London-based startup Where You At (WYA) has successfully raised £2.5 million in pre-seed funding to revolutionise indoor navigation. Founded by Tamzin Lent, the platform aims to be the ‘Google Maps’ for indoor spaces, enhancing safety and connectivity at large events.
Addressing the Communication Gap
WYA tackles the significant issue of losing contact in congested events, where mobile signals are often unreliable. This innovative platform facilitates real-time location sharing and robust communication, ensuring users remain connected. Event organisers can also benefit from crowd analytics and enhanced management tools.
Inspired by a personal incident, WYA founder Tamzin Lent launched the app to prevent similar situations of losing friends in crowded locations, which can lead to risks. The solution employs a patented mesh system, enabling offline connectivity and real-time updates, crucial for both users and organisers.
Platform Enhancements and Features
The platform boasts a low-cost mesh network, pivotal for monitoring crowd data and connectivity, improving its value proposition. A newly introduced replayable video heatmap assists operators, offering insights into crowd movements, optimising space utilisation.
Additionally, WYA has implemented a ‘Meeting Points’ feature, facilitating easy coordination among attendees. Operators benefit from these functionalities with increased flexibility in venue layouts and enhanced safety measures.
The team is currently considering Martyn’s Law compliance to enhance venue safety further. Following a successful pilot, WYA is gearing up for strategic festival partnerships, aiming to expand its presence and utility.
Strategic Partnerships and Collaborations
WYA has secured partnerships with notable venues such as Drumsheds, Night Tales, and Rock City, underpinning its role as a key player in event management.
These collaborations, spanning cities like Sheffield, London, and Cardiff, help support festival operations and large-scale spaces, bringing a safer and more efficient experience to venues.
The partnership with the Night Time Industry Association highlights the company’s commitment to safety and connectivity. The platform’s offline functionality has even been patented, showcasing its technological prowess.
Industry Recognition and Testimonials
The innovative approach of WYA has earned it accolades, with industry experts recognising its potential in enhancing safety and connectivity at events. James Slater from The Level praised the app’s ability to maintain contact in limited-signal environments.
Liam Cross, formerly of Night Group, commended the team’s dedication to safety and excellent work ethic, which extends to accurate research and proactive partnerships.
The testimonials underscore the positive impact WYA is having on the nightlife and event management sectors, marking it as a transformative solution.
Future Prospects and Expansion Plans
WYA’s recent funding injection is poised to accelerate its platform development, focusing on refining the user experience and strengthening features.
There’s a clear intent to broaden partnerships with more festivals and venues, enhancing its application in diverse environments and ensuring robust connectivity.
The focus is also on international expansion, with potential collaborations and partnerships with global event operators, promising extensive reach and impact.
Concluding Thoughts
With its innovative technology and strategic approach, WYA is reshaping how people navigate large indoor spaces. The platform addresses critical safety and connectivity challenges, offering a valuable solution for both users and organisers.
As WYA continues to evolve, it stands poised to not only redefine indoor mapping but also amplify safety and efficiency in event management.
WYA is setting a new benchmark in indoor navigation and event safety with its cutting-edge technology and strategic collaborations. As it advances its solutions globally, the initiative is expected to significantly influence how events are managed, catering to the need for enhanced safety and connectivity.
