Keela is a technology platform built specifically for fundraisers and non-profits. It is a suite of powerful features that streamline data management, automate administrative tasks, and empower non-profits to deepen their relationships with donors.
- Our Mission: Fundraisers succeed when they combine their experience and instincts with the power of data. Our mission is to unite these two pillars through technology and unlock new levels of philanthropy.
- Our Vision: To build the best technology in the world for fundraisers.
Tell us about yourself?
I’ve had the privilege to work in and around non-profits for many decades in various capacities (volunteer, fundraiser, Executive Director, Board Member, charity lawyer, etc.). A lawyer by profession, I stumbled upon the pain point of building great technology for non-profits. Frustration led to action, and a few years later, I left the practice of law and jumped into building Keela. What a ride! Today, we have an amazing team and empower non-profit fundraisers to raise billions of dollars annually!
If you could go back in time a year or two, what piece of advice would you give yourself?
Hire fewer people; grow a little slower. The less reliant you are on investors, the stronger your business can become.
What problem does your business solve?
Fundraising is hard, often frustrating, and yet somehow incredibly rewarding. Keela helps non-profit fundraisers by centralizing data, automating work, and making life just a little easier.
What is the inspiration behind your business?
My family and community have been massively supported by the work of so many incredible civil society organizations. They changed the trajectory of my life (long before I was born). Keela was built to support organizations and fundraisers who face the increasingly difficult challenge of continuing to raise money and inspire donors.
What is your magic sauce?
Automation and intelligence. Our tech (which has amazing UX/UI and maybe another magic sauce) uses AI, non-AI algorithms, and a ton of automation capabilities to give insight and efficiencies to fundraisers at a scale never really seen before in this sector.
What is the plan for the next 5 years? What do you want to achieve?
GROW! This may sound like a cliche answer (and it is), but we are in the growth phase of our business. In, hopefully, less than five years, we are working hard to reach 10 times our revenue in five years and 100 times our impact!
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced so far?
People management. Building startups is hard – nearly impossible, actually. Almost all startups fail (and that’s okay). But the power/promise/opportunity of startups is all about finding and growing the right people. It is difficult to find people who are aligned with your culture and values and are also willing/excited to make the sacrifices necessary to grow a tech company!
How can people get involved?
Please visit www.keela.com or connect with me on LinkedIn at www.ca.linkedin.com/in/nejeed.