CrowdProtect is a community that aims to ensure greater safety and the best possible assistance in emergencies – with an app and training on self-defense and violence prevention. We spoke with founder Frederic Meyer-Scharenberg.
1. Who are you and what do you do? Please introduce yourselves briefly!
My name is Frederic Meyer-Scharenberg, and together with Henning von See and Alexander Ivanov, I founded the CrowdProtect community and emergency app. I met both co-founders when I pitched my idea at startup events—two truly lucky finds. Henning is responsible for Android and backend development, and Alex for iOS. We also have volunteer ambassadors and supporters.
Community solution
I'm from Munich, studied business administration at TUM, and have been in several emergency situations myself. I don't consider any of the solutions proposed so far to be sufficient. This problem can only be solved collectively.
2. But that's been around for a long time!
Unfortunately not. There is currently no emergency app that provides truly rapid assistance and is accessible to everyone. We are building a community of helpful people.
Persecuted? Attacked? Crowdprotect wants to provide first aid
Anyone who feels stalked, attacked, or urgently needs medical assistance can simply ask for help. Trusted people, other users in the area, the emergency call center, and the police or emergency services will be called.
The helpers receive automatic voice recordings, the emergency profile, and the locations of all involved. This allows them to provide first aid much more quickly. In addition, the community is trained in self-defense, civil courage, and first aid together with partners.
3. What has been your biggest challenge so far?
The biggest challenge was to find and win innovative and respected partners in Germany.
Our partners are leaders in the areas of self-defense and pre-conflict phase (KRAV CORE), patient data (Vitabook), victim support (Gewaltlos.de), first aid (Pulsschlag) and home assistance (Heimwegtelefon).
4. Let’s get down to business: How is business going?
Interest in our solution is enormous. Our App Store ratings, growth rates, and ambassador influx are promising.
Well prepared for emergencies at Oktoberfest
Now it's time to go to the press with our idea and give everyone the opportunity to join the community. Everyone should have our app by Oktoberfest.
5. What does Munich mean to you?
Munich stands for tradition, security, and order like no other city. We see the high level of trust in fellow citizens and the helpfulness of the people of Munich as a great advantage. Few places have so many successful companies and innovative startups with which to collaborate. Companies like Google, Telefónica and BMW, but also the start-up consulting services at universities, promote the start-up scene enormously.
“Our idea can only take off if everyone knows about it.”
6. How will your startup become the next unicorn? Or will we see you soon at Epic Fail Night?
Our idea can only take off if everyone knows about it. We rely on the commitment of our ambassadors, partnerships with major organizations, visionary donors, and the community spirit of our society.
As a security platform, CrowdProtect has the potential to provide security to many people and enable mutual assistance.
7. Pork knuckle or fish on a stick?
Fish on a stick is healthier, more sustainable, and involves less animal cruelty. In general, I'm in favor of reducing our meat consumption.
