Flock Safety, an AI-driven surveillance company known for its license plate recognition technology and gunshot detection systems, has raised $275 million in new funding, pushing its valuation to $7.5 billion.
The round was led by Bedrock Capital, with participation from Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), Greenoaks, Meritech Capital, Matrix Partners, and Y Combinator.
Expanding AI-Driven Public Safety Solutions
Flock Safety’s technology is widely used by law enforcement agencies, businesses, and property management firms to track vehicles, prevent crime, and monitor public spaces. The company recently:
- Surpassed $300M in annual recurring revenue, growing 70% YoY.
- Acquired drone surveillance startup Aerodome to enhance real-time monitoring.
- Expanded its AI-powered gunshot detection tech, marketed to schools and municipalities.
CEO Garrett Langley emphasized the company’s mission:
“Our goal is to help law enforcement solve and prevent crime while ensuring transparency and responsible use of surveillance technology.”
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Privacy Concerns & Legal Challenges
Flock Safety has faced privacy-related lawsuits and scrutiny:
- The ACLU criticized its mass surveillance capabilities and called for independent audits.
- Norfolk, Virginia residents filed a lawsuit to prevent Flock’s cameras from being installed.
- The company is also dealing with a wrongful termination lawsuit from a California mayor.
VC Confidence Despite Controversy
Despite ongoing privacy concerns and legal challenges, investors continue to bet big on Flock. Bedrock’s Geoff Lewis recalled how he personally flew to Atlanta in 2018 to convince Langley to take an early investment—a move that has since paid off with Flock’s meteoric growth.
With $950M raised to date, Flock Safety is doubling down on AI-powered surveillance, positioning itself as a dominant player in the public safety and smart city technology sector.
