£300,000 backing for app that helps women to walk home safely

An app that helps women to walk home safely has received £300,000 investment to expand across the UK.

WalkSafe has been created by Emma Kay and uses technology and crime data to help users avoid dangerous hotspots while walking alone.

The app includes a map showing crime figures taken from regularly updated police data, as well as including features that allow users to alert contacts if they’re feeling unsafe while walking.

WalkSafe has already acquired more than 500,000 downloads, and with investment from Cheshire-based Fearless Adventures, this is expected to grow.

The new funding will not only help the app grow and scale by injecting capital, but also comes alongside digital marketing support and talent sourcing.

Emma Kay, the founder of WalkSafe, said: “Like countless women, I’ve experienced being groped, flashed at and harassed with no provocation.

“Thankfully, I have been able to turn that fear and danger into something useful. So I’m proud that our technology empowers women, and has quickly become the most popular trusted safety app.”

Rachel Mcdonald, Managing Director at Fearless Adventutres, said: “As a team at Fearless Adventures we fundamentally believe in Emma’s vision for WalkSafe, that technology combined with police crime data can genuinely help save lives.

“The new tech already has national attention and we see this app becoming the leading personal safety service. Emma’s commitment and passion are infectious and made it a very easy investment decision for us. “We’re excited to offer them access to high-quality talent and marketing expertise to really scale their business.”