In a big stride in direction of enhancing private security, notably for ladies strolling alone at evening, London-based startup eNOugh has efficiently raised over €280K in pre-seed funding. The startup, co-founded by College School London (UCL) alumni Ina Jovicic and Gaelic Jara Reinhold, is about to launch an progressive AI-powered safety badge designed to discourage harassment and make sure the security of its customers.
The inception of eNOugh was deeply private. Ina Jovicic, one of many co-founders, was attacked by 4 males throughout a stroll house in London. Though she escaped with knee accidents, the incident left a long-lasting affect, prompting her to create an answer that might forestall others from experiencing related conditions. This unlucky encounter laid the inspiration for eNOugh, a startup dedicated to addressing the rising considerations round private security.
Within the UK, the problem of non-public security has gained widespread consideration, notably in gentle of tragic occasions just like the homicide of Sarah Everard. Statistics present that half of all ladies and one in seven males don’t really feel secure strolling alone at evening, whereas two-thirds of girls have skilled public sexual harassment inside the previous yr. These alarming figures underscore the pressing want for efficient security options, which eNOugh goals to supply.
The eNOugh AI safety badge
The eNOugh badge is designed not solely to boost private security but additionally to discourage all types of harassment. Because the founders describe it, “Consider it as your miniature private bodyguard.” Once you start your stroll house, you magnetically clip the badge onto your coat or jacket at chest stage and activate it. The badge then data your complete journey, with the footage being inaccessible to anybody besides the police within the occasion of an incident. The presence of the embedded digicam serves as a robust deterrent to potential attackers. This deterrent impact is additional strengthened by the badge’s seen and simply recognisable design. Moreover, it encompasses a defence gentle mechanism and a scenario de-escalation system, developed in collaboration with felony psychologists and researchers from prestigious establishments.
Its most progressive function is its AI-powered risk detection, able to recognising potential hazard by way of the language and feelings in speech. As an example, if somebody says, “Don’t transfer and provides me your pockets,” the badge instantly recognises the risk and sends real-time knowledge, together with stay stream and placement, to an alarm receiving centre, which may take quick motion.
What units eNOugh other than different private security options is its complete, 360-degree strategy that prioritises prevention. Earlier options have usually targeted on a single reactive measure, however eNOugh goals to be proactive, tailoring its options to numerous situations, making it a never-before-done answer.
Profitable funding and future plans
eNOugh’s current pre-seed funding spherical, led by PurposeTech VC, raised £240,000, with contributions from international angel traders, together with Klara Losert, an EQT Scout. The profitable fundraising displays the widespread recognition of the significance of non-public security and the pressing want for progressive options just like the eNOugh badge.
Ina Jovicic, reflecting on the funding expertise, famous: “What made it simpler for us was that many individuals we spoke with might instantly relate to the issue we’re addressing. Whether or not as ladies who’ve skilled road harassment or as fathers, brothers, or husbands involved for his or her family members, they immediately acknowledged the necessity for our answer.”
Following this funding milestone, eNOugh is gearing as much as launch a companion app subsequent month and start pre-orders for the badge, providing unique early-bird reductions. Gaelic Jara Reinhold, Ina’s co-founder, expressed pleasure concerning the subsequent steps, saying: “We at the moment are tremendous excited to get to the subsequent stage. We’re protecting our heads down and placing all our efforts into getting the badge on the market to begin defending folks and making a constructive affect.”