Recently we had an opportunity to speak with Stefania Coco Scalisi, the Founder at We Safe about We Safe

Please share with us the backstory of what motivated you to create this app.

We Safe is based on a personal experience. During a business trip in Lebanon I found myself being followed and harassed by a man who followed me on a bus I had taken just to get rid of him, without success. Only thanks to the help of the other bus passengers, who stood for me, that man decided to get off and leave me alone. In that case I was lucky and the experience helped me realize how a "network" of people caring, in my case the passengers of a bus in Beirut, can become the first effective means of help if in danger. Hence the idea of ??We Safe: a network of loved ones that come for you if you need them.

What features do you hope to roll out to your app in the future?

I would like the idea of allowing the app to activate with a certain gesture or if your heartbeat rises abruptly, a signal that you might be in danger.

What has been the most rewarding aspect of the creation of this app?

Receiving the support of many people during the crowdfunding campaign. ndiegogo. I was particularly proud to have reached my goal on Indiegogo and to have overcome it. In the end, I raised the 125% of the funds requested. Even more importantly, it was thanks to the donation of an American Marine that I could reach my funding goal. That made me particularly proud because such a donation represented an endorsement of my idea of security and made me understand my app can be truly useful if in danger. Who better than an American marine can say something about security, no?

What is the coolest or most innovative feature of your app?

To be highly customizable even if so essential in its design. You can always change the wording, the list of contacts to whom sending the text message, add new numbers if you are abroad, and change the duration of the timer.

What surprised you most in your journey to create this app?

In line with what I've just said, people's generosity and their willingness to support, even financially, an idea, if they think it's good.

Which other mobile apps or technology have inspired you?

I was inspired by an app that controls your steps when you are going back home alone and send a warning to your friends if you do not inform them on time that you are safe and sound after a while. Once again, a similar idea behind the app: a network of friendship and love that comes to rescue when you are in need. That's what I find truly inspiring.

Do you have any recommendations or advice for others wanting to create a mobile app?

Technology is great but without a purpose behind it is sterile. My suggestion is to think of ways to make technology a tool to improve our lives and make us feel better and safer. Helping others is easier than you may think!

How did you decide which platforms to release your app on and do you plan on releasing your app to other platforms?

I wanted to have We Safe available on both IOS and Android as they are the two most widespread platforms. I was considering the idea of releasing the app also for Windows Phones.

How is your app different than the rest of the market? Which unique need does it fill?

Its simplicity.

By tapping on the icon of the App, a timer will activate. After few seconds the App will automatically send a text message with a standard phrase like “HELP" or “HELP ME" and your GPS coordinates to the preselected contacts on your IOS and Android phones.

When you are in trouble, you can't afford to waist any second. Other similar apps on the market are too complicated, hence slower than We Safe. But in these type of situation, time is the most important thing.

You can view We Safe here