Using behavioural biometrics and AI technology, I developed a platform that verifies the user's identity seamlessly and passively while they interact with their device. Rather than relying on physical biometrics, such as facial recognition or fingerprints, we created "digital DNA" based on over 50 sets of data continuously monitored by the user's device. With this data, we can determine who uses the device at any given time based on patterns in the user's interactions with it. We call it continuous authentication, confirming ‘you are you’ continuously.

In July 2022, my team and I relocated to Manchester to establish our company, Zally. We joined the Greater Manchester Digital Security Hub (DiSH), which provides business support and mentoring opportunities for digital and cyber businesses in Greater Manchester. GC Business Growth Hub partnered with the DiSH programme and delivers bespoke support and growth sprints for the DiSH accelerator programme.

You sound like you know what you’re doing, what difference did the support from GC Business Growth Hub have on your young business? 

After being introduced to the Business Growth Hub through the DiSH programme, we participated in a full-day session organised by the business advisors of the Global Scale Up team. The session consisted of 12 startups at various stages of their journey, and we all encountered similar challenges posed by the business advisors in finding more agile growth plans.  

The session proved highly beneficial for us as it presented real-life examples of the business challenges we will be facing. It also provided us with tools that we could implement in our company to overcome those challenges. 

In addition, working with the Global Scale Up team provided networking opportunities and exposure. Participating in these activities has helped raise awareness about the company and enables us to attract the right talent, which addresses one of our main challenges.  

And finally, why did you choose to set up Zally in Manchester?

Finding the right talent and securing funding are the biggest challenges for a tech startup. Manchester is home to an abundance of skilled cybersecurity professionals, and since moving here, our team has grown significantly. Despite London's prominence as an investment hub, we have found excellent funders in Manchester as well, providing the opportunity for knowledge sharing and collaboration.

It is crucial for us to have a strong community in Manchester in order to grow exponentially. I can confidently say that if I had set up a company in London, I would not have experienced the same level of growth as I did in Manchester. It would simply not have happened there.