Bluefin's Start-Up Transformation

Success is not just about the money; it’s about the doors it opens and the confidence to walk through them,” says the founder of Bluefin’s Solutions, Mussa Kakene, a company that has transformed its corporate event management services through the support of the Imbeju Program, backed by the CRDB Bank Foundation.

Bluefin Solutions, known for its “Summit Point” service, offers streamlined solutions for managing corporate events, including registration automation, document digitization, and engagement tools. Before receiving the funding, Bluefin had an established customer base, but they faced a significant challenge that hindered their growth—live streaming.

The growing demand for virtual engagement at events was a gap that they struggled to fill. They recognized that to remain competitive and continue scaling, they needed to incorporate live streaming into their services. This was the primary reason they applied for funding from the Imbeju Program.

The seed funding of TZS 60,000,000 from the CRDB Bank Foundation was a game-changer. With this financial support, Blue Fin was able to invest in essential equipment, including photography, videography, and live-streaming technology. This addition solved their long-standing challenge and allowed them to diversify their revenue model, offering a comprehensive service package to their clients.

After receiving the funding, Bluefin’s growth trajectory took off. The company was able to expand its client base from 15 to 35 corporate clients, including major government ministries such as the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Finance, and the Ministry of Fisheries. Bluefin’s new live streaming capability became a key selling point, helping them secure high-profile clients and larger events.

The company also scaled up its operations. They increased their permanent workforce from 4 to 8 employees and hired 10 temporary staff per event, supporting an impressive 4 events per month. This growth in staff has contributed to their expanded service offerings and created new job opportunities within the community.

The partnership with the CRDB Bank Foundation has been helpful in earning Bluefin’s reputation as a trusted service provider. Being associated with a respected institution like CRDB Bank Foundation has opened doors, especially with government contracts. As a result, Blue Fin now manages large-scale events for key ministries, further solidifying their position in the market.

Since receiving the funding, Bluefin’s revenue has grown by 50%. They now regularly handle events such as the CRDB Bank AGM, the Commonwealth Parliament Association’s conference with over 400 attendees from 17 countries, and the East Africa Procurement Forum, and big events like the Procurement and Supplies Professional Technician Board conference, which hosted 3,000 people, and the ICTC Annual Conference have helped establish Blue Fin as a leader in corporate event management.

“The money is great, but the guidance has been very useful. The relationship with the CRDB Bank Foundation has provided us with knowledge, confidence, and resources that we could never have accessed on our own,” says the founder. “They have helped us navigate the startup journey, opening doors to valuable information and funding. We are proud to be beneficiaries of the Imbeju Program.”

Thanks to the mentorship and support from the CRDB Bank Foundation, Bluefin Technologies has been able to position itself for long-term success. Their early-stage coaching helped the company raise capital, and the Foundation’s involvement acted as a vote of confidence, enabling Bluefin to secure additional commitments from both corporate and government clients.

“This investment has given us the runway to achieve our first major milestone of delivering exceptional service to our clients. With the funding, we have been able to better our offerings and build a customer-focused product that continues to exceed expectations,” says the founder.

The success story of Bluefin Solutions shows the far-reaching impact of the Imbeju Program, which supports entrepreneurs by providing funding, mentorship, and resources. Bluefin’s journey shows how the right investment, combined with expert guidance, can propel a small business to new heights, benefiting not just the company itself, but also the wider community.

Over the course of the program, the Imbeju program, through the CRDB Bank Foundation, has supported over 200 startups through capacity-building and ongoing support. While 7 startups have received funding to help scale their operations.