HAVAÍC-Backed RapidDeploy Acquired By Motorola Solutions In Landmark South African Tech Exit

RapidDeploy, a South Africa-founded cloud-native 911 technology provider, has been acquired by US tech giant Motorola Solutions in a major deal, marking one of the most symbolic tech exits in South Africa’s history. The acquisition, for which terms are undisclosed, reinforces the growing global impact of African-born innovation and the strength of the country’s venture capital ecosystem.

Founded in 2014 by Steven Raucher, RapidDeploy has transformed emergency response technology, serving over 1,600 emergency communication centres (PSAPs) across 24 U.S. states. Its Next Generation 911 (NG911) product suite improves real-time situational awareness, helping first responders locate callers, access indoor floor plans, and receive live video streams. Motorola Solutions plans to integrate RapidDeploy’s technology into its VESTA 911 and AI-powered VESTA NXT platforms, enhancing emergency response speed and efficiency.

HAVAÍC, an investor in RapidDeploy, hailed the deal as a testament to the potential of African startups to scale globally. Since its investment, RapidDeploy has evolved from a Cape Town startup into a globally recognised player in public safety technology. The acquisition demonstrates the value of venture capital-backed innovation in Africa and its ability to solve real-world challenges worldwide.

Motorola Solutions sees RapidDeploy’s cloud-native solutions as critical to improving emergency response times. “Every second counts during an emergency,” said Mahesh Saptharishi, CTO of Motorola Solutions. “RapidDeploy’s technology connects first responders with critical information, helping them save lives faster.”

RapidDeploy CEO Raucher expressed excitement about the next phase: “Joining Motorola Solutions allows us to accelerate innovation in 911 technology and help save more lives.”

With the global push toward smarter, more unified NG911 systems, the acquisition solidifies RapidDeploy’s role in shaping the future of emergency response technology. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.