Laastras joins FasterCapital Equitypilot to modernize Burundi marketplaces with WiFi and navigation
Bujumbura, Burundi & Dubai, UAE - Oct 30, 2025
Laastras and FasterCapital today announced a strategic partnership through the Equitypilot program to accelerate deployment of eCard Wireless and ShareClientele across Burundi’s major marketplaces. The collaboration begins immediately, targets urban hubs across Burundi, and combines FasterCapital’s global acceleration resources with Laastras’ fiber-backed public WiFi and vendor navigation platform to solve chronic connectivity and market-access gaps.
Market opportunity & problem statement
Burundi’s urban commercial zones face poor internet infrastructure, chaotic market navigation, and uneven vendor visibility barriers to commerce as smartphone and mobile-money adoption rise. With more than ten major commercial hubs underserved, there is a clear white space for integrated digital infrastructure and discovery tools. Existing telecom coverage and marketing channels fail to deliver equitable foot traffic or affordable connectivity for small vendors.
Startup solution & differentiation
Laastras launches two integrated products: eCard Wireless fiber-backed public WiFi deployed in malls and marketplaces with Lumicash/Ecocash micro-billing and ShareClientele a shopper-facing mobile app with indoor/outdoor mapping, guided navigation, and vendor analytics to distribute customers fairly. The combined offering reduces vendor marketing cost, increases customer dwell time, and monetizes both access and transactions. Early projections target 7,000 users and 5,000 vendors in 2026, scaling to 10,000+ each in 2027. The rooftop Wimax/fiber model and commission-based vendor fees create a defensible, repeatable deployment playbook.
FasterCapital partnership value
Through its Equitypilot program, FasterCapital provides seed capital, technical mentorship, cloud credits, go-to-market support, and investor introduction services. FasterCapital’s selective vetting and global portfolio validate Laastras’ product-market fit and scalability. The program will shorten the pilot-to-scale timeline, support regulatory navigation, and back fundraising efforts to reach the $500,000 target for fiber buildout, network hardware, app development, and onboarding.
Executive quotes
“[Laastras] addresses a tangible infrastructure and commerce gap with an economically viable model,” said Hesham Zreik, investment lead at FasterCapital. “We back startups that combine technical rigor with clear routes to recurring revenue Laastras fits that thesis and is ready for rapid market deployment.” Obed-Edom Nkezabahizi, Founder & CEO of Laastras, said: “Partnering with FasterCapital accelerates our mission to connect vendors and shoppers. Equitypilot gives us the capital, network, and operational support to scale eCard Wireless and ShareClientele across Burundi’s busiest markets.”
Growth trajectory & next steps
Immediate milestones include fiber installation and app MVP completion in Q1–Q2 2026, a two-market pilot in Q3, and full 10-market deployment by Q4 2026. FasterCapital will support fundraising and expansion planning toward regional rollout in 2027 and beyond.
About Laastras
Laastras is a Bujumbura-based tech startup building fiber-backed public WiFi and a shopper navigation app to modernize Burundi’s marketplaces. Founded by Obed-Edom Nkezabahizi, Laastras aims to increase vendor visibility, digital inclusion, and local commerce through affordable infrastructure and smart discovery tools.
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.