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Status Quo

Development History and Partner Interactions

We were approached during the development years by a number of potential partners such as Vodacom. We also looked into partnering with others such as Rembrandt VC and Vodacom Ventures. I withdrew from discussions as I felt they were mining me for my strategy.

Ten years ago, Pre-COVID, I was approached by the Founder of an International Venture Capital business, in the UK. The Exec Summary is that we met at the Abingdon Wine Estate in the Drakensberg. Following the in-person meeting, we workshopped a way forward. There was consensus that in return for 10% of Webo, some **R200 million in seed funding** to launch internationally was probable. It was agreed that to optimize value, Webo should be restructured into some seven modules. This has been done and completed.

✅ Finalized SaaS Modules (Pre-Launch Essentials)

The SaaS will always be WIP, however, modules considered essential to the post-COVID work-from-home playing field needed to be completed pre-launch. The following are now **[Done]**:

1. Agile Surveys (ASK Technology): Hailed as groundbreaking in establishing user needs. The idea is that given a deep understanding of user needs one need only match offers to needs to succeed. [Done]

2. Autoresponders and Sign-up Forms: Required to drive eMarketing and are considered essential. [Done]

3. Work from Home Desktops: Post-COVID WFH will be a norm and businesses will need to communicate, share and monitor WFH staff. This module will duplicate a large part of the Webo OMR Technology (Online Meeting Room). [Done]

4. Integrated Products and Services with Directory Classifieds: Integrates products and services on offer in Online Stores with Directory Home Page Classifieds. This module, in essence, does what Amazon has done. The focus shifts from selling e-Business to offering businesses with websites the opportunity to create online stores that sell on the Webo Directory Classifieds. It's about having a "branch" in an Online Shopping Mall. [Done]

5. Multi-lingual Meeting Room Minute-taking: Enables the simultaneous sharing of live minute-taking in multiple languages. This was completed and used for World Rugby Meetings by a pre-COVID Webo Agency Owner. [Done]

6. Appointment Scheduling Plugin: Survey and integrate an appointment scheduling plugin, similar to Calendly. [Done]

7. AI Content Tips: Research and write How To Tips on the Use of AI with the Webo Page Editors. [Done]

Way Forward: Seed Funding and IPO Strategy

The goal is to gather traction in SA and in so doing to test a simple but effective launch strategy that generates early income to be used to upscale the launch towards an IPO listing in the USA.

1. To this end, the intention is to access the US Capital Market and raise capital with an **IPO in the USA**.

2. We will raise funding by way of **convertible loans**. Loans negotiated and paid to Webo in SA will convert to a (non-diluting) percentage holding in the USA IPO launch.

3. Seed funders are to be by invitation to select individuals who could play a key part in the post-IPO phase of the Webo Launch. [WIP]

Audience Building: Lessons Learned

The Webo Directory home page has enjoyed up to one to three million hits per month. The goal is to boost this tally and to make the hits per month more consistent. Over the years a significant sum has been spent on a variety of marketing campaigns to boost the home page's active audience and many lessons have been learnt:

1. Flyer Distribution: Robot Flyer distribution by paid distributors is costly and ineffective. We learnt from these "school fees paid" and successfully tested a **marketplace marketer option** that sees micro-businesses distributing flyers that promote themselves and a local business. This model is ready for roll-out.

2. **Free Models:** Free websites, stores, etc. do not attract a loyal paid customer base. We now restrict the free option to a **14-day free trial** on website and store building and on basic directory listings.

3. **Social Media Ads:** Thus far, regarding LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram Adverts, the CVP Model (Cost, Volume, Profit) for paid social media advertising is **not profitable** in our case.

Revenue Building and Goals

1. The Webo SaaS is a service to sellers to promote and sell products and services.

2. We plan to lead by example by promoting the products and services of sellers in selected niches to demonstrate and raise the profile and "success story" of the Webo eCommerce platform.

3. Our current focus is on continuously monitoring and tracking **GBPO** and **WACG**. Thus far, these models exceed all expectations.

Goals are only achieved if you make them happen and I remain committed to the success of Webo.