Indoor Mapping App WYA Raises £2.5 Million Pre-Seed Funding to Enhance Event Safety

In a significant advancement for event safety, Where You At (WYA), a female-founded indoor mapping platform, has secured £2.5 million in Pre-Seed funding. This innovative app utilizes a patented mesh technology to facilitate real-time location sharing and communication, addressing the crucial issue of connectivity during crowded events.

Founded by Tamzin Lent, WYA emerged from a personal experience that highlighted the dangers of losing contact in busy environments. With its mesh hardware, the app enables users to stay connected, even in areas with poor mobile signals. This feature is particularly beneficial in high-density venues, ensuring that safety and communication remain uncompromised.

WYA not only aids attendees but also equips event organizers with tools for space optimization and anonymized footfall analytics. Users can access safety alerts, event-specific features, and offline connectivity, while organizers gain insights into crowd management and emergency communications. Since its launch, the app has been downloaded over 50,000 times and has ranked among the top ten navigation apps on Apple’s platform.

The platform has forged partnerships with several prominent venues, including Drumsheds, Night Tales, and Cardiff’s Y Plas, supporting a range of events from festivals to large gatherings across cities like Sheffield, Essex, London, Cardiff, and Nottingham. This successful funding round will further enhance the app’s features, with recent updates including a replayable video heatmap for operators and a Meeting Points feature for users to coordinate with friends.

Editorial Perspective

The potential of WYA to reshape the event management landscape is profound. As safety concerns at public gatherings continue to rise, WYA’s commitment to enhancing connectivity and communication presents a timely solution. By addressing the very real challenges posed by crowded spaces, the app is positioned to become an essential tool for event organizers and attendees alike.

Moreover, as the UK contemplates Martyn’s Law—legislation aimed at bolstering security in public venues—WYA’s technology could play a pivotal role in compliance, providing essential tools for crowd management and safety. The combination of innovative technology and a socially conscious mission places WYA on a promising trajectory, not only within the events industry but also as a leader in public safety solutions.

With the backing of industry partnerships and recognition from prestigious awards, WYA is undoubtedly carving a niche that addresses both operational challenges and community safety needs in today’s event landscape.

For further assistance or corrections, please reach out to editor@thetimesmag.com.

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