AURA, The SA Startup Saving Lives With Emergency Tech, Nets USD 15 M Series B

South African emergency response platform AURA has raised EUR 13.5 M (~USD 15 M at current rates) in a Series B funding round co-led by Cathay AfricInvest Innovation Fund (CAIF) and Partech, bringing its total funding to EUR 21 M (over USD 23 M). The investment will fuel the company’s expansion into the U.S. market and the development of a global ‘clearing house’ to enable cross-border emergency dispatch, reinforcing its mission to democratise access to life-saving services.

Founded in 2017 by Warren Myers, Ryan Green, and Adam Pantanowitz, AURA has built a smart auto-dispatch platform that connects users in emergencies with the nearest vetted private security and medical responders. The company claims its technology has already saved over 7,500 lives, with 1.2 million people currently using its personal safety solutions and 200,000 properties secured via its fixed-location services.

The U.S. expansion aims to disrupt the security response industry by offering faster, cost-effective alternatives to overstretched police forces. AURA’s model aggregates existing security fleets, improving response times and operational transparency. CEO Warren Myers described the funding as a “pivotal moment,” emphasizing the company’s goal to make emergency services “borderless” and accessible via a single API.

Investors praised AURA’s innovation and execution. Patricia Rinke of CAIF highlighted the team’s “powerful vision,” while Partech’s Matthieu Marchand noted its success in scaling from South Africa to global markets. The company’s work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on health (SDG 3) and safer communities (SDG 11).

The news comes just months after Motorola Solutions acquired RapidDeploy, another South Africa-founded tech company, for its cloud-native NG911 platform; a deal underscoring surging investor interest in next-gen emergency solutions.

AURA’s growth reflects rising demand for privatised emergency response, particularly in regions with strained public services. With its API-driven integrations, including WhatsApp and IoT devices, the platform is positioning itself as a critical infrastructure for global safety. As it eyes further international scaling, AURA’s challenge will be navigating regulatory landscapes while maintaining rapid, reliable service.