RapidSOS
What they do: Develop emergency communication devices.
Problem they solve: Over 180 million 911 calls come from mobile devices annually, all relying on voice connections. These calls provide limited or no additional information, including location data. The FCC estimates that over 10,000 lives are lost annually when 911 callers can’t be located.
In the Internet of Things era, this is clearly unacceptable.
#Big50-2017 #startup RapidSOS raises $14 million to connect emergency services to mobile devices, connected cars, and wearables. Click To TweetHow they solve it: The RapidSOS system uses predictive algorithms to identify patterns in emergency occurrences, with the aim to preempt emergencies before they happen and ensure that first responders are one touch away from callers. The RapidSOS Haven app transmits GPS location and other important information to 911 dispatcher systems, without the need for additional training, equipment, or cost to the dispatcher centers.
RapidSOS’ Emergency API lets developers create customizable call flows between connected device users, emergency contacts, emergency services, and related third parties. RapidSOS contends that this reduces the complexity of getting lifesaving data from connected devices to public safety. The API can be used to extend emergency features to connected cars, wearables, and other IoT devices.
Headquarters: New York, NY
CEO: Michael Martin, who was previously a co-founder of MS Consulting.
Founded: 2013
Funding: In April 2017, RapidSOS locked down a $14 million Series A round from The Westly Group, Responder Ventures, Motorola Safety Ventures, and AAA Ventures. This brings their total funding to date to $19.5 million.
Competitors include: Life360, LiveSafe, and Rave Mobile Safety.
Why they’re in the Big 50-2017: RapidSOS is a two-time Big50 winner! Since the 2016 Big50, RapidSOS has entered into a slew of partnerships that should help first responders and 911 centers respond to emergencies, they’ve rolled out connected vehicle and wearable capabilities, and they’ve landed a big VC round.
