AURA Secures $4.7 Million In Series A Funding To Expand Its Emergency Service In South Africa

AURA secures $4.7 million in Series A funding to expand its emergency service in South Africa

As part of a Series A funding round, AURA, a South African platform for medical and security response, raised $4.7 million (R62 million) to expand its operations around the world.

The funding round was led by MultiChoice Group (MCG), with participation from KLT Holdings and Buffet Investments as well.

AURA was established in 2016 by Warren Myers, Ryan Green, and Adam Pantanowitz. The medical emergency startup is currently partnered with South Africa's leading security and medical response marketplace, which is currently in beta.

When a medical or security emergency occurs, the marketplace uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to fine-tune its system and ensure that the nearest responders are dispatched.

AURA's investment in MultiChoice allows the company to expand its service offerings while also stimulating economic development, according to Calvo Mawela, MultiChoice's Group Chief Executive.

Improvements in the efficiency of emergency response services

A critical need for increased efficiency in the South African security industry was identified as a result of the country's rising crime rate, and the platform was developed in response to this need.

By using a connected device such as a smartphone, a Bluetooth device, or any other internet-connected device, anyone can connect to the most localized, vetted private and public security and medical response unit – at any time and from any location – through the use of a connected device.

Through partnerships with premier armed and emergency medical response providers, AURA has built a network of trusted and dependable response vehicles to meet the needs of the public. Approximately 400,000 people are currently using the platform on a daily basis.

Response times to a distress call can be reduced from an average of 30 minutes to as little as one to five minutes by utilizing artificial intelligence and machine learning to ensure that the nearest responders are dispatched to the location of the distress call.

The expansionary thrust

After expanding into East Africa and the United Kingdom earlier this year, the company expects to be able to accelerate its already impressive growth trajectory with the new funding round.

Aura has received a significant infusion of capital, according to co-founder Ryan Green, which will allow the company to expand into new markets and scale operations seamlessly.

With a current staff of approximately 50 members, the company plans to expand its talent acquisition efforts, particularly in the technology department.

According to fellow co-founder Warren Myers, the investment is the first step toward AURA's vision of a safer future for all people on the planet.