Today, Microsoft Ventures joins a $16 million funding round to accelerate deployment of the RapidSOS Clearinghouse. To date, RapidSOS has raised over $30 million from top Silicon Valley Firms, three former FCC Chairmen, and former leadership from AT&T, Apple, Lucent, Raytheon, Vodafone, and the Virgin Group for research and development of the RapidSOS Clearinghouse.
This funding furthers RapidSOS’ mission to provide a Next-Generation-911 data link for free to every public safety agency globally. We’ve already seen the power of this link to provide lifesaving data:
- Accurate wireless location – Our recent announcement with Uber is just one example of how we are partnering with leading technology companies to ensure you have the fastest most accurate location possible during a 911 call.
- A variety of additional information – Additional data on emergency callers will also be included to help improve the emergency response. This could include medic alert, vehicle description, multimedia elements or other information to help make a more informed response.
Free to Public Safety
We rely on our smartphones and other connected devices throughout all aspects of our daily lives. Because of limitations with the current 911 infrastructure, Internet of Things (IoT) companies traditionally haven’t been able to send life-saving data from their devices to public safety in an emergency. By partnering with IoT companies (wearables, home security, connected car, smartphones, etc.) RapidSOS is able to provide life-saving data for free to public safety, making connected device data actionable in an emergency and providing unprecedented user safety and security.
Embedded in Your Existing Software
The RapidSOS Clearinghouse is a NENA i3 compliant Location Information Server (LIS) and Additional Data Repository (ADR) that is now embedded inside most major CPE, CAD, Mapping, Integrated Applications, and Responder Devices. The service is available at no cost to PSAPs, is entirely supplemental and in many cases can be installed as a simple software update.
Microsoft Ventures & RapidSOS
Microsoft Ventures is the corporate venture arm of Microsoft, the leading platform and productivity company for the mobile-first, cloud-first world. Microsoft Ventures partners with visionary entrepreneurs looking to drive digital transformation. As part of its promise to portfolio companies, Microsoft Ventures offers unrivaled access to go-to-market resources and strategic relationships globally. Our collaboration will dramatically accelerate our efforts to provide precise location and other life-saving data at no cost to public safety.
Throughout all the difficult stories we hear, 9-1-1 first responders – whether call-takers or dispatchers in the PSAP or Fire, EMS, or Police in the field – do incredible work with the technology available to them. We are dedicated to providing them with technology that makes their jobs easier and helps them save lives.
Want to learn more about our work with public safety? Fill out this form to receive more information from a member of our team: