Mobi Ventures: A Decade of Answering the Call
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
By Chelsea Brand
In emergencies, every second matters. Whether it’s a medical crisis, a criminal incident, or a disaster situation, having the right help arrive quickly can make all the difference. For the past ten years, Mobi Ventures has worked to ensure that help is never far away.
For Mike Meyers, founder and chief executive officer, the journey into the emergency response space began long before the company itself. Mike is a former police officer who later spent more than three decades working in the hospitality industry. But it was a deeply personal experience in 2012 that ultimately set the wheels in motion for what would become Mobi Ventures. After a home invasion at his own residence, Mike and his then-wife became actively involved in crime prevention, helping to start a neighbourhood watch in the Westville, KwaZulu-Natal area. The experience reignited his passion for crime-fighting and highlighted a broader need for quicker, more accessible ways to call for help.
At the time, smartphone technology was beginning to evolve, and early mobile applications were emerging. Mike recognised the potential. “When BlackBerry devices first introduced apps, I realised there had to be a way to use technology to connect people to help in an emergency,” he explains. The idea sparked years of development. After roughly four and a half years of building the platform and creating a national network of responders, Mobi Ventures officially launched at the end of February 2016. Working alongside Mike is Wynand Laats, operations director, former police officer, and a qualified medic; Paul Stone, chief operations officer, ex-military, and was instrumental in the massive growth of neighbourhood watch groups in Westville; and Teresa Davie, national sales manager with expertise in performing Emergency Medical Services (EMS) co-ordination, administration, and sales; and the Mobi Ventures tech team.
Like many start-ups introducing something new to the market, the early days came with challenges. “At the beginning it was difficult to get people to trust the technology,” Mike recalls, “People wanted to know who was on the other side when they pressed the button and whether the help being sent was qualified.” That trust had to be earned. The team remained committed to building credibility through real results. Within the first two weeks of operation, Mobi Claw 911 handled two incidents that would leave a lasting impression.
Over the past decade, the company has expanded its services significantly. The group offers vehicle tracking through Mobi Track 911, advanced AI-powered CCTV monitoring through Mobi Detect 911, and armed response and alarm monitoring through Mobi Response 911 that currently operates in Westville and Cowies Hill. Recognising another gap in the market, Mobi Ventures also introduced the Mobi Ambo Plan, which provides access to private ambulance stabilisation and transport services across the country for people without medical aid. For R14 a month, beneficiaries of clients such as domestic workers, children not covered by medical aid, or employees can access emergency transport through ER24, administrated by Ambledown. The company also supports a volunteer search-and-rescue organisation that assists state services during rescue operations.
Mike believes it is the experience behind the business that sets them apart. Many of the leaders and responders come from backgrounds in policing, the military, or emergency medical services. This practical experience allows them to coordinate complex emergency situations, sometimes involving multiple agencies and specialised resources. The role of Mobi Ventures goes far beyond simply making a phone call. Their teams help secure and prepare scenes so responders can operate efficiently. This function might involve ensuring an ambulance has space to park, paramedics can bring in the necessary equipment, directing emergency vehicles to the correct location, or coordinating helicopters.
Behind the scenes, the company’s 24-hour control room plays a critical role. Staff members are extensively trained in the company’s systems, protocols, and technologies, ensuring that every call is handled quickly and effectively.
Despite the high-pressure nature of the work, Mike says maintaining team morale is essential. “We all share a common goal, and that’s helping people,” he says. “We also try to keep things balanced. There are serious moments, but sometimes there are humorous ones too. We enjoy what we do.”
A decade after launching what was once simply a panic button on a phone, Mike reflects on the journey with gratitude. For Mike and his team, the mission remains the same as it was on day one: to answer the call when people need help most.
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