Biography of Ammar Ali: Founder and CEO of Protect Me- Entrepreneur
Biography of Ammar Ali:
Founding Vision: A New Approach to Personal Security
Ammar Ali, passionate entrepreneur, were determined to
create a solution that could change the way people perceive personal security.
They identified a growing issue in urban areas like Karachi and Lahore—mobile
snatching. This common street crime left many individuals feeling vulnerable,
especially in busy, crowded cities. Their idea was to create an innovative
mobile security app called Protect Me, designed to provide real-time protection
and tracking for personal devices, giving users peace of mind even in uncertain
environments.
The Protect Me Concept: Cutting-Edge Security for Mobile
Devices
The founders of Protect Me envisioned a mobile app that
would not only track stolen or snatched devices but also offer a range of
features to secure valuables. Their app utilized advanced tracking technology
and user-friendly interfaces to ensure individuals could easily monitor their
phones’ whereabouts in real-time. The technology also provided a way to control
devices remotely, even if they were turned off or snatched. This unique feature
set them apart from other traditional security solutions, which mostly offered
basic tracking without a way to prevent the device’s theft.
A Bold Pitch on Shark Tank Pakistan
Ammar and Yousha presented Protect Me to the Sharks on Shark
Tank Pakistan, hoping to secure a 9 million PKR investment in exchange for 10%
equity. They began their pitch with a gripping skit simulating a mobile
snatching scenario, drawing the Sharks and the audience into the urgency of
their idea. Their presentation emphasized how prevalent mobile snatching had
become and the necessity for a tech solution that could help prevent it. The
founders hoped this would resonate with investors who understood the gravity of
the problem and the potential of their solution.
The Shark Tank Reception: A Mix of Interest and Doubts
While the Sharks were intrigued by the Protect Me concept,
the pitch didn’t lead to a deal. The Sharks acknowledged the importance of
tackling mobile snatching but had reservations about the app's scalability and
its ability to generate substantial revenue at that early stage. They
questioned the business model and the overall marketability of the product, as
there was not enough traction or customer base to support such a high valuation
of 9 crore PKR. Despite these concerns, the Sharks recognized the potential for
the app and offered valuable feedback for refinement.
Biography of Ammar Ali: Founder and CEO of Protect Me- Entrepreneur/mobile security app/real-time tracking/remote control of devices/shark tank/net wo
Challenges in Securing Investment: The Need for Traction
One of the major challenges Protect Me faced was its high
valuation at such an early stage. The startup had no significant revenue or
clear metrics to justify the 9 crore PKR valuation. This made it difficult for
the Sharks to take a risk on the business without a clear path to profitability
or market success. The feedback from the Sharks emphasized that the founders
needed to gather more data, build a customer base, and refine their business
model before coming back to pitch for investment.
The Vision Beyond the Pitch: Addressing Urban Crime
Despite not securing funding, the Protect Me team remained
committed to their vision. The founders were passionate about addressing a real
societal issue—urban crime, particularly mobile snatching, which often left
victims feeling helpless. By focusing on the prevention and recovery of stolen
devices, Protect Me aimed to improve personal safety in an increasingly digital
world. This commitment to using technology for public safety remained the core
of their mission, even in the face of the challenges they encountered on the
show.
The Feedback from the Sharks: Valuable Insights for
Improvement
The feedback from the Sharks was constructive and valuable
for Protect Me. While they acknowledged the app’s innovative concept, they
pointed out the need for a more refined business model. The Sharks suggested
that the founders focus on acquiring customers, creating a sustainable revenue
stream, and improving the product’s market fit. This advice helped the team
understand that innovation alone wasn’t enough; they needed to demonstrate the
viability of the app in a competitive and challenging market.
Future Prospects: Refining the Business and Scaling Up
After their appearance on Shark Tank Pakistan, Ammar and
Yousha took the Sharks' advice seriously and began refining their business
strategy. They worked on creating a clearer customer acquisition plan, focusing
on engaging users and expanding their market presence. They also realized the
importance of building partnerships with mobile manufacturers or telecom
providers to reach a wider audience and scale the app more effectively. This
process was crucial for turning their idea into a sustainable and scalable
business.
The Technology Behind Protect Me: Patent-Pending Innovation
One of the standout features of Protect Me was its
patent-pending technology. Unlike traditional security apps, it offered a
revolutionary way to protect mobile devices even after they were turned off or
snatched. This unique technology was at the heart of their pitch and was
designed to ensure that users could still track and control their devices
remotely, providing an extra layer of protection. This innovative approach set
Protect Me apart from the many other security apps available in the market.
A Positive Outlook: Moving Forward with Renewed
Determination
Even though Protect Me did not secure investment on Shark
Tank Pakistan, the experience was a significant learning opportunity for Ammar
and Yousha. They gained valuable insights from the Sharks and now have a
clearer understanding of what it takes to succeed in the competitive startup
world. The founders remain dedicated to their goal of providing a safer
environment for individuals by leveraging technology, and with renewed
determination, they are focused on refining their business and product to make
Protect Me a success in the future.
A timeline summarizing the journey of Protect Me:
Founding Vision (2023) – Ammar Ali and Yousha identify the
growing issue of mobile snatching in urban areas like Karachi and Lahore, and
create Protect Me, a mobile security app offering real-time tracking and remote
control of devices, even if snatched or turned off.
Shark Tank Pitch (2023) – Ammar and Yousha pitch Protect Me
on Shark Tank Pakistan, seeking a 9 million PKR investment for 10% equity.
Despite presenting a compelling concept, the Sharks express concerns about the
scalability and market fit, ultimately not securing a deal
Feedback and Challenges – The Sharks advise the founders to
focus on customer acquisition, building a sustainable revenue stream, and
refining the business model before re-pitching.
Refining the Business Model (Post-Shark Tank 2023) – Taking
the Sharks' advice into account, the founders work on a clearer customer
acquisition plan, partnerships with mobile manufacturers and telecom providers,
and refining the product's market fit.
Patent-Pending Technology (2023) – Protect Me includes
unique, patent-pending technology that enables users to track and control their
devices even after they are turned off or snatched, differentiating it from
other security apps.
Renewed Focus and Determination (2024) – Despite the
setback, the founders remain committed to their vision, now focusing on scaling
the business, acquiring users, and refining the product for future success.
