South Africa-based emergency response platform AURA has closed a €13.5 million (~$15 million) Series B funding round, marking a significant step in its global expansion. The round was co-led by the Cathay AfricInvest Innovation Fund (CAIF) and international venture capital firm Partech, bringing AURA’s total funding to over €21 million (more than $23 million). With this latest investment, AURA is set to enter the United States and further develop a global emergency response infrastructure.
Disrupting Emergency Services with Scalable Tech
Founded in 2017 by Warren Myers, Ryan Green, and Adam Pantanowitz, AURA provides a smart dispatch system that connects users with the nearest vetted emergency responders, whether for medical, security, or roadside incidents. The company’s platform operates as a marketplace, aggregating fleets of private and public emergency services through a single API. AURA claims its technology has saved over 7,500 lives to date and currently supports more than 1.2 million users and secures over 200,000 fixed locations.
A Single API for Borderless Safety
AURA’s long-term vision centers around creating a global “clearing house” for emergency response—an interoperable dispatch system designed to function across borders. This system will allow users anywhere in the world to access immediate, local emergency assistance through a universal API, integrated with platforms like WhatsApp and IoT-connected devices. The company aims to offer faster, more transparent alternatives to overburdened public emergency systems, particularly in areas with slow police response times.
Strategic U.S. Expansion and Global Impact
The new funding will support AURA’s entry into the U.S. market, where it intends to reshape the emergency response industry by leveraging its aggregation model to reduce costs and improve efficiency. CEO Warren Myers described this moment as “pivotal,” emphasizing the startup’s goal to democratize access to life-saving services globally. This move follows AURA’s earlier expansions into the United Kingdom and Kenya, and comes amid growing investor interest in next-generation emergency platforms.
Strong Investor Confidence in Vision and Execution
Backing from high-profile investors reflects strong confidence in AURA’s technology and mission. Patricia Rinke, Investment Director at CAIF, praised the team’s “powerful vision and extraordinary execution,” while Partech partner Matthieu Marchand highlighted AURA’s ability to scale beyond its South African origins. Previous investors in the company include Buffet Investments, KLT Holdings, and MultiChoice Group, further underlining its broad investor appeal.
Aligning with Global Development Goals
AURA’s work aligns with multiple United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, notably SDG 3 on good health and well-being and SDG 11 on sustainable cities and communities. By providing API-driven, tech-enabled access to emergency services, the platform contributes to creating safer environments through innovation. As urban centers become increasingly reliant on digital infrastructure, AURA’s solution is emerging as a critical component of future-ready public safety ecosystems.
Growing Demand for Private Emergency Infrastructure
The company’s growth comes at a time when global demand for privatized and tech-enabled emergency solutions is on the rise, particularly in countries with under-resourced public systems. AURA’s approach combines operational efficiency with real-time responsiveness, offering an alternative that complements strained public services. This is evident in the broader market context, with similar companies like RapidDeploy—another South African-founded firm—being acquired recently by Motorola Solutions.
As AURA prepares for its U.S. rollout and further global scaling, its biggest challenges will be navigating diverse regulatory environments and maintaining service reliability. However, with solid backing, a proven model, and increasing demand for innovative emergency response solutions, the company is well-positioned to lead the transformation of how safety services are delivered. AURA’s mission to make emergency assistance universally accessible is quickly becoming a reality, one smart dispatch at a time.