London-based Where You At (WYA), a female-founded app designed to improve nightlife safety, has secured €3 million in pre-seed funding. The app,which uses indoor mapping and offline mesh technology to keep users connected in crowded venues, aims to tackle the common issue of losing contact with friends in busy environments where mobile signals often fail. With this funding round, led by Tony Mallin of Star Capital, WYA is setting its sights on becoming the “Google Maps for indoor spaces.”
Founded by Tamzin Lent after a personal experience of assault in a nightclub, WYA has quickly gained traction in the nightlife scene. The app has already been downloaded over 50,000 times and is used by prominent venues like Drumsheds, Night Tales, Ministry of Sound, XOYO, and E1. Its unique functionality includes real-time location sharing, offline connectivity, and safety alerts, making it a must-have tool for both event-goers and operators.
Pioneering safety with cutting-edge technology
What sets WYA apart is its patented offline mesh system, which allows users to stay connected even when phone signals are weak or nonexistent. This system not only enhances user safety by enabling continuous communication but also provides event organisers with tools for crowd management, emergency alerts, and anonymised footfall analytics.
Since securing the pre-seed funding, WYA has made significant advancements in its technology. Over the past three months, the startup has developed a scalable mesh network that offers improved value for crowd management. They’ve also launched a replayable video heatmap feature for operators and upgraded their Meeting Points tool with version 2.0, which offers more flexible layout options and enhanced app functionality.
Industry recognition and strategic partnerships
WYA’s innovation hasn’t gone unnoticed. The startup has garnered multiple accolades, including a patent for its offline connectivity system, an Ordnance Survey’s Innovation Award, and recognition in Forbes Under 30 for Social Impact. Additionally, the team has partnered with the Night Time Industry Association and is exploring how their technology could help venues comply with Martyn’s Law, a new UK regulation focused on public venue security.
James Slater, Venue Operations Manager at NTSU & Broadwick Live said: “WYA links people with their peers and strengthens the ability to keep contact with those that you’re out with, even when they’ve wandered away and phone signal is limited. Tamzin and the team have been a dream to work with, with a modern eye for developing customer and venue safety through their stunning app”.
Looking ahead, WYA is expanding its reach. Following a successful pilot this summer, the app is now seeking to partner with more festivals and is exploring opportunities to expand into exhibitions, conferences, and arenas. These strategic moves could further solidify WYA’s position in the market, where it competes with apps like Woov, Snapchat, and Life360.
Read the orginal article: https://www.eu-startups.com/2024/10/female-founded-app-based-in-london-wya-secures-e3-million-to-enhance-nightlife-safety/
