Prepared, a startup that is revolutionizing emergency 911 calls, has recently secured $27 million in a Series B funding round led by Andreessen Horowitz. The company’s groundbreaking technology aims to streamline the process of emergency response by providing dispatchers with real-time GPS locations, text and image messaging capabilities, and even live video calls through Apple’s Emergency SOS Live Video feature on iPhones.
Michael Chime, Prepared’s co-founder and CEO, emphasizes the importance of their platform in enhancing the efficiency of emergency response operations. He explains, “The goal of our technology is to reduce the burden of each individual call so that emergency response can move faster. If we can save even a few seconds on a given 911 call, we want to do that.”
Despite ongoing efforts to modernize the over 5,500 emergency call centers in the United States through the Next Generation 911 (NG911) initiative, many centers still struggle with outdated technology. Prepared’s platform offers a solution to these challenges by providing dispatchers with a web-based tool that displays a running transcript of calls, utilizing AI to extract vital information such as addresses and descriptions of emergencies.
Subheading 1: The Evolution of Prepared
Prepared was founded in 2019 by Michael Chime, Dylan Gleicher, and Neal Soni, with an initial focus on developing a public safety app for school shootings. However, after recognizing the broader potential of their technology, the trio pivoted the company towards serving 911 call centers. This shift in focus has allowed Prepared to expand its reach and impact within the emergency response sector.
Subheading 2: Enhancing Accessibility and Efficiency
One of the key features of Prepared’s platform is its AI-powered translation tool, which enables dispatchers to communicate effectively with non-English speakers. By transcribing and translating speech in real-time, Prepared’s technology eliminates the need for third-party translators, reducing response times and improving accessibility for diverse populations.
Subheading 3: Future Growth and Innovation
With close to 1,000 public safety agencies across 49 states already utilizing Prepared’s technology, the company plans to allocate the funds from its Series B round towards product development and market expansion. By investing in research and development, Prepared aims to further enhance its platform’s capabilities and continue revolutionizing the emergency response industry.
Chime envisions a future where Prepared plays a central role in optimizing the end-to-end workflow of emergency response operations, ultimately improving outcomes for both citizens and first responders. As Prepared continues to innovate and expand its reach, the company remains committed to leveraging AI technology to drive positive change in the field of public safety.
In conclusion, Prepared’s recent funding round marks a significant milestone in the company’s journey towards transforming emergency 911 calls. By harnessing the power of technology and innovation, Prepared is poised to revolutionize the way emergency response operations are conducted, ultimately saving lives and improving outcomes for individuals in need of assistance.
