Meet
Tamika Vantifflin
Pre-seed Stage: Raising 600K
At a Glance
Company AEGIS
Year Created 2023
Mission To protect and comfort people so they can live freely.
Target Market Although we have a DTC (Direct-to-Consumer) component, we primarily operate as a B2B (Business-to-Business) SaaS company, focusing on venturing into sectors where personal safety is essential. Therefore, our target audience is college students, working professionals, parents, night shift workers, victims of domestic violence or stalking, corporate employees, individuals with communication barriers, urban dwellers, outdoor enthusiasts, travelers, and elderly individuals.
Website aegisapp.io
Background:
What makes Tamika unique?
Tamika Vantifflin is a visionary entrepreneur, former beauty queen, former non-profit executive, and children's book author of Yarries ABCs of Black History, a book that educates children on positive Black History. Tamika is also a foster care and adoption advocate. She grew up in an abusive household with twenty brothers and sisters, and was adopted by her parents for financial and economic gain. Despite these challenges, Tamika majored in communications at DePaul University and has dedicated her career to making a positive impact in the world. Tamika's journey is a powerful testament to the indomitable resilience of the human spirit. Her fierce determination and unwavering drive to make a positive impact on the world have transformed her into a highly successful entrepreneur and a passionate advocate for those in need. Despite the staggering challenges she has faced throughout her life, Tamika's unyielding optimism and unwavering love for humanity, has an aspiration to inspire others to see the world through a lens of hope and work tirelessly towards creating a brighter and safe future for all.
"I persisted despite facing a multitude of reasons to give up—child abuse, abandonment, and various struggles. I made a conscious decision to carve out my future in direct opposition to society's preconceived notions of what someone in my environment should end up like. While the power to change the world resides within you, harboring self-doubt becomes a formidable barrier, hindering not only your personal growth but also the potential to make a positive impact on the world around you. Embracing self-assurance is key to unlocking your ability to create meaningful change."
The Problem:
What Tamika is trying to solve
Tamika is changing our approach to personal safety by bringing 911 into the modern era. Similar to how Uber and Lyft transformed the taxi industry and Ring revamped the doorbell experience, AEGIS is innovating the way we seek assistance. Tamika's goal is to foster a sense of community around both personal and public safety.
AEGIS, the mobile application devoted to personal safety, revolutionizes our interaction with 911 through its swift and discreet response system. Designed to handle a broad range of crisis situations—from car accidents and domestic violence to active school shooter scenarios, human trafficking, medical emergencies, disabilities, and language barriers—AEGIS is inclusive and accommodating. The app caters to individuals facing challenges in communicating during emergencies. Its purpose is to instill peace of mind, assuring you that help is just a tap away.
Q&A
We sat down with Tamika to talk with her about how she got her start as a founder, what her seed funding stage has been like, and how GET Cities has helped.
What inspired you to become an entrepreneur?
To begin with, I realized that working for someone else wasn't my calling, and navigating the corporate grind felt constraining to my personal growth. I felt a compelling desire to contribute more to the world, to extend a helping hand to people, sensing that there was a larger purpose awaiting me—even if I hadn't quite figured it out yet. Long before initiating AEGIS, I had this gut feeling that I was meant for something greater.
How did you come up with AEGIS?
Content warning: the following section includes sensitive material
I have a sister who has struggled with seizures for the majority of her life. On a particular day, she experienced a seizure during her walk home and subsequently found herself in a distressing situation—she woke up to a sexual assault. For those unfamiliar with the nature of seizures, one becomes disoriented and nonverbal during an episode, rendering her unable to convey the incident to first responders. Being fiercely protective of my siblings, the realization that I couldn't shield my sister from harm was a profoundly difficult truth to accept. I found myself grappling with questions like, "How could I let this happen? Is there a solution? And how can I prevent such incidents in the future?" This introspection marked the genesis of AEGIS—a company born out of a tragic event.
What has been the most challenging aspect of starting your own company?
Aside from being a Black woman fundraising? One hurdle I face is navigating the dynamics of being a Black woman in an industry where there seems to be confusion regarding my role as the founder of AEGIS. In meetings, when my male co-founder is present, questions are often directed towards him, as if AEGIS were solely his brainchild. A particularly memorable incident occurred during our search for a monitoring company to partner with AEGIS. I conversed with the company's head, a man, who expressed enthusiasm for AEGIS and a desire to be involved. However, in a subsequent communication, he mentioned, "When you get a chance to talk to the founder of AEGIS, tell him that I would love to meet him, and that his idea is genius." My response was a simple clarification: "He is she, and she is me." His evident surprise at the revelation that I was the founder of AEGIS highlighted the prevailing misconceptions in the industry.
What has your experience been like as a founder in Chicago?
I express gratitude to those, like LongJump, who have invested and have shown unwavering support in me, and I am currently in the process of finalizing a deal with Fifth Star Funds. However, raising capital in Chicago has proven to be quite challenging. In my perspective, Chicago functions on a "who you know" basis, resembling a boys' club, which poses a significant challenge for historically excluded founders trying to break into this network. Despite Chicago's vocal stance on diversity and inclusion, it often seems to be more talk than action—I've always believed in actions speaking louder. Despite the hurdles, Chicago holds personal significance for me as my home and I remain resolute in my determination to operate here, hoping Chicago makes some significant changes when it comes to action-based support for women and BIPOC founders. I believe Chicago can indeed become a hub for innovation and technological advancement, leveraging its diverse talent and resources to propel it forward. I'm passionate about seeing Chicago emerge as a leader in the tech industry, creating jobs, driving economic growth, and fostering a vibrant community of innovators and entrepreneurs. However, it's imperative that they make substantial investments in pre-seed, pre-revenue startups and back their rhetoric with tangible actions.
What type of support system have you had and what has that meant for your journey?
My sister stands out as one of my most significant supporters, serving as the inspiration behind the creation of AEGIS. Additionally, my silent co-founder, Peter, holds the position of my number one cheerleader. Despite his silence, he recognizes the love and passion I bring to AEGIS and chooses to keep me at the forefront of the company. Gratitude extends to my friends who provide unwavering support, as well as my faith in God, guiding me on this journey. Betsy Fore, a serial entrepreneur breaking barriers for Native Americans, stands out as another crucial pillar in my support network. Before launching AEGIS, I had the privilege of working under Betsy, who not only served as a profound source of inspiration and mentorship but also became a role model I aspire to emulate as I grow. The priceless entrepreneurial insights she shared played a pivotal role, propelling AEGIS from a side project to a thriving and impactful career. Ultimately, the encounters with individuals along this journey reinforce my commitment to not give up on this dream, regardless of the time it takes to succeed. My sister's story prompted me to ask, "Who else has experienced something like this?" Meeting numerous individuals who shared their personal stories of facing difficult or tragic situations, where an application like AEGIS could make a difference, fuels my determination to never give up.
What do you think is unique or significant about being at the seed stage in particular?
The seed stage holds a special place for me due to the remarkable growth and learning experiences it offers. Currently navigating this phase, AEGIS has transitioned from being a mere idea to a tangible implementation. The challenges encountered during the seed stage, both personally and in terms of business, have been remarkably transformative, and it's gratifying to reflect on the progress made, even with much more to learn and grow. This phase molds me and brings me one step closer to achieving my goal of reaching unicorn status.
What is one piece of advice you would give to aspiring entrepreneurs from historically excluded communities?
Embrace the desires that stir in your heart, the changes you wish to make or the person you want to become – pursue them with unwavering determination. Let no one shape your destiny but yourself. Guard the brilliance within you, and never permit anyone to dim your sparkle. I emerged from a challenging upbringing, spending my childhood in an abusive home. I share this because many succumb to their environment and believe they can't excel. If I embraced that mindset, I wouldn't be having this interview. My life would be vastly different if I hadn't bet on myself. I persevered when giving up seemed the logical choice. I chose to redefine my future against societal expectations. Embracing self-assurance is key to unlocking your ability to create meaningful change. Changing the world is possible, but self-doubt hinders positive impact. The tech industry has historically faced challenges related to diversity and inclusion, with aspiring individuals often hesitant to pursue careers in this field due to concerns surrounding factors like skin color or gender. Encouraging individuals from these diverse backgrounds to step into entrepreneurship within the tech sector is of utmost importance. As CEO, my aim is to dismantle the cycle of inequality. I am dedicated to bringing on more individuals who share my background, representing the diversity of the world. AEGIS will embrace people with unique and beautiful backgrounds, ensuring inclusivity for everyone. When visitors explore our website's "Team" page, I want them to see a team where they can see someone who is a reflection of their own identity.
What made you want to participate in the GET Seed Founder cohort?
Upon receiving GET’s invitation to participate in the Seed Founder cohort, there was no hesitation on my part—I eagerly joined a community with a mission dedicated to supporting women and other minority founders. Becoming a part of this cohort presented an invaluable opportunity for learning and personal growth. Moreover, it allowed me to join a vibrant community of like-minded women at various stages of their founder journeys, many of whom have now become my close friends.
What is the most valuable tool or experience you’ve gotten from being part of the cohort so far?
The Seed Founder cohort at GET has imparted the most valuable asset to me—confidence. Being a part of this cohort has immersed me in an environment that significantly bolstered my confidence, enabling me to confidently present AEGIS to investors. Additionally, GET Cities has facilitated numerous opportunities, including engaging with corporations in Miami and Chicago and establishing valuable connections. Most importantly, GET has not only acknowledged me as a Black female founder but also provided a platform for me to be recognized and make my presence known.
Public Safety and security market.
Out of the 240 million 911 calls each year, 30% are silent or abandoned due to not having the ability to speak.
Over half of Americans worry about personal safety at least once a day.
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