Who We Are
One day, we will lead the furniture marketplace by identifying and predicting market trends.
Sakina Hassanali I Founder and CEO of Virtual Place
Sakina, a renowned entrepreneur, drives the company's strategy and growth.
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With a distinguished track record, Sakina achieved success by developing the 'Hass Property Index', the first property price index in Kenya. This index is widely used by esteemed organizations such as the United Nations, Federal Credit Union, Central Bank of Kenya, and National Social Security Fund of Kenya to guide policy decisions. Managing a team of 16 people, Sakina is responsible for producing over 200 quarterly indices, including the Hass Property and Land Price Indices.
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Since 2014, Sakina has held the position of Head of Property Development, Consulting & Research at HassConsult. In this role, she provides strategic advice and value creation recommendations to landowners and property developers in Kenya. She has been instrumental in advising on property development projects worth over $500 million, covering all aspects from conceptualization to feasibility assessment.
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Currently, Sakina leads the consulting and sales division at HassConsult, which generates approximately 80% of the company's annual turnover. Her role involves reviewing and creating marketing concepts and plans for around 10 property developments per year. Recognized for her achievements, Sakina was honored with the KPMG Business Daily's Top 40 Women Under 40 award in 2011.
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Academically, Sakina holds an MBA from United States International University and a BSc in Economics and Management from Cardiff University in the United Kingdom, showcasing her high level of qualifications and expertise.
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In her role as CEO of Virtual Place, Sakina utilizes her entrepreneurial experience and commercialization success to drive the company forward. Initially, she focuses on developing the product from concept to market launch. Subsequently, her responsibilities include formulating and executing the company's strategy, driving its growth, and directly approaching furniture retailers to sell Virtual Place's Storefront solution.
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Sakina's extensive global network within the government, property industry, and startup community proves invaluable in the early-stage development of the company. Her experience and connections contribute to the successful growth and expansion of Virtual Place as a leader in the furniture market.
Masuma Hassanali I Co-founder and CMO of Virtual Place
With a background in leading sales and marketing efforts at HassConsult, the largest property development and real estate company in Kenya, Masuma brings valuable expertise to her role.
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During her time at HassConsult, Masuma was responsible for devising and implementing the marketing strategy for property development projects, overseeing a substantial budget. She successfully created an integrated suite of marketing communication assets and performance tracking analytics tools, driving property sales performance. Masuma's contributions included managing social media platforms, websites, content marketing materials, print and television advertisements, and brochure materials.
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Recognizing the importance of technology in marketing, Masuma implemented two technology platforms at HassConsult to optimize return on investment and enhance marketing effectiveness through data analytics. Her Master's degree in Strategic Marketing from Imperial College London further equipped her with valuable knowledge and insights.
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In her role as CMO of Virtual Place, Masuma leverages her skills and experience to develop effective digital and traditional marketing strategies in the property and real estate sector. Initially, she focuses on validating market acceptance of Virtual Place's product through targeted marketing programs. Once the MVP (Minimum Viable Product) is launched and the market is validated, Masuma takes charge of actively developing the sales pipeline based on allocated marketing budgets.
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With her deep understanding of the value that technology solutions bring to the property value chain, including property management and sales processes, Masuma plays a pivotal role in driving Virtual Place's success. Her expertise and strategic approach contribute to the growth and adoption of the platform in the competitive real estate market.
Core Values
Innovation
We embrace cutting-edge technology and continuously strive to innovate, pushing the boundaries of virtual reality to enhance the furniture shopping experience.
Customer-Centricity
We prioritize the needs and satisfaction of our customers, aiming to provide a seamless and personalized journey that exceeds their expectations.
Reliable
We build trust through transparency, reliability, and delivering on our promises, ensuring that customers and partners can rely on us for a trustworthy and secure virtual shopping experience.
Our Mission
Revolutionize the furniture shopping experience, making it easier than ever to find and purchase the perfect furniture for homes and offices.