After having a friend violently attacked by criminals despite having the requisite security systems, Didintle made it a mission of his to provide security products which would protect people and their loved ones. From that commitment to security saw the birth of GMCP Security, a start which aims to provide support to individuals in need of assistance in emergency situations through a mobile app.
In this interview, he tells us more about his motivation for srating GCMCP, challenges he has incurred scaling it and much more!
In your own words, tell us who Didintle Motshubi is
As a curious and disruptive child who was fascinated with how things worked, I developed a passion for electronics and science. My love for physics led me to explore the mysteries of life, and this sparked my interest in entrepreneurship. During high school, I was selected for a game-changers program, which exposed me to the world of entrepreneurship and changed my mindset from scarcity to abundance.
After starting my career as an archive manager at a newspaper, I was motivated to create a solution to a problem that had personally affected me when a friend was attacked. I saw a need for a platform that would provide support to people in vulnerable situations. Despite dropping out of college and facing initial failure in creating an e-commerce platform, I continued to pursue my dream.
That's when I co-founded Gcmp LifeLine, a platform aimed at ensuring that no one feels alone or helpless, whether they are under attack or suddenly fall ill. With my experience in coding and my co-founders' expertise in content, marketing, systems engineering, and finance, we're working together to bring this vision to life and make a difference in the lives of those in need.
Briefly take us through your journey to a career in security
Fresh out of high school, I got a job as an archive manager at TheVoice. It was during a conversation with my friend that I had the idea of starting a security company. I wanted to help people like my friend who had been attacked despite having security in place.
I dropped out of college after a year and ventured into e-commerce where I coded an e-commerce platform myself. My passion for helping others and creating innovative solutions led me to the field of security where I could make a real impact.
I started my company, Gcmp Lifeline, with a team of talented people from all over Africa. Our mission was to create innovative solutions to help people feel safer in their homes and businesses and in public. Our focus is on systems that would provide comprehensive security for our clients.
With a passion for keeping others safe and secure, we work tirelessly to bring our vision to life.
What motivated you to pursue this career path?
I have always had a passion for electronics and understanding how things work. As a young boy, I would take apart my toys to see how they were put together, even if it resulted in me getting a beating. This drive for knowledge and understanding led me to reverse engineer an RC plane and create a fan out of the components. This sparked my fascination with electronics and my pursuit of understanding the mysteries of life through science.
In high school, I was introduced to the enterprising lifestyle through the Game Changers program. The program instilled in me an accumulation mindset and the thought that "where there is pain, there is money to be made". This mindset led me to pursue a degree in International Business, but I dropped out after a year. I then ventured into e-commerce and coded an e-commerce platform myself.
It was a conversation with my friend that really set me on the path of security. My friend was attacked and I wondered why he had security systems but still got assaulted. This made me think about how I could help others and led me to develop a security solution. This drive to help others and solve problems motivated me to pursue a career in security.
Please tell us more about your company, GCMP Security?
GCMP Security, with an app called Lifline is a startup that aims to provide support to individuals in need of assistance in emergency situations. The company's goal is to ensure that no one feels alone or helpless in times of crisis, whether they are being attacked or suddenly falling ill. The solution offered by GCMP Lifeline aims to provide peace of mind to individuals by allowing them to quickly and easily access help in an emergency.
The company is still in its pre-revenue and pre-registration phase, with a team consisting of experienced professionals in the fields of video marketing, software development, systems engineering, marketing, and finance. The company is currently in the process of hiring a sales manager to help reach its goal of attracting 5000 pre-registered users.
The business model for GCMP Lifeline is based on a monthly subscription fee of 39 dollars, providing individuals with access to the company's services and features. The company's services and features are designed to provide quick and easy access to help in an emergency, providing peace of mind to individuals and their loved ones.
In conclusion, GCMP Lifeline is a startup with a mission to provide support in emergency situations and to ensure that no one feels alone or helpless. With its experienced team and innovative business model, the company is poised to make a positive impact on the lives of individuals in need of assistance.
What was the motivation for starting GCMP Security?
The motivation behind starting GCMP Security was to utilize technology to enhance emergency response efforts and make them more effective, efficient, and lifesaving. By incorporating sensors, monitoring devices, communication systems, and mapping tools, the company aims to provide emergency responders with the necessary tools and resources to quickly assess and respond to emergency situations.
The purpose of GCMP Security is to make a positive impact on emergency response by using technology to improve the way it is monitored and responded to.
As a startup specializing in providing security solutions in such a technologically infantile country like Botswana, what challenges have you faced?
There are several challenges that we have faced. One of the main challenges is lack of awareness about the importance of technology-based security solutions. Many people in the country are still not aware of the potential dangers they face in their daily lives and how technology-based solutions can help mitigate these dangers.
Another challenge is the limited availability of technology infrastructure in some parts of the country. This makes it difficult to implement and provide our services effectively in certain areas. This also results in limited access to the internet and other technology-based solutions, which are essential for the proper functioning of our services.
In addition to these technical challenges, there is also a lack of investment in the technology sector in the country, which makes it difficult for startups like ours to secure the funding required to grow and scale our operations. This can make it difficult to attract the necessary talent and resources to build and maintain our services, which are critical to our success.
Despite these challenges, we are determined to overcome them and provide the best security solutions possible to the people of Botswana. We believe that by continuing to educate people about the importance of technology-based security solutions and investing in the development of the technology sector, we can overcome these challenges and help make the country a safer and more secure place for everyone.
How have you been trying to overcome those challenges?
As a startup specializing in providing security solutions in a developing country like Botswana, we face several challenges such as limited awareness about the importance of technology-based security solutions, limited availability of technology infrastructure, and lack of investment in the technology sector.
However, we are determined to overcome these challenges and bring the best security solutions to the people of Botswana. To achieve this goal, we have been leveraging the support of various initiatives such as IBF500 and Thinkubate programs, and working with experienced mentors to prepare ourselves for investment opportunities.
By continuing to educate people about the importance of technology-based security solutions and investing in the development of the technology sector, we believe that we can overcome these challenges and make the country a safer and more secure place for everyone. Our team is dedicated to making this a reality and we are excited to see what the future holds for GCMP Lifeline.
On the other hand, what are some upsides to working on a startup engaged in such an environment?
Firstly, there is a great opportunity for growth and impact in the market. With a lower level of competition and a growing need for technology-based solutions, startups like ours have the opportunity to fill a significant gap in the market and make a real difference in people's lives.
Additionally, operating in a developing environment also means that there is ample room for innovation. With limited established solutions, startups have the chance to bring new and creative ideas to the market, which can be both challenging and rewarding.
Working in such an environment also offers the opportunity to learn and grow as a company. With the ever-changing technological landscape and a need to adapt quickly, startups are forced to stay ahead of the curve and continuously improve their skills and knowledge.
Finally, being part of a startup means that each team member has the opportunity to make a real impact and play a crucial role in shaping the future of the company. This can be incredibly empowering and rewarding, and provides a great sense of accomplishment and pride.
Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers regarding what GCMP Security is up to, project-wise, currently and in the near future?
GCMP Security is a new and innovative start-up that is focused on providing a safety and security app for users to help them in case of emergencies or unexpected incidents. We believe that everyone deserves to feel safe and secure, and our app provides users with a quick and easy way to get help in case of an emergency.
We are currently in the pre-registration phase, and our official launch is planned for April. Our goal is to reach 5,000 pre-registered users before the launch, and we are working hard to make this happen. Our team consists of experts in software development, video marketing, systems engineering, marketing, and finance, who are committed to delivering a high-quality app that meets the needs of our users.
Our business model is based on a monthly subscription of $39, and we are confident that our app offers users a unique and valuable experience that sets us apart from the competition. In the near future, we are planning to continue developing and improving our app to make sure it meets the evolving needs of our users, and we are always open to feedback and suggestions.
What advice can you give to young people who are also interested in pursuing a career in security and tech entrepreneurship?
As a tech entrepreneur and software developer, I would advise young people who are interested in pursuing a career in security and tech entrepreneurship to take the following steps:
Develop a deep understanding of technology and security. Read books, attend workshops, and take online courses to gain knowledge in these areas. Stay up to date with the latest developments in the tech and security industries, and be curious about how technology and security can be used to solve problems.
Network and collaborate with other professionals in the tech and security fields. Attend industry events, join online communities, and reach out to people in your network to build relationships and learn from their experiences.
Start small and validate your ideas. Don't be afraid to fail, as failure is a valuable learning experience. Focus on creating a minimum viable product (MVP) and iterate based on customer feedback. This will help you validate your ideas and determine if there is a market for your product or service.
Stay focused and persistent. Building a successful tech startup takes time and effort. Stay focused on your goals and keep pushing forward, even when faced with obstacles and setbacks. Surround yourself with supportive people who believe in your vision and can offer encouragement and advice.
In short, my advice to young people interested in security and tech entrepreneurship is to be proactive, network, learn, validate your ideas, and stay focused and persistent. With hard work and dedication, you can turn your ideas into a successful tech startup.
Lastly, please share with our readers your contact details in case they want to get in touch with you
Contacts:
Whatsapp: +267 76 764 108
Email: didintletsotlhe@gcmpsecurity.com ,liveclivo@gmail.com
NB: Interview has been slightly edited for clarity