Tim DraperFounder and Managing Partne, Draper Associate · I back the ideas that look crazy first

WeWALK helps people with visual impairments navigate the world better.

18 May 2025 · 1 min

Watch on YouTube

1:11

In this short interview, a WeWALK representative recounts a personal incident in New York City where juggling a traditional white cane, a smartphone for GPS, and luggage led to a collision with a pole, illustrating the everyday challenges faced by the over 250 million visually impaired people worldwide. The speaker then introduces WeWALK’s patented Smart Cane, which combines obstacle detection with audio and haptic alerts, turn‑by‑turn navigation, and contextual points‑of‑interest (restaurants, stores, cafés) delivered through an integrated software ecosystem. The discussion concludes with the product’s cost—$850 for the cane and a $5 per‑month subscription—highlighting the balance the company seeks between generating revenue and maximizing social impact.

Chapters

It was just before the inception of WeWalk. I was in New York City. While I was going to my hotel, I was using my traditional white cane with my one hand, and I was holding my smartphone with the other to check the GPS direction. At the same time, I had to pull my luggage with those 3 fingers, and not surprisingly, I bumped into a pole. And this is not only my problem. There are more than 250 million visually impaired people. We created the patented Smart cane technology. It detects obstacles and alerts its users with audio and haptic feedback, gives turn-by-turn navigation, informs you about restaurants, stores, cafes while you are passing by. Moreover, we build an ecosystem with our software service.
How much are the canes, and then how much is the subscription?
$850 and $5 per month for end user. We have to find a spot between creating revenue and creating impact.