Start-ups typically aim to tackle challenges they have faced on their own trips. Wireless charging became the focus for Dan Bladen, CEO and co-founder of Chargifi who has been working with hotels and venues to make charging as easy as Wi-Fi connecting for travellers. BTiQ spoke to Bladen as our DeepDive into traveller centricity continues.
When were you launched?
Chargifi was born as a result of spending six months travelling around the world with my wife in late 2012. I realised that we made strategic decisions about the venues we visited because of the availability of power sockets, so we could recharge and reconnect with friends and family back home. If we had gone travelling in 2006 we would have had a connection problem; Wi-Fi wasn't as ubiquitous as it is today. Now, the problem is about power — simply staying charged. What Wi-Fi did for connectivity, wireless charging is about to do for power.
How many people are working for the company?
There are currently 21 people working here but we expect to double our headcount over the year ahead and this will assist in the process of scaling globally.
Sum up what your company/product does in one sentence
Chargifi builds foundational technology that transforms the way the world manages, monitors and monetises power; our wireless charging as a service, cloud-management platform enables the mass deployment of wireless charging Smart Spots and provides data to enhance the customer experience and drive revenue.
Why is it unique?
This is the only wireless charging platform on the market that on one hand provides the ability to deploy, monitor and manage devices on an enterprise scale, while on the other hand provides data and location-based insights on a brand's customer-base. It also brings the ability to measure engagement in an offline world, as you would expect to do in a digital customer journey.
Hotels, for example, are essentially selling space and for today's on-the-go traveller are equally interested in using that space as a tech hub or a potential working area rather than just a bed for the night. We offer a value exchange for the user while also turning wireless power into a service that adds ROI value to a business via hyper-local data and user insights. It also powers devices much faster than any cable charger.
Our IP covers 'cloud-connected' wireless charging for smartphones, through to electric vehicles and drones (in the future). In the growing race for customer loyalty through delivering an exceptional customer experience, location data and dwell data can transform marketing strategies.
What problem does it solve?
In short, Chargifi keeps mobile devices charged, a factor we are all incredibly dependent on for connectivity. Brands are now realising that the marketing of space, if informed by reliable data insights, is an untapped source of revenue. One global hotel brand has reported a 64% increase in sales per seat at its bar following deployment.
What platforms is it available on/can integrate with?
Our open architecture allows for a broad spectrum of integrated technology functions. It means venues can engage with guests in a highly contextual manner; they can find out how their guests are using their space by seeing where in the hotel they are charging.
Our latest smart office integrations include the ability to launch ZOOM calls just by placing a phone on a charging spot, as well as integration with smart devices such as smart light bulbs and switches, so that the light comes on and off automatically, and air conditioning aligns with your personal preference as soon as you put your phone on to charge. The software can also be used to show if meeting rooms are in use and then direct people to rooms that are vacant.
What markets is it available in?
It is available in more than 21 countries and our smart spots are compatible with the latest QI standard used by Apple iPhones — in short, we can install charging points pretty much anywhere there is a power source.
We've deployed Chargifi in hotels, offices, restaurants and stadiums — our platform is flexible across any sector and can easily be curated according to location and brand priorities.
Which companies are using it already?
This year alone, Chargifi has announced a number of distribution and channel partners including Ingram Micro (US and LATAM) and Westcoast (EMEA), as part of our wider expansion into new markets. This is just another step that will see us continue to integrate into office spaces, universities, airport lounges and the hospitality industry on a much grander scale —just a few of the industries and spaces Chargifi is now in the process of incorporating our technology into. The next few years are going to be about seeing that number grow across the globe as we cement our reputation as an international company.
Why do travellers like it?
The simple answer is, its ability to power and use portable devices when a plug socket isn't an option. The requirement for continuous connectivity is only increasing but to be connected on your phone you need power. Increasingly we are travelling for work and dependent on a variety of spaces as makeshift offices. In addition, airlines, hotels and duty free experiences have recognised that travellers are dependent on their mobiles and have created mobile apps or functions to align with this. Now we use our mobile phones as a boarding card to get through security and get onto our flights, to contactlessly pay for our duty free purchases or to let our mum know we are going to be delayed coming off our flight. With stopovers lasting for up to 24-hours on some journeys, business travellers need to be able to check emails, finish PowerPoints or make conference calls remotely.
What are your growth plans?
Chargifi recently announced a £5 million funding round, led by Accelerated Digital Ventures (ADV), with other investors including Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) and firstminute capital.We're now in the process of accelerating sales and marketing, and international growth across US and Asian markets.