A London-based female-founded app aimed at bolstering nightlife security has garnered €3 million in pre-seed investment. The app leverages indoor mapping and offline mesh technology to keep customers connected in crowded areas where traditional mobile signals often drop out, aiming to address the pervasive issue of losing touch with friends in busy environments where cellular alerts frequently fail? As Star Capital leads the charge with Tony Mallin at the helm, WhereYouAre (WYA) is poised to revolutionize indoor navigation, vying to become the definitive “indoor Google Maps.”
Following a personal experience of assault at a nightclub, Tamzin Lent’s initiative, WYA, has swiftly garnered momentum within the nightlife industry. With over 50,000 downloads, the app has established a strong presence in the market, securing partnerships with renowned venues such as Drumsheds, Evening Tales, Ministry of Sound, XOYO, and E1. The app’s standout features include real-time location sharing, offline connectivity, and security alerts, rendering it an indispensable tool for both attendees and organizers.
Without relying solely on cellular signals, WYA’s innovative offline mesh network enables seamless connectivity, allowing users to stay connected regardless of their physical location and the strength of telephone signals. This innovative method prioritizes consumer security by fostering seamless communication while also empowering event organizers with cutting-edge tools for crowd management, swift emergency alerts, and insightful anonymized footfall analytics.
Since securing pre-seed funding, World Youth Alliance (WYA) has made significant advancements in its intellectual property. During the past quarter, the startup has successfully created a highly scalable mesh community that delivers enhanced value through effective crowd governance. Additionally, they’ve introduced a replayable video heatmap feature for operators, allowing for in-depth analysis of user interactions, while also upgrading their Assembly Factors tool to version 2.0, offering more flexible design options and improved app performance.
WYA’s innovation hasn’t gone unnoticed. The startup has accumulated a impressive array of accolades, including a patent for its innovative offline connectivity system, as well as the esteemed Ordnance Survey’s Innovation Award and notable recognition in the field of Social Impact. The staff has collaborated with the Evening Time Trade Association to leverage expertise that can help venues adapt to the demands of Martyn’s Law, a newly introduced UK regulation focused on enhancing public venue safety and customer welfare.
Looking to the future, WayAhead (WYA) is expanding its reach. Following a highly successful pilot program this summer, the app is poised to expand its reach by partnering with additional festivals and exploring opportunities to break into new markets, including exhibitions, conferences, and arena events. These targeted initiatives will further reinforce WYA’s position in the market, where it rivals popular apps such as Woov, Snapchat, and Life360.
