Guardly is a Toronto based start up that makes a security app for smartphone allowing users to send out emergency signals with just a tap. The application is being used by people who want to alert a group of friends or family in case of a number of different emergencies. For example people with allergies use it in case they have an allergic reaction and need help, while others are using it to send out an SOS signal. Guardly also makes it quicker to call the police in a panic situation by making dialing on a smartphone a lot quicker. Normally it would take a user eight taps to call 911 but with Guardly it takes only three taps. The app also has a picture functionality which makes it lighting fast to take an image and send to emergency contacts.
The Guardly app may remind some people of the emergency systems installed on many college and university campuses. These blue-light emergency poles are a common sight in many large areas where they can be used to allow people to get in touch quickly with emergency personnel and identify their location. Josh Sookman, the CEO of Guardly, had exactly the same thoughts and got in touch with Code Blue Corp, the manufacturer of the poles.
The story of the two companies which are trying to solve similar problems but with completely different technologies is a match made in internet heaven. Sookman used the social networking site LinkedIn to get in touch with a Blue Corp executive who then set up meetings to discuss a partnership. After working though the details the two companies made their partnership public on September 5. The two companies will produce blue-light phones with mobile applications that will help people get in touch with emergency personnel and have two way communications.
Sookman was excited by the possibilities and stated, “It’s a huge opportunity to gain distribution and awareness on the marketplace through their extensive customer base and the dealers and value-added reseller network that they have to reach those customers.” If the partnership works out well then Guardly mught look at other partnerships to help build its business.
Source: Financial Post