Soko

SOKO is a women-led, ethical jewelry brand and tech-powered manufacturing platform built to connect artisan communities in Kenya with the global market worldwide. We use mobile technology to connect marginalized Kenyan artisans, directly to new customers globally. 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”.

 

Revenue of $13.4M from 2014 - 2020; Online growth +50% in 2020, +88% YTD.
Mobile-tech manufacturing platform connecting 2,300 independent artisans to the global market.
Artisans working with SOKO earn 5X more, impacting 11,600 beneficiaries.
Featured in Elle, Marie Claire, Oprah Magazine, Instyle and Worn by Michelle Obama!
Raised $3.7M during 2019-2020 Series A fundraise.
Customer Lifetime Value of $194+; 45,000+ Customers; 18% Repeat Customer Rate.
Last summer, US retail jewelry sales grew by $1 billion year over year according to Coresight Research.

Joanne Calabrese, CEO
Joanne Calabrese, a seasoned retailer, wholesaler and merchant has led teams at Fortune 500 companies, including VP roles at Gap Inc. and DFS, and also served as President of The Body Shop, Americas Region and Head of the Americas for Fossil Group.

Perminus Nyangena, Head of Global Supply Chain Operations
Heads up all aspects of the global supply chain including manufacturing, artisan management, logistics, fulfillment, QA, gold-plating, and inventory management. Former supply chain leadership roles at Envirofit Inc,Fin-Clean Tech, MamaToto, and Jibu.

Serah George, Group Finance & Controller
Responsible for corporate accounting, regulatory and financial reporting, budget and forecast preparation. Also develops internal control policies and procedures. Former finance management roles at iProcure, Big Square Kenya, and Amana Capital.