Rapid SOS, a data-driven emergency response service, announced that it landed a fresh $25 million in new funding this morning, bringing the company’s total Series B funding to $55 million. The latest infusion of cash was led by Energy Impact Partners (EIP). 

WHAT THEY DO

The startup’s system integrates data from a variety of sources including from wearables, telematics from connected cars, smoke density from smart homes and location tracking phones, and connects them to 911 responders when there is an emergency. 

The idea is to get first responders to the scene quicker and help them get a sense of the situation before entering.  

The technology was designed to access emergency data from Apple, Google, Uber, MedicAlert Foundation, the American Heart Association and others through its clearinghouse, according to the company. 

WHAT IT IS FOR 

Rapid SOS said the new funds will help its efforts to develop partnerships with public safety agencies and public safety software providers. 

“This funding supports our mission to connect the world to public safety,” said Michael Martin, CEO of RapidSOS. “With this new funding, we will focus on launching new data partners and expanding our emergency response platform globally to ensure everyone has access to emergency services when they need it most.”

MARKET SNAPSHOT 

There are several companies working on emergency response tools, including tech giant Apple. In 2016 Apple introduced an emergency alert feature called SOS, which connects users to emergency services and alerts emergency contacts to a user’s location. More recently, Apple launched a fall detection feature, which gives users the opportunity to call an emergency contact. If the user is detected as immobile for one minute after the fall, it will automatically reach out to first responders. 

Another player in the space is Israel-based Carbyne, which collected $15 million in August 2018. Carbyne provides its own end-to-end, digitized emergency response system that incorporates data collection tools, algorithm-driven information prioritization and other features.

ON THE RECORD 

“From managing the impact of extreme weather to more routine day-to-day operations, public safety is central to the mission of utilities around the world,” Sameer Reddy, partner at Energy Impact Partners, said in a statement. “We’re excited by the ability of RapidSOS’s advanced technology platform to transform how our utility partners manage safety, security, and emergency operations.”