Prepared, a New York-based AI company focused on improving emergency communications, has secured $27 million in a Series B funding round. This investment, led by Andreessen Horowitz, alongside First Round Capital, M13, and NewView Capital, brings the total funding for the company to $57 million.
The funds will enable Prepared to expand its AI-driven platform, designed to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of 911 call centers, which are often hindered by outdated technology.
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What problem is the startup trying to solve
Emergency response systems in the U.S. process about 240 million calls annually, yet many 911 call centers still use technology built during the landline era. This creates inefficiencies in accessing crucial data like real-time location, photos, videos, and texts from wireless devices, which now account for 80% of emergency calls. Michael Chime, CEO and co-founder of Prepared, emphasizes that outdated systems are more than just a technological gap; they are “a matter of life and death.”
Prepared’s AI platform is designed to fill this gap by providing call takers with real-time access to essential data through a browser-based platform. This system integrates seamlessly with existing infrastructure, making it easier for 911 agencies to adopt the technology without needing to overhaul their entire setup. The company currently serves around 1,000 agencies across 49 states, helping protect nearly 30% of the U.S. population.
How AI’s role in responsible for public safety
The new funding will accelerate Prepared’s development of assistive AI tools that enhance emergency response efficiency. David Ulevitch, general partner at Andreessen Horowitz, highlighted the platform’s impact on local emergency response teams, noting that Prepared’s solutions “extend the efficiencies of first responders” and empower communities.
Prepared’s most recent innovations include a two-way audio translation feature, which automatically translates 911 calls made in Spanish into English for call takers. This AI-generated translation eliminates the need for third-party interpreters, saving valuable time in emergencies. Another key development is the integration with Apple’s Emergency SOS feature on iPhones, allowing users to share live video, recorded media, and texts directly with 911 dispatchers during calls.
How are emergency calls being modernised
The emergency response landscape is evolving, with new technologies allowing for faster, more efficient handling of critical situations. However, many call centers still rely on legacy systems that limit their ability to leverage these advancements. Prepared aims to bridge this gap with its AI-powered platform, “Prepared Assist,” which synthesizes next-generation data for faster decision-making during emergencies. Chime notes that the company’s goal is to equip all 911 centers with AI tools that provide “unprecedented clarity and efficiency.”
By streamlining workflows and enabling faster access to critical information, Prepared hopes to revolutionize the way 911 centers operate. The platform’s ability to integrate into existing systems ensures that agencies can adopt the technology quickly, making it more accessible to a wider range of communities.
What do we think about the startup
The $27 million Series B funding round marks a significant step in Prepared’s mission to modernize 911 call centers with AI-driven technology. With emergency response systems lagging behind other industries in terms of technological advancement, Prepared’s platform offers a solution that could significantly improve how critical data is handled during emergencies.
As regulatory requirements and technological capabilities evolve, Prepared’s AI solutions could become essential for ensuring that emergency services are equipped to meet modern challenges. With its expanding range of features—such as real-time translations and video integration—Prepared is well-positioned to transform public safety systems across the United States. However, the company’s ability to maintain its momentum will depend on how effectively it can continue to innovate while navigating the complexities of public safety infrastructure.
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