YC-Backed Bluesmart Raises $2M for Its Self-Tracking Suitcase

http://techcrunch.com/2015/01/23/yc-backed-bluesmart-raises-2-million-for-its-self-tracking-suitcase/

by juandazapata • 12 years ago

49 27 12 years ago

techcrunch.com

dfuego11• 12 years ago

Here one of the co-founders. Happy to answer any questions about our company and technology

mjffjm• 12 years ago

was the IG campaign pre or post acceptance into YC?

dfuego11• 12 years ago

When we sent the YC application we hadn't launch the campaign yet. By the time we had the interview with the partners the campaign had been live for some days and was starting to take off. It definetly helped there to show that we were "making something people want".

djb_hackernews• 12 years ago

Few questions. First off, also a Startup Chile alum that was building a service in the travel industry. Congrats on WeHostels.

This technology obviously has use cases outside of tracking luggage, I'm curious if those use cases were included in your YC app and/or if it came up during the interview.

Will the carry on need to be turned off during takeoff and landing?

Do you have an SLA? Like, what if I take it somewhere there isn't cell service?

Are you concerned your luggage will become targeted by criminals expecting valuables?

dfuego11• 12 years ago

Thanks!! Startup Chile mafia ftw. Yes, we included all the features and future ideas in our YC application. In the interview we talked about the vision for the company and I think the partners liked it. Although to be honest I felt that the interview didn't go well at all. Yes, we have a system for auto-turn-off at take-off. When there isn't service we will be able to tap into a bluetooth network if available. If not it will wake up and send location as soon as it can. We think the lock, id and location tracking will actually provide more security against any criminals.

DenisM• 12 years ago

Are there recurring costs for 3g/4g connectivity? What's the coverage area?

What is "37 Watts lithium ion battery"? Is it 37 watt-hours?

Could I achieve similar tracking ability to dropping an old Android phone into my suitcase, with a tracking app installed on it? How would this hack fall short compared to your product's tracking feature?

dfuego11• 12 years ago

Initially there will be no additional cost for the basic level service. We might offer a premium version down the road. Still defining coverage but aiming to have a practical global coverage. The battery's capacity is 10,000 milliamps per hour. Yes, there are many hacks you can do to achieve a similar tracking ability. We want to provide a comprehensive solution in which the location tracking is just a part of it.

state• 12 years ago

It seems really likely that an existing and huge luggage brand could also do this. What's protecting you guys from that?

dfuego11• 12 years ago

First off we have filed for patents for the main aspects of the invention. But most importantly, we think that they will have a harder time because they don't have a software and electronics expertise internally. Plus, we think it will take a "startup ethos" of rapid iteration and closeness to the customer to get the product right.

tzz• 12 years ago

Actually, they are in better position to be acquired by the existing bigger luggage companies in few years. It is a lot easier for the bigger luggage companies to acquire them than create a software/hardware group.

xxyyzz3d2• 12 years ago

Say your luggage is misrouted or mishandled. Does knowing the GPS coordinates actually help? In the end you still need to get the airline / airport to properly process and return the luggage. I somehow don't imagine that there exists a process now to get that information to the right places. Knowing that your luggage is stuck in London when you're in Tokyo doesn't really un-ruin your vacation, so I'm not sure about how that aspect is being marketed.

dfuego11• 12 years ago

It will help the airline know where the bag is, and ideally get it back to you faster. At the moment they don't have simple ways to know that information, which is crazy.

coralreef• 12 years ago

What's the end game here, suitcases today, what else tomorrow?

Animats• 12 years ago

There are at least a half dozen other suitcase tracking devices. Here's one you can buy right now: http://www.amazon.com/Trakdot-Luggage-Tracker/dp/B00KL3ZA4M

One that connected to Uber might be useful. If your luggage comes in on a different flight, it automatically calls a Uber slave to deliver it to wherever you are.

dfuego11• 12 years ago

Yes, there are several devices that accomplish the tasks of the individual features that our product includes. But there were no solution with everything integrated in one single product. The Uber idea is great. We actually thought of something similar. Hopefully we can make it happen soon

brianch• 12 years ago

By the way, we will be hiring soon. Check out our jobs page: http://bluesmart.com/pages/jobs

jasimq2• 12 years ago

Maybe I missed something, but how does the suitcase communicate with your services? Isn't it limited by bluetooth range?

dfuego11• 12 years ago

It's not just Bluetooth. We will be publishing the details of our full tracking solution soon

jasimq2• 12 years ago

It'll be interesting to know. You can't make calls from the plane to transmit location. You can however, do it when you detect the luggage has landed, based on altitude and/or airport coordinates.

YC-Backed Bluesmart Raises $2M for Its Self-Tracking Suitcase

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