Increase in the number of inhabitants, evolution of family structures, use of external services for household or childcare and increasing nomadization are all reasons linked to the growth in the number of keys in circulation. According to cross-referenced figures from the three largest key blank manufacturers, in 2022, no less than 33 million keys would have been manufactured, or around 13,000 each working hour, generating a turnover of 1 billion euros. . Despite this, making a duplicate key has become a real challenge. On average, a French person wishing to duplicate a key must travel around 10 km before finding a store capable of providing this service.
“Ten years ago, the region had more than 10,000 shoemakers-locksmiths, but today, fewer than 3,500 are still working. This decline is explained by the lack of appeal of the profession among young people, as well as by the stigmatization to which it is subject due to the often dishonest interventions of emergency and breakdown services (SOS), with which advertisements flood our mailboxes. Wrongly associated with scams, the locksmith has become one of the most hated professions in France. In addition, the shoemaking business is declining rapidly due to changes in clothing fashions and the growing popularity of sneakers, which today’s consumers are not repairing.”explains Pascal Métivier, co-founder and CEO of SecurClés.
“Added to this desertification of the service is the lack of time of the French and the growing number of so-called high security keys, models which the locksmith does not systematically have. In fact, making a duplicate key is, for many, a real chore. »
An AI-powered app for a double in just a few clicks
To respond to this problem, Pascal Métivier, Thierry Bellanger and Antoine Leloup, all serial entrepreneurs and specialists in security services and systems at the international level, decided to co-found the company SecurKeys. In April 2021, they are launching the SecurClés digital service which offers anyone wishing to duplicate their keys the opportunity to manage the operation from their sofa.
To do this, simply download the eponymous mobile application and take a photo of both sides of the key to copy. “Powered by artificial intelligence, the application identifies the key among 15,000 models and decodes it to understand its specific characteristics so that it matches your lock. The patented AI then makes it possible to correct the wear and send this data to the manufacturer responsible for remaking the original without defects and not the vulgar copy of a worn key that sticks.details Pascal Métivier.
To guarantee an optimal level of security and protect both the customer and the company against the risks of hacking and break-ins, the SecurClés service ensures total confidentiality for its users. “We do not collect any personal data, such as user identity or key usage. Payment is made in a tokenized manner. As for delivery, it is carried out by a trusted third party or at a relay point, with a secure withdrawal process via a code.explains the co-founder.
This anonymization in no way compromises the traceability of the keys, thus dissuading any malicious person from stealing your keys to make a copy. “During the process, our application redirects you to a bailiff, who, as a judicial officer, is not subject to GDPR regulations. It is responsible for authenticating you and sealing your information. » A security system also patented which, in the event of a burglary, allows only judicial police officers or investigating judges to know the criminal’s information if he has gone through SecurClés.
The startup now targets motorists
With a turnover reaching one million euros in 2023, the co-founders have a determined ambition: to multiply this figure by 25 by 2028. To achieve this objective, the startup is expanding its offering by now offering a service dedicated to real estate professionals, but also, for individuals, the duplication of badges and electronic car keys. “Reproducing a car key costs on average 300 euros in car dealerships, which hold 90% of the duplication market, because motorists do not consider other alternatives”, explains Pascal Metivier. He adds : “The value proposition is the same: do your car key from your sofa, but 50% cheaper and in just 48 hours compared to three weeks on average at a dealership. »
After having completed two funding rounds for a total amount of 5 million euros and to develop its activities, the startup is carrying out a new fundraising of 2.8 million euros which it is initiating with a crowdfunding campaign on the Sowefund platform.
“Many clients have asked us if we were considering going public. We felt it was important to involve the community in our project. These funds will allow us to promote our solutions and equip partner car garages with the necessary tools, such as an electronic suitcase, to program cars with new electronic keys”, explains the co-founder. This crowdfunding campaign should also mark the start of an internationalization process.
To enter the capital of SecurClés, click here.
