So, how can you increase safety while being away from home? For example, it is possible to avoid potential trouble if you know the risks. While large companies have security teams to oversee the safety of their employees abroad, smaller businesses and independent travellers often lack this essential support.
Manukai is developing an AI-powered platform that provides real-time security insights. Their goal? Make critical safety information accessible to anyone who needs it: faster, more affordably, and more effectively than traditional security services.
From pilot to angel investor to founder
Iskander Hannivoort, CEO and co-founder of Manukai, dreamed of becoming a pilot since childhood, and he successfully turned that dream into reality. He trained in the U.S. and returned to the Netherlands with valuable experience and certification, but he also faced significant student debt. To pay off his loans as quickly as possible, Iskander started several side hustles. After a few attempts, he built a successful flight simulator company. Nine years later, he sold the business and shifted his focus to investing in startups.
One of the startups Iskander worked with was a security consulting firm. While the company primarily collaborated with large corporations, Iskander recognized a gap in the market: smaller businesses often couldn’t afford in-house security teams. To address this need, he partnered with Mark Driessen and Tom Franke to develop an AI solution to predict potential threats.
At Manukai, we believe AI can — and should — make travelling safer, whether you’re travelling for business or pleasure.”
A flying start
Founded only last year, the Manukai team joined the YES!Delft Validation Program to identify its key audience: companies with 5 to 500 business travellers. Many companies send employees to high-risk areas without structured security measures. No travel risk assessments, no real-time alerts—just a ‘good luck’ email. That’s where Manukai comes in: their AI-driven platform provides real-time alerts, predicts risks, and helps businesses stay ahead of potential threats.
The YES!Delft Validation Program has already been incredibly helpful. We have refined our business model and improved our market research.”
Aspirations and a get-it-done attitude
Manukai is still in its early days and is currently developing its Minimum Viable Product (MVP). So far, the startup is self-funded, backed by Iskander’s previous success. However, they are also looking for strategic investors.
We believe investors should bring in more than just money; the right network and expertise are just as important.”
Using AI to do good
The focus now is on completing the MVP and rolling out pilot projects, with their first launch customer already confirmed. By summer, Manukai plans to test its system with early adopters. By the end of the year, they aim to ramp up sales and raise additional funding. With a clear roadmap ahead, Manukai is on track to refine its technology, validate its system, and use AI to make travelling safer.
If even one person comes home safely because we helped avoid a dangerous situation, we consider that as a success. Using AI to do good—that’s what we stand for.”
Your dream can become a reality too!
As long as you want to make a change, don’t miss the opportunity to boost your startup by joining the YES!Delft Validation Program or Accelerator Program.
For cyber security startups we offer a special program on top of the Validation Program. Read more here: Cyber security program.
However, if working for a startup resonates more with your ambition, we got you! Check out vacancies placed by our startups.
Be the change, as change starts with you.
