South African emergency response start-up Aura has raised R270 million in a Series B funding round to fuel its expansion into the US market. The investment was co-led by the Cathay AfricInvest Innovation Fund and Partech, bringing the company’s total funding to €21 million. Founded in 2017 by Warren Myers, Ryan Green, and Adam Pantanowitz, Aura’s platform connects users in emergencies with the nearest vetted private security and medical responders. The company already operates successfully in Africa and the UK, with clients including Uber and insurers Momentum and Outsurance.
Aura’s technology aggregates a network of over 3,000 security and ambulance fleets, ensuring rapid emergency assistance. In the US, the company aims to address gaps in law enforcement response, particularly in states where police only attend verified incidents. Myers highlighted the enormous potential in Texas alone, which he described as a larger market than South Africa and the UK combined. The funding will also support the development of a global emergency dispatch system, enhancing cross-border response capabilities.
With 1.2 million users worldwide, including 1 million in South Africa, Aura is poised to revolutionise private security services. Investors praised the company’s innovative approach and execution, emphasising its potential to make emergency response more accessible globally. As crime rates rise and public resources strain, Aura’s expansion could redefine how emergencies are handled worldwide.