Cup Holder Car Security - Keep Technologies

From Serial Entrepreneurship to Vehicle Security: The Story of Keep Technologies

David Moeller had previously established himself as a successful entrepreneur, having founded both CodeGuard, a company specializing in website backups, and Claw Hanging Systems, a hardware venture.

However, a personal experience – a string of vehicle break-ins – spurred Moeller to seek a solution for enhanced automotive security.

This search revealed a notable deficiency in the existing market, presenting a clear opportunity for innovation.

The Genesis of Keep Technologies

Over several years, Moeller dedicated himself to extensive research, prototype development, and the creation of comprehensive business strategies for what would ultimately become Keep Technologies.

The company, headquartered in Atlanta, officially launched in the fall of 2020, initially debuting its offerings through a virtual presentation at the TechCrunch Startup Battlefield.

“My initial inclination was to identify reasons not to pursue this venture,” Moeller explained. He undertook months of market analysis, a thorough patent review, consumer surveys, and ultimately, the construction of a functional prototype.

“Having recently sold my previous company, my priorities leaned towards personal pursuits and spending time with my daughter. I actively sought potential drawbacks or obstacles that would dissuade me.”

The Knight and Keep’s Technological Foundation

Despite his initial reservations, Moeller was unable to identify any insurmountable challenges.

This led to the development of a comprehensive range of intelligent devices designed to bolster safety and security within vehicles, complemented by a cloud-based service and a dedicated mobile application.

The company’s primary product, the Knight, functions as an intrusion and motion detection system, securely fitting into a vehicle’s cup holder – without compromising its usability.

Investment and Future Growth

Keep Technologies’ innovative technology, currently protected by five granted utility patents with an additional 16 applications pending, has garnered significant interest from investors.

Initially, Moeller self-funded the company’s early stages, a process known as bootstrapping.

Subsequently, Keep has successfully raised $4 million in funding from a diverse group of investors, including:

• Matthew Prince, co-founder and CEO of Cloudflare
• Tom Noonan, founding partner at TechOperators
• Bert Ellis of Ellis Capital
• Tripp Rackley, CEO of Kenzie Lane Innovation
• Jerry Perullo, Chief Information Security Officer of the Intercontinental Exchange

This investment underscores the potential of Keep Technologies to address a critical need in the automotive security market.

How Keep Technology’s Knight Operates

The Knight device from Keep Technology establishes a connection through a vehicle’s OBD port. The connecting cable can be routed discreetly under the floorboard and extended to the vehicle’s center console area, typically near the cup holders.

Once positioned within a cup holder, the Knight activates upon being twisted and secured into place. According to Moeller, speaking with TechCrunch, the device incorporates patented security features preventing unauthorized removal, including alarm functionalities triggered during both installation and deinstallation.

The Knight is equipped with a camera capable of capturing a 180-degree field of view. Furthermore, it utilizes cellular connectivity alongside passive infrared (PIR) and microwave sensors for comprehensive motion detection both within the car’s cabin and in its immediate surroundings.

This integrated system enables the Knight to record footage of potential vehicle intrusions. Captured video data is then transmitted to the cloud and delivered to the user’s mobile device. Keep Technologies also provides a professional monitoring service capable of reviewing footage and initiating appropriate responses, including police notification.

The primary objective is to deter vehicle break-ins, rather than simply documenting them. The device interacts via Bluetooth, either with a dedicated fob or directly through the user’s smartphone application.

Upon the owner locking the vehicle and moving beyond Bluetooth range, the system automatically arms itself. Should an individual approach the vehicle and peer inside, the Knight enters a deterrent phase.

This deterrent phase involves the activation of a flashing LED light and the emission of a distinct chirping sound. Unlike conventional car alarms, this response is triggered only by prolonged presence near the vehicle and ceases when the individual moves away.

Should unauthorized entry occur, a high-decibel buzzer – reaching up to 120 decibels, described by Moeller as equivalent to “100 screaming babies” – is activated. Simultaneously, the fisheye lens begins recording and transmitting video footage.

Keep Technologies anticipates a price point of $299 for the Knight device itself. An annual subscription fee of $50 is also planned. For users desiring professional monitoring services, the company aims for a monthly cost of approximately $30.

The product launch is currently scheduled for the middle of 2022.

The Journey to Keep: A Founder's Story

After completing his mechanical engineering studies at Georgia Tech, Moeller initially pursued a conventional career path, accepting a position at GE. Over four years, his work took him to locations including the Midwest, China, and Dallas.

He subsequently enrolled at Harvard University for business school, with the intention of transitioning into investment banking. However, it was during this period that his interest in entrepreneurship was sparked.

Early Ventures: From Television to Licensing

On a spontaneous decision, Moeller and a colleague auditioned for the reality television program American Inventor, a show that preceded Shark Tank and aired on ABC in the summer of 2007.

Together, they developed a bicycle rack design named The Claw, ultimately reaching the final six contestants. This invention was later licensed to Whirlpool, with over a million units sold through retailers like Lowe’s, Home Depot, and Amazon.

Moeller divided that summer between filming the television show and completing an internship at an investment banking firm.

“By summer’s end, I resolved to pursue entrepreneurship, regardless of potential financial outcomes,” Moeller stated. “This experience fundamentally altered my perspective on risk-taking and the possibilities that arise from it.”

CodeGuard and Website Backup

The launch of Claw Hanging Systems paved the way for Moeller’s subsequent startup, CodeGuard.

The founders of The Claw had created a website to gauge demand and collect pre-orders for their product prior to the show’s broadcast. The intention, Moeller clarified, was to demonstrate market interest to Whirlpool or a similar company.

Unfortunately, the website experienced a critical failure and crashed the day before American Inventor was scheduled to air.

Several years later, Moeller co-founded CodeGuard, a website backup service, alongside a professor from Georgia Tech. The company debuted at TechCrunch Disrupt 2011, achieving finalist status in the competition.

CodeGuard quickly established a partnership with Cloudflare and was ultimately acquired by Sectigo in 2018.

Neuromatic Devices and a Personal Challenge

Moeller remained with Sectigo for an additional two years. During this time, he dedicated his evenings and weekends to developing hardware solutions for neuroscience laboratories.

This effort eventually led to the creation of Neuromatic Devices, a spin-off venture originating from Georgia Tech and MIT. Moeller later divested assets from Neuromatic.

Concurrently with Sectigo’s acquisition of CodeGuard, Moeller became a victim of repeated vehicle break-ins. The final incident, occurring shortly after a move to a new Atlanta neighborhood, motivated him to seek a security solution to prevent future thefts.

Future Product Development at Keep Technologies

Image Credits: Keep Technologies

Beyond its current offerings, Keep Technologies has a portfolio of products already in development, many centered around a chess motif. These include the Pawn, a more affordable security solution lacking a camera but retaining motion and intrusion detection capabilities.

Additionally, the company has created the Rook, a device designed for vehicle windshields that delivers comprehensive 360-degree visibility.

According to Moeller, the Knight, Pawn, and Rook represent only the initial phase of the company’s expansion. Keep Technologies, comprised of eleven individuals including Moeller himself, is actively engaged in the creation of further security devices and sensors.

One such project focuses on a protective measure for catalytic converters, frequently targeted by thieves.

Future product additions are also planned, encompassing a car-seat monitoring sensor, a system for monitoring vehicle doors, trunks, and fuel caps, integrated in-cup wireless charging, and a tag offering enhanced GPS tracking functionality.

Exploring New Security Applications

Keep Technologies has also designed Lookout, a compact device intended for windshield placement, capable of recording interactions during traffic stops.

Moeller’s strategy doesn’t involve direct competition within the dashcam market; rather, he envisions strategic partnerships with established dashcam providers to facilitate integration of the Lookout technology into their existing products.