Picture this: it’s late at night, and you’re abruptly awoken by the piercing sound of a fire alarm. This was the exact scenario that led to the inception of Safewave Technology, a cutting-edge wearable tech startup founded by Trevon Bruch. Now, four years since its establishment, Safewave is about to soft launch its flagship product – a smart wristband that seeks to enhance safety and accessibility for the deaf and hard of hearing community.
The Safewave wristband is a game-changer, seamlessly connecting to various devices like fire alarms, Ring cameras, and security systems through Bluetooth. The device transforms notifications and alerts into vibrations that users can feel on their wrist, providing an additional layer of safety and awareness.
While the initial soft launch will see Safewave tested in local communities and universities, Bruch is already envisioning a grander scale for the company. With plans to expand the range of products to cater to individuals with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and special needs, Safewave’s total addressable market is set to grow exponentially.
The billion-dollar exit goal might seem ambitious, but Bruch is confident in the potential of his brainchild. “It feels incredible because this was just an idea in my head a few years ago. Actually selling is a whole different ballgame; now people will be spending their hard-earned cash on what we’re offering,” he shares.
Safewave Technology owes part of its development to the support of Northern Kentucky University’s Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship and numerous business accelerators. The wristband’s innovative design incorporates three motors strategically placed along the median and ulnar nerves, allowing vibrations to rouse users even from deep sleep.
Safewave’s first production run is underway, with a retail price of $250 for the wristband. Collaborations with influential individuals in the deaf community, such as Matt Maxey, founder of Deafinitely Dope, will help promote the product. Additionally, partnerships with companies like Oaktree Products and Promevo – the latter of which developed Safewave’s mobile app – will ensure a robust distribution network and market presence.
The potential market for Safewave is vast, encompassing not only the 48 million deaf and hard-of-hearing people in the US but also the 1.3 billion individuals with significant special needs and the millions affected by dementia and Alzheimer’s. Bruch cites the $2.1 billion acquisition of Fitbit by Google in 2021 as evidence of the thriving wearables market and the immense possibilities for Safewave’s future.
With a promising beginning, Safewave Technology is poised to revolutionize the wearable tech industry, one vibration at a time.
