At a glance:

Client: React Mobile

Product: Sidekick Personal Safety Solution

Sector: Personal Safety and App Enabled Hardware

Services: Product Development, Vendor Sourcing, and Regulatory Compliance

Suppliers involved: IC Supplier, Plastics and Electronics Manufacturing, Firmware and App Developers

Summary:

Challenge: React Mobile was the first developer of an Apple iPhone safety location app which monitors the location of friends and family. The React Mobile app was recognized as a very strong app only solution at the time but the reality of most emergency situations where personal safety is at immediate risk, accessing your phone can be a challenge. The React Mobile team, which consisted of app developers and entrepreneurs, had no experience in developing hardware so they initially met with a very well-known hardware product development firm in Seattle, but the quote exceeded their budget goals. This is when RDS was brought on board.

Approach: RDS organized a team to develop the Bluetooth app enabled hardware accessory from scratch. Upon completion of the design concept, RDS located a viable manufacturing and development option through our extensive network of suppliers. Next steps included development of the timeline and budget which enabled React Mobile to begin fundraising for the new “Sidekick” through Kickstarter and Angel investors.

Outcome: The Kickstarter campaign successfully achieved the requested funding target in less than 20 days and then proceeded to exceed the goal by an additional 30%. Once funding was secured, development began and all units sold during the Kickstarter campaign were delivered on time and within budget. The success of the fundraising campaign brought in additional Angel investors as well as a move into a Series A round of funding. The Sidekick has been a very successful personal safety solution, in particular for staff in the hotel and hospitality industries.