Live in over 600 neighbourhoods across SA and with a second round of funding secured, OurHood has now launched apps for both the iOS and Android platforms.

Besides privacy, the biggest problem with Facebook and Whatsapp neighbourhood groups, is you get annoyed with them by day three. OurHood identified this problem and offers a secure platform (neighbours must prove they live in a ‘hood’ by uploading a utility bill) with bespoke notifications. So you can choose to ONLY get notified about crime or events, or lost dogs notices.

It makes sense then that the local Woodstock-based startup has secured their second round of funding.

This, from Ventureburn:

OurHood, the private digital platform for neighbourhoods — has just launched its official app for Android and iOS. The launch comes in the wake of the online platform securing a second round of funding from its European-based investors, making the total raised R2.5-million.

Launched in May 2014, the startup has so far managed to get over 600 neighbourhoods hooked onto its online network. With categories such as Lifestyle, Crime, Chat, Local Deals and so on, the platform’s mission is to give you and your neighbours a private, localised network.

Founders Bruce Good and William Mellor say that OurHood has developed the app mainly out of popular demand. “It’s faster, less loading time and people were simply asking for an app,” says Good. “We also want to incorporate more features with the app.”

Mellor notes that while the traction seen within the last year has mostly been word-of-mouth, he also points out the fact that the verification process has been updated, encouraging more people to join. “People can now sign up with the app by just taking a picture of their utility bill to verify their address.” Previously, people keen to sign up had to send an official postcard via mail. Considering South Africa’s post office woes, this didn’t always work out all too well.

OurHood also recently partnered with the major security firm in KwaZulu-Natal, Blue Security, which boasts a massive footprint in Durban and its surrounds. The firm gets a dedicated button on the app and a page on the site — as do some local civic organisations — which it can use as a communication channel to both customers and others in clearly-defined neighbourhoods.

“It’s a great relationship where we look after the deep tech, while they focus on what they do best,” explains Good. “Organisations shouldn’t allocate their budget for apps and sites when platforms like OurHood exist.”

The next step for OurHood is to work on the platform’s advertising model. Mellor notes that brands are getting really excited because they can handpick specific locations they want to target. It’s hyperlocal, non-invasive advertising, with no wastage.

[read more]

Read the rest of the Ventureburn article, which discusses Ourhood’s peer-to-peer classified section plans, as well as expansion plans into Europe.

You can search for ‘OurHood’ in the Android or iOS stores.

Or click a link below from your mobile phone.