Today we’d like to introduce you to Jim Lewis.
Jim, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Having always been a serious car enthusiast and avid athlete, I often would drive, cycle, or run around on the roads and be constantly amazed at how people would be using their phones while driving. They would be texting, talking on the handset, or otherwise be completely distracted by their devices while driving. It is crazy and scary as anyone who drives a car today can attest. I can’t tell you how many near misses there were for me and my training partners as we were riding and running around our neighborhood streets, I knew this was a mega problem for our society, and I knew something had to be done about it. I stumbled upon a friend who was working at a startup on just this very problem. He showed me the technology of blocking the phone while driving, and my jaw dropped to the floor. I was instantly in love with this company known as Kyrus Mobile.
Having recently sold a previous technology company and spending time living and training as a quasi-professional triathlete, I knew the time had come to get back to work on a project I was truly passionate about. The idea of saving lives and making the roads safer for us all had a sexy appeal I simply could not resist. I joined the company as the lead angel investor and CEO, and the journey had then begun. Since that time we have developed partnerships with major telecom, fleet, and retail channel partners nationally and internationally. Our technology is superior and efficacious, and our prospects to save the world from this insidious problem have never been better. Our timing is perfect, and we are super excited to watch our dreams become reality!
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No startup has ever been a smooth road, and Kyrus Mobile is no exception. Working with mobile device operating systems can be quite a challenge. While Android is open source and relatively straightforward, iOS is a closed source operating system and is very challenging to navigate and develop for. It is challenging to stay ahead of the new OS releases that Google and Apple release. Then there is always that huge deal that was so close to closing, that didn’t at the last hour. Then there is always the challenge of raising capital. Welcome to startupville USA. If it were easy, everyone would do it. It is indeed not, as it takes a lot of patience, persistence, and grit to power through the struggles. But if you believe in your vision, and never give up and never stop trying, then you know your day will come!
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Kyrus Mobile – what should we know?
Kyrus Mobile sells software applications for mobile devices (Android and iPhone) that prevent distracted driving. Our application pairs via Bluetooth with the vehicle, and uses speed to trigger a certain screen on the phone once the vehicle is moving. When the curtain screen is present, all handheld functions of the phone (texting, web surfing, email, playing Pokémon Go) are instantly disabled. Once the vehicle stops, normal use of the handheld phone functions are immediately restored, and all missed messages and calls are instantly available. Our system includes a customer portal that allows administration of the system and will notify an interested party (parent/company) of any attempts to tamper with or disable the system. Bluetooth hands-free calling is optionally allowed.
Our target markets include large vehicle fleets & insurance companies who are seeking to reduce risk, limit liability, and save lives. Additional target markets include automotive companies, and retail (parents/teens). What truly sets us apart is the way that we use the vehicle to control the phone, and how our customer portal facilitates compliance with a stated phone use policy, either for business or personal home use.
We are proud to save lives by preventing distracted driving!
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Boston for sure is a great city for business. Every conceivable resource is available here, to include: banking, access to capital, talent acquisition, manufacturing, distribution, and fun places for lunch and dinner. There is fantastic access to cool fun places that are a short drive away, such as the beaches on Cape Cod, skiing in the mountains of VT/NH. Biking, running, surfing, and all kinds of cultural attractions. Boston is a dynamic city that really has it all. I would highly recommend it!
Contact Info:
- Address: 33 Bradford Street, Concord MA 01742
- Website: www.kyrusmobile.com
- Phone: 617-399-1010
- Email: jlewis@kyrusmobile.com
Getting in touch: BostonVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
