My Gator Watch is a watch for children aged 9-12 who are too young for smartphones, but old enough for a little freedom and independence. The watch has a GPS tracker, an app linked to it which parents can use, and flexible service plans. The Founder, Colleen Wong, was awarded a Sky Women in Technology Scholarship last year. Here she details how it is helping the business move forward.

What was the most valuable thing you took away from the Scholarship and why?

The relationships with everyone at Sky. I think long after my scholarship period is over, I will still be in touch with Rob and Nishy and Emma as they have been so supportive throughout.

Have you always wanted to pursue a career in tech?

No, it never even crossed my mind. I just saw a HUGE problem and had an idea for a solution and just went with it.

As a woman, what has your experience been so far?

Amazing. I have been very lucky in that I have never experienced any gender bias. I have never felt that I couldn’t do anything because I was a woman or a mum nor have I been made to feel that way.

Tell us a bit about your project.

We are building Freedom G, a wearable tracker and mobile phone that has the world’s most accurate location tracking (sub 1m) both indoors and outdoors and over multiple floors. We have focused on making it extremely simple, useful and affordable.

Why is it so important? 

We have listened to hundreds of people tell their stories about living with dementia and we believe we have a revolutionary solution that can track, protect and communicate with our loved ones while giving us peace of mind.

How did you hear about the Sky Women in Tech Scholarship?

I belong to a lot of founders groups and one of the previous Scholars mentioned it on the chat so I looked it up.

https://diversityq.com/sky-women-in-technology-scholarship-interactive-television-1509029/

What challenges did you face before receiving Sky’s help?

Many many. I had already been in business for four years.

How have you managed the demands, obstacles and fears involved with launching your venture?

Day-by-day. You can’t plan anything and you really have to just learn as you go along in most cases. My greatest demands were having time for my children but I have learned to ask for help and to just simply bin the mum guilt. Worked like a charm.

What are you most excited about regarding your project and career?

That I am solving big problems which our children and elderly face every day. This is what gets me up in the morning.

Who outside of the tech world has been a major influence on where you are today?

My mom. She lives on the other side of the world and has no idea what I get up to but every day she says ‘I support you no matter what and cheer you on every step of the way. If you need money, just ask me’ It is always super comforting to hear her say this.

How do you take time out to manage your mental wellbeing?

I go to the gym religiously for an hour a day

Any regrets?

I regret not going to the gym sooner and being healthier. I only started doing this last year when I had a sudden eczema outbreak

What advice would you give to other female entrepreneurs in tech?

Know your numbers. Have integrity and be kind.

Finally, what does the future hold?

Many fun and exciting things. A new product allowing our older generation to have more independence and spending more time with my children.

https://diversityq.com/7-ways-women-in-tech-can-make-your-power-to-succeed-1506862/