Summary

In this engaging episode of Startup Junkies, hosts Daniel Koonce and Caleb Talley sit down with Ali Al Jabry, founder of Kwema—a company dedicated to improving workplace safety. Ali, whose journey began in Kenya and took him across Latin America and the U.S., shares the story behind Kwema and how his personal experiences led him to entrepreneurship.

Kwema’s flagship product is a smart badge reel that discreetly keeps employees safe. With the press of a button, it sends exact location data during emergencies—assisting everyone from healthcare workers facing rising workplace violence to social workers and home health professionals entering unknown environments. Ali emphasizes that beyond technology, they also offer de-escalation training and tips for situational awareness.

The discussion dives into the evolution of Kwema, starting from smart jewelry to their now widely adopted badge reels. Ali provides valuable insights for entrepreneurs—highlighting the importance of persistence, community, and resilience when breaking into tough industries like healthcare. He also shares what keeps him motivated: the drive to scale up and serve more customers without compromising quality. Ali closes with advice for fellow founders—reminding us that nobody has all the answers and that listening, empathy, and continuous learning are keys to success. Listen today!

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What is The Startup Junkies Podcast?

The Startup Junkies podcast is hosted by Jeff Amerine and his team at Startup Junkie Consulting. We’ll cover topics ranging from getting started, planning, growing your business, proving your concept, leadership, marketing, exit strategies and so much more. We’ll interview business owners, entrepreneurs, experts and people we think will bring value to our audience. Subscribe and together we will move your business to the next level.