RapidSOS, an emergency technology start-up, recently announced the closing of a $14 million Series A funding round led by Highland Capital Partners with participation from A3Ventures (the innovation subsidiary of AAA Northern California, Nevada & Utah), The Westly Group, Two Sigma Ventures, Motorola Solutions Venture Capital, Responder Ventures, and several notable individuals including three former FCC Chairmen (Tom Wheeler, Julius Genachowski, Dennis Patrick).
Technology has dramatically changed our lives over the last 50 years, except for when we need it most. Over 240 million 911 calls[1] are made each year, all reliant on a voice connection with less data than was originally transmitted through the first trans-Atlantic cable in 1858[2]. The FCC estimates that improved information flow to 911 and first responders could save over 10,000 lives annually[3].
“For the last 50 years – we’ve relied on a voice-only connection when our lives were on the line – whether from us or through a home security, medical alert, or roadside assistance call center,” said Dan Nova, Partner at Highland Capital Partners and RapidSOS Board Member. “RapidSOS’ technology eliminates the need for clunky third-party call centers – providing a transformative platform for safety, security, and wellness.”
RapidSOS spent four years working closely with thousands of public safety officials across the United States to develop a universal data link into 911 and first responder networks. The result is a transformation from a voice-only system into a rich data link connecting millions of smartphones, wearables, connected cars, and home IoT products directly to 911 and first responders.
- Wearables powered by RapidSOS automatically detect health emergencies – transmitting rich data to responding ambulances.
- Connected cars provide key telematics data to 911 and responders.
- Connected homes linked through RapidSOS inform firefighters with real-time data including smoke density, temperature, and location of trapped occupants.
“Over the past four years I’ve witnessed the incredible heroism of public safety officials who manage millions of emergencies with little more than a distraught caller’s voice,” said Michael Martin, CEO of RapidSOS. “I’m excited to be partnering with thought leaders across public safety, telecom, and technology to link any device with rich data directly to 911 and first responders.”
“Working with RapidSOS brings a new dimension to our portfolio of integrated software solutions for the public safety command center,” said Eduardo Conrado, Executive Vice President, Strategy & Innovation Office, Motorola Solutions. “Our work together creates end-to-end emergency data connectivity, enabling third-party data to flow through Motorola Solutions’ emergency response systems to personnel in the field. It provides critical information that can accelerate response times and improve outcomes.”
“Having served as State Controller and CFO of California, I know firsthand that 911 centers face significant funding and technological challenges impacting lives,” said Steve Westly, Founder and Managing Partner at The Westly Group. “We are thrilled to work with the top engineers at RapidSOS to solve this global challenge.”
RapidSOS’ technology platform, originally developed by Martin, Nick Horelik and a team of engineers out of MIT and Harvard University, provides a rich data link into any 911 dispatch system and a platform for advanced emergency a