DeepData, Cloudline come out tops in Season 3 of Santam Safety Ideas Challenge

Two Cape Town based startups, DeepData and Cloudline, have been crowned the winners of Season 3 of the Santam Safety Ideas Challenge.

The challenge offers startups with safety or insurtech solutions that are ready for piloting a chance to win R150 000 worth of incubation support as well as up to R200 000 in seed funding.

The competition is run by insurer Santam in collaboration with Stellenbosch University startup incubator LaunchLab.

DeepData and Cloudline were awarded R200 000 and R100 000, respectively

DeepData and Cloudline were selected as winners ahead of six other finalists, namely Aerobotics, FinchatBot, Virtual Drive, Vizibiliti Insight, Machine Kind and Vigeo.

DeepData was awarded a R200 000 prize, while Cloudline received R100 000.

Logistics startup Cloudline aims to connect isolated communities to the global supply chain with drone deliveries of large payloads, using lighter-than-air unmanned aerial vehicles.

The company was founded in 2017 by Spencer Horne and went on to win the Airbus BizLab AEROmobility pitching competition in the same year (see this story).

Cloudline’s remotely operated long range autonomous airships can also be used for data gathering, maintenance inspections and surveillance. The startup was earlier this year selected to participate in the MassChallenge Israel accelerator (see this story).

Founded in 2014, Deep Data focuses on real-time video analytics and alerts using deep learning, the Internet-of-Things (IoT) and cloud technologies.

The startup currently sells a security surveillance product, Deep Alert, which is a threat alerting service that can be installed on an existing security stream for a monthly fee of just R100 a month.

‘Unique offering’

LaunchLab said in a statement last month that the two startups were selected because of their “unique offering” to the SA general insurance market.

LaunchLab CEO Philip Marais said it was tough to choose the final winners because of the quality of the startups.

“Well done to DeepData and Cloudline. Although they are the chosen winners, we still see lots of opportunities for the other six startups to deliver value for Santam as well,” said Marais.

Santam chief marketing officer Mokaedi Dilotsotlhe explained that the “clear and focused” approach both winners took with their product particularly set them apart.

“Santam is focused on leading innovation in the insurance industry and we are committed to seeking out opportunities where we can continue to aid the growth of the Safety Ideas winners,” added Dilotsotlhe.

Horne commented in the same statement that the startup wants to combat challenges in safety, endurance and costs that keep drones from serving everyone effectively.

He added that the Safety Ideas initiatve has given Cloudline the tools to make this possible.

“It has provided us with a journey of honing our value proposition and the support of the LaunchLab team and exposure to the LaunchLab ecosystem of startups which has resulted in both internal refinement, external partnerships and even new team members coming onboard,” said Horne.

DeepDate co-founder Jasper Horell said it is “very exciting” and a “great honour” to have been selected as one of the challenge’s winners.

“We look forward to an ongoing partnership with Santam and LaunchLab in developing and deploying AI-based world-leading video analytics technology to make for a safer world for all,” added Horell.

Read more: Here are the eight finalists of the Season 3 of the Santam Safety Ideas Challenge
Read more: How ALA got award-winning airships startup founder going in business
Read more: Startup Cargonaught off to France after winning Airbus BizLab AEROmobility pitch
Read more: Busy month for SA startup Cloudline as founder lands in Israel for accelerator programme

Featured image, from left to right: DeepData co-founder, CEO and CTO Jasper Horell, DeepData chief commercial officer Henty Waker
Chief Commercial Officer, Santam chief marketing officer Mokaedi Dilotsotlhe and Cloudline founder Spencer Horne (LaunchLab)