Flock

The Flock app connects people who are traveling on a similar route so that they can make the journey together – regardless of their mode of transport. It works for people traveling on foot or by bus, train, car, or bike. Often we feel safer when we travel with another person or in a group, so this app is basically helping people stay mobile. The aim of the Flock app is to promote gender-inclusive, sustainable mobility.

Svenja Schilling and Aylin Shakibi stand together smiling.

The team

We, Aylin Shakibi and Svenja Schilling, are both female academics. We founded our start-up jointly despite studying at different universities in different cities. We met on social media at a time when we were both involved in other projects, but both on the same mission. Our separate projects then converged into a joint project: Flock.

Before and during our degree programs, we developed a multifaceted and comprehensive concept based on our professional experiences in public institutions, health care, the creative industry, and associations that support social enterprises. In addition to our experience, we both have good self-management skills. We’re able to organize ourselves well and are open for constructive criticism. These qualities form a solid basis for working together. The decisive factor, however, was the mission we share: to drive change in society and communities and overcome obstacles instead of simply giving up. These factors brought us closer to each other on a personal level. Looking back, they were the crucial qualities that have enabled us to develop a project like Flock.

Two mobile phones show designs of the app interface.

The brainwave

The idea for our project came from our personal experiences. We know only too well what it’s like to feel unsafe or have unpleasant encounters when out and about in public places of an evening. When you’re traveling with a friend or in a group, you automatically feel safer and more at ease because there’s safety in numbers – you feel like you’re in a safe space.

These experiences inspired us to develop Flock. We hope others can use Flock as a simple way to network transiently with fellow travelers. In this way, people can give each other moral support, act as potential witnesses in the event of unpleasant encounters, or even prevent them from happening in the first place. Traveling in a group can be a deterrent to potential attackers – according to a study by the German Federal Criminal Police Office, 98 % of all victims are alone when they are attacked. Our ambition has been to create a solution that helps people feel safe when they’re out and about and move through public spaces with more peace of mind.

A person is holding a mobile phone and using the Flock app.

The USP

The Flock app has a preventive effect. In addition to linking up fellow travelers, the service also provides information on safe routes. Our aim is to provide safety for each individual. At the same time, we want to provide valuable insights into urban planning in order to make towns and cities safer and improve the quality of life in public spaces.

In this way, we not only help users to network but also raise awareness for gender-specific risks (such as harassment) in public spaces.

Unlike other solutions, we thus address the underlying problem and help drive structural social change. Most other solutions focus on tracking users by location or phone. In such cases, help comes only from family, friends, and volunteers. The Flock app, by contrast, solicits the support of everyone in the locality. This generates a community that extends far beyond one’s own circle of friends, and is thus not only more flexible but also creates a real community spirit.

The challenges

We faced various financial and technical challenges while developing the app. One essential factor was adjusting the app to accommodate feedback from users. Self-management, perseverance, and building a strong network played key roles. These experiences taught us how important it is to never stop learning and growing.

What we learned

Small teams are sometimes more effective and can have more impact than large teams.

Challenges we mastered

We succeeded in adapting the product to accommodate customer needs and also in adapting our corporate strategy.

What we achieved

First place and Audience Award for our research in the “Proof it!” market challenge, recipients of an EXIST Women grant, winning team in the BMBF Impact Challenge, subject of a spot by WDR television about Flock, development of the click dummy, test event supported by Fritz Kola and einhorn products GmbH.

Three women stand in front of a building. They are smiling and appear happy.

The status quo

At an event, we selected a random group of people to test our app. The aim was to see if it does justice to what the community wants and needs. The app will remain in the development phase for as long as it takes to improve all the technical features and safety aspects such that both we and the users are happy with them. At the same time, we’re looking to find partners such as public institutions or bus and train companies who are willing to cooperate with us in developing a first version of the app and launching a pilot project.

Good reasons for cooperating with a university for young founders

The personal support and advice we received from the start-up advisory staff at RUB played a decisive role for us. These experts were our go-to contacts – not just on account of the professional advice they were able to give us but also because they displayed a remarkable understanding for our specific situation.

Not everyone can relate to our mission, and that’s totally normal. But the RUB advisory staff really stood out on account of their ability to assess where more intensive support was needed, and with their willingness to come alongside us throughout the entire process. We were extremely impressed and encouraged by their support. Further, the RUB has a strong network of contacts both within and beyond the Ruhr region of Germany. We benefited, for example, from their contacts in the event industry at our test events.

Tips for aspiring entrepreneurs

If you have an idea that can solve a problem or fill a gap, then go for it! Ask for advice! No idea is too big or too small – the important thing is taking the first step. Because when you found a start-up, you grow with the challenges. It’s important in this context to communicate with your target group right from an early stage and test your product or talk to people about it.

Surround yourself with people who understand your mission. Remain open to suggestions, and celebrate the little successes! Working on your idea should also be fun.