ZeroEyes Secures $33M to Accelerate Customer Deployments

August 25, 2023

Raise Follows 300% YoY Business Growth Driven by Demand for Proactive Innovative Solutions to Mitigate Surging U.S. Gun-Related Violence Epidemic — ZeroEyes' Oversubscribed Round Follows its 300% YoY Business Growth Driven by Demand for Proactive Innovative Solutions to Mitigate Surging U.S. Gun-Related Violence Epidemic

ZeroEyes, creators of AI-based gun detection video analytics – and a Double Platinum Award Winner in the 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Program recently Nominated to Compete in the 2023 ‘ASTORS’ Awards – has secured capital of $23 million on the heels of its dramatic growth surpassing 300% over the last year (YOY).

Demand for the company’s AI gun detection and intelligent situational awareness software continues to accelerate as schools consider their safety readiness amid devastating statistics showing more than 200 reported school shootings in 2023.

The funds from the oversubscribed round led by Alliance Holdings, Octave Ventures, and other existing investors, will fuel continued growth with investments in R&D, channel partnership programs, and business operations expansion.

This oversubscribed round further demonstrates the pressing need for innovative solutions to curb the gun-related violence rampant across the United States.

(The Metropolitan Nashville Police Department released this surveillance video showing how a shooter entered a private Christian school before opening fire. Courtesy of NBC News and YouTube. Posted on Mar 28, 2023.)

ZeroEyes is currently deployed in thousands of buildings for hundreds of customers in 37 states, with great momentum and growth driven from the original K-12 market and commercial sectors, including retail, gaming, and healthcare.

New gains have been fueled through growing contracts with the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) through ZE Government Solutions (ZEGS), a wholly owned subsidiary of ZeroEyes that delivers advanced dual-use AI, proactive threat detection, and situational awareness of complex threats for U.S. national security.

“ZeroEyes has demonstrated a remarkable ability to execute on its important mission and we are excited about their future as they continue to achieve wide adoption and staggering growth,” said Michael Kim, Founder of Octave Ventures.

Mike Lahiff, CEO and Co-Founder of ZeroEyes

“These funds will allow us to continue scaling to meet surging demand as schools, houses of worship, businesses, communities, and even the Federal government seek viable, affordable, and, most importantly, proactive solutions to address the gun-related violence problem in our country,” explained Mike Lahiff, CEO and co-founder, ZeroEyes.

ZeroEyes provides AI gun detection and intelligent situational awareness software layered onto existing digital security cameras.

When an illegally brandished gun is identified, images are instantly shared with the ZeroEyes Operations Center (ZOC), staffed 24/7/365 by specially trained U.S. military and law enforcement veterans.

Should these experts determine that the threat is valid, they dispatch alerts and actionable intelligence, including visual description, gun type, and last known location, to local staff and law enforcement as fast as 3 to 5 seconds from detection.

(What if there was a solution to detect guns before a mass shooting? Now there is. Find out how you can request this technology at your school, business, or facility to save the lives of your kids, teachers, customers, and employees. Courtesy of ZeroEyes and YouTube.)

On August 10, 2023 ZeroEyes announced that AFWERX had selected it for an SBIR Phase I contract focused on threat detection using indoor drones to investigate its potential to fill capability gaps in the Department of the Air Force (DAF).

The integrated solution will combine ZEGS’ AI-based object detection video analytics with confined space unmanned aircraft system (UAS) platforms.

This will proactively provide operators and force protection teams with crucial situational awareness, enabling them to rapidly respond to threats in indoor and confined locations unsuitable for traditional UAS platforms.

The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) and AFWERX have partnered to streamline the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) process by accelerating a faster proposal to award timelines by continually implementing process improvement changes in contract execution.

(See ZEROEYES on FOX NEWS in ‘The Rise of A.I.’ Courtesy of Fox News, ZeroEyes and YouTube. Posted on Apr 3, 2023.)

The DAF began offering ‘The Open Topic’ SBIR/STTR program in 2018, which expanded the range of innovations the DAF funded, and now, in August 2023, ZEGS will continue its journey to create and provide innovative capabilities that will strengthen the national defense of the United States of America.

“Aerial footage from a UAS system can be a valuable asset when assessing a threatening situation,” added Lahiff.

“These platforms, especially when equipped with advanced technology like our proactive AI-based gun detection solution, can provide actionable intelligence before a dangerous incident occurs and improve military personnel’s decision making.”

(The Hernando County School District recently expanded their system to stop school threats. It is using artificial intelligence to detect possible school shooters. Jill Renihan, the director of Safe Schools says the ‘Zero Eyes’ software system allows security cameras to detect guns as soon as they’re displayed. “It can take our response from minutes, and in some cases, it’s been hours before there’s been an actual response, down to seconds,” Renihan says. Courtesy of WFA8, ZeroEyes and YouTube. Posted on Aug 14, 2023.)

ZeroEyes delivers a proactive, human-verified AI gun detection software solution that integrates into existing digital security cameras and helps to mitigate mass shootings and gun-related violence by reducing response times, providing actionable intelligence with images and delivering clarity among chaos – ultimately saving lives.

ZeroEyes’ patented solution has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as a promising anti-terrorism technology. It is the first video analytics technology to receive SAFETY Act DT&E Designation.

Founded by Navy SEALs, Special Operations military veterans, and technologists, ZeroEyes dispatches accurate and real-time actionable intelligence about the illegal brandishing of a gun.

Should a gun be drawn near or in an occupied area or building, ZeroEyes will notify local staff and law enforcement with an image of the shooter(s) and the location of the threat as fast as 3 to 5 seconds from the moment the gun is detected.

The ZeroEyes team also provides tech consulting, installation assistance, and practice drills for active shooter events to enhance safety at schools, corporate and government facilities.

Headquartered in the Greater Philadelphia area, the company’s affordable and effective gun detection solution has been adopted by the U.S. Department of Defense, leading public K-12 school districts, colleges/universities, healthcare facilities, commercial property groups, manufacturing plants, Fortune 500 corporate campuses, shopping malls, big-box retail stores and more.

(When it comes to safety and security, Vassar Public Schools seemingly have the edge. The district is once again using ZeroEyes AI gun detection technology. The software was implemented after the 2021 Oxford High School shooting. The incident hit close to home, with Vassar being about 45 minutes from Oxford. “It’s on our cameras. We have an existing camera system, and ZeroEyes is an AI artificial software system that lays on top of our cameras and is able to monitor and detect anything that looks like a weapon,” explained Dorothy Blackwell, the Superintendent of Vassar Public Schools in Lansing, Michigan. “When we were doing all of our testing, you can see where the cameras detect that, and that’s sent directly to me on my phone.” Courtesy of ZeroEyes and YouTube. Posted on Aug 16, 2023.)

To learn more about ZeroEyes AI-Based Gun Detection Solution, please ZeroEyes.com.

ZeroEyes Nominated to Compete in 2023 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Program

2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Luncheon (starting front row, left to right) SIMS Software President & CEO Michael Struttmann; TENEO Risk Advisory Executive Chairman Commissioner Bill Bratton; NEC National Security Systems President Dr. Kathleen Kiernan; TSA Administrator David Pekoske; Fortior Solutions General Counsel Katherine Cowan; NEC Corporation of America Senior Vice President & Chief Experience Officer Raffie Beroukhim; TENEO Risk Advisory Chief of Staff David Cagno; Infragard National Board Member Doug Farber, Lumina Analytics Co-Founder & Chairman Allan Martin, and AMAROK Senior Vice President Sales & Marketing Mike Dorrington.

American Security Today’s Annual ‘ASTORS’ Awards is the preeminent U.S. Homeland Security Awards Program, and now entering it’s Eighth Year, continues to recognize industry leaders of Physical and Border Security, Cybersecurity, Emergency Preparedness – Management and Response, Law Enforcement, First Responders, as well as federal, state and municipal government agencies in the acknowledgment of their outstanding efforts to Keep our Nation Secure.

ATF Director Steven M. Dettelbach, will join the 2023 'ASTORS' Homeland Security Awards Ceremony and Banquet Luncheon in NYC on Thursday, November 16th at the Jacob Javits Convention Center. — ATF Director Steven M. Dettelbach, will join the 2023 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Ceremony and Banquet Luncheon in NYC on Thursday, November 16th at the Jacob Javits Convention Center.

AST is pleased to announce that Steven M. Dettelbach, the Director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), has agreed to participate in the 2023 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Ceremony and Banquet Luncheon as our keynote speaker.

The continually evolving ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program will highlight the trail of Accomplished Women in Leadership in 2023 and the Significance and Positive Impact of Advancing Diversity and Inclusion in our Next Generation of Government and Industry Leaders. Because #MentorshipMatters.

So be on the lookout for exciting upcoming announcements of Book Signing Opportunities and Special Guest Attendees at the 2023 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Presentation Luncheon on Thursday, November 16, 2023 in New York City at ISC East!

(See some highlights of the 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Ceremony and Banquet Luncheon in New York City during ISC East at the Javits Center. Courtesy of AST and YouTube.)

Nominations are currently being accepted for the 2023 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards at https://americansecuritytoday.com/ast-awards/.

Comprehensive List of Categories Include:

Access Control/ Identification	Personal/Protective Equipment	Law Enforcement Counter Terrorism
Perimeter Barrier/ Deterrent System	Interagency Interdiction Operation	Cloud Computing/Storage Solution
Facial/IRIS Recognition	Body Worn Video Product	Cyber Security
Video Surveillance/VMS	Mobile Technology	Anti-Malware
Audio Analytics	Disaster Preparedness	ID Management
Thermal/Infrared Camera	Mass Notification System	Fire & Safety
Metal/Weapon Detection	Rescue Operations	Critical Infrastructure
License Plate Recognition	Detection Products	COVID Innovations
Workforce Management	Government Security Programs	And Many Others to Choose From!

Don’t see a Direct Hit for your Product, Agency or Organization?

Submit your category recommendation for consideration to Michael Madsen, AST Publisher, at: mmadsen@americansecuritytoday.com.

Homeland Security remains at the forefront of our national conversation as we experience an immigration crisis along our southern border and crime rates dramatically higher than before the Pandemic across the United States.

CBP K9 Team Zaskya Steros and TYKE, with Commissioner Bill Bratton at the 2022 'ASTORS' Awards Luncheon. — CBP K9 Team Zaskya Steros and TYKE, with Police Commissioner Bill Bratton at the 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Luncheon.

These challenges have become a national priority with an influx of investments in innovative new technologies and systems.

Enter American Security Today, the #1 publication and media platform in the Government Security and Homeland Security fields, with a circulation of over 75,000 readers and many tens of thousands more who visit our AST website at www.americansecuritytoday.com each month.

The pinnacle of the Annual ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program is the Annual ‘ASTORS’ Awards Ceremony Luncheon Banquet, an exclusive, full-course plated meal event in the heart of New York City.

Please join AST in Welcoming Director Dettelbach and Commissioner Sewell to the 2023 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Ceremony Luncheon on Thursday, November 16, 2023 in New York City.

Go to https://americansecuritytoday.com/product/awards-luncheon/ to secure your Seat or reserve a Table and Receive a Special Early Bird Discount.

***Limited space available. There will be No On-Site registrations.

The 2022 exclusive sold-out ‘ASTORS’ luncheon featured representatives of law enforcement, public safety, and industry leaders who came together to honor the selfless service of those who stand on the front lines and those who stand beside them – providing the capabilities and technologies to create a safer world for generations to come.

Last year marked the 20th anniversary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which came out in force to discuss comprehensive collaborations between private and public sectors that have led to the development of intelligence and technologies which serve to protect our nation.

Deputy Executive Assistant Commissioner (DEAC) Diane Sabatino, expresses her pride in the women and men of the CBP, and their families who support them.

The keynote address was provided by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Field Operations (OFO) Deputy Executive Assistant Commissioner (DEAC) Diane Sabatino, who described the changes to CBP through the tragedy of 9/11 and the relentless commitment to its mission and ongoing investment in the latest technologies and innovations to protect our borders and Homeland.

The resounding theme of the DEAC’s remarks was her pride in the women and men of the CBP and their families who support them.

Deputy Inspector Lashonda Dyce accepts a 2022 'ASTORS' Award on behalf of the NYPD TARU Unit for Excellence in Public Safety. — Deputy Inspector Lashonda Dyce accepts a 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Award on behalf of the NYPD TARU Unit for Excellence in Public Safety, joined at left by Commissioner Bill Bratton, and at right Chief of Department Kenneth Corey.

AST was also joined by Legendary Police Commissioner William Bratton, who spoke about his love for the City of New York, the Profession of law enforcement to which he has dedicated his life, and for which he continues to drive thought leadership and innovation.

New York City Police Department (NYPD) Chief of Department Kenneth Corey, came out to address Luncheon attendees and shared some of his experiences and the changes in policing he’s witnessed over his more than three decades of service.

Katherine Schweit, an attorney, security consultant, and retired FBI special agent, and former head of the FBI’s active shooter program. — Katherine Schweit, attorney, security consultant, retired FBI special agent, and former head of the FBI’s active shooter program.

FDNY Chief Joseph Jardin honored the men and women of the FDNY, not only those who currently serve but all of those who have selflessly served, with special recognition of those lost on 9/11.

Chief Jardin spoke about the continuing health battle of many following 9/11 with cancer and respiratory disease, yet now knowing the full consequences, would not have made a different decision to respond.

As Chief Jardin noted, mission-driven service is the lifeblood of every firefighter, volunteer, and sworn member, and has been so throughout the history of the Fire Service.

Former head of the FBI’s active shooter program, Katherine Schweit joined AST to sign complimentary copies of her book, ‘STOP THE KILLING: How to End the Mass Shooting Crisis’ thanks to the generosity of our 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Sponsors.

The 2023 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program is Proudly Sponsored by Platinum Event Sponsor: NEC National Security Systems (NSS)

And Our RETURNING Premier Sponsors:

ATI Systems, Automatic Systems of America,

IPVideo Corporation, Rajant Corporation, RX Global, SIMS Software, and American Security Today!

In 2022, AST was pleased to welcome the esteemed New York City Fire Department (FDNY); the New York City Police Department (NYPD); and the NYC Hospital Police, as well as Executive Management from the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), and many other DHS agencies, Federal law enforcement agencies, and private/public partnerships such as the National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives (NAWLEE), the 30×30 Initiative, a coalition of professionals advancing the representation of women in policing; and Operation Lifesaver, Inc. (OLI) (rail safety advocates).

The FDNY was honored in the 2022 'ASTORS' Awards Program for Excellence in Public Safety and Critical Incident Response. — The FDNY was honored in the 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program for Excellence in Public Safety and Critical Incident Response, accepted by FDNY Chief Joseph Jardin and Deputy Assistant Chief Frank Leeb.

The prestigious Annual ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Program highlights the most cutting-edge and forward-thinking security solutions coming onto the market today, to ensure our readers have the information they need to stay ahead of the competition and keep our Nation safe – one facility, street, and city at a time.

Katherine Schweit, former head of the FBI’s active shooter program speaks with 'ASTORS' Attendees and autographs copies of 'STOP THE KILLING: How to End the Mass Shooting Crisis.' — Katherine Schweit, former head of the FBI’s active shooter program speaks with ‘ASTORS’ Attendees and autographs copies of ‘STOP THE KILLING: How to End the Mass Shooting Crisis.’

In 2022 over 240 distinguished guests representing Federal, State, and Local Governments, and Industry Leading Corporate Firms gathered from across North America, Europe, and the Middle East to be honored among their peers in their respective fields.

Each year, to keep our communities safe and secure, security dealers, installers, integrators, and consultants, along with corporate, government, and law enforcement/first responder practitioners, convene in New York City to network, learn, and evaluate the latest technologies and solutions from premier exhibiting brands at ISC East, and the ASIS NYC Expo.

ISC East is the Northeast’s leading security & public safety event, hosted in collaboration with sponsor Security Industry Association (SIA) and in partnership with ASIS NYC.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) was Honored at the 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Ceremony and Banquet Luncheon in New York City, featuring OFO DEAC Diane Sabatino and Director of Field Operations NY Area Frank Russo (at center).

Corporate firms, the majority of which return year to year to build upon their Legacy of Wins, include:

Advanced Detection Technologies, AMAROK, ATI Systems, Axis Communications, Automatic Systems, BriefCam, Canon U.S.A., Cellbusters, CornellCookson, CyberArk Fortior Solutions, guardDog.ai, Hanwha Techwin of America, High Rise Escape Systems, IPVideo Corporation, Konica Minolta Business Solutions, NEC National Security Systems, NICE Public Safety, OnSolve, PureTech Systems, Quantum Corporation, Rave Mobile Safety, Regroup Mass Notification, Robotic Assistance Devices, Rajant Corporation, SafeLogic, Select Engineering Services LLC, Singlewire Software, SolarWinds Worldwide, Teledyne FLIR, Valor Systems, and West Virginia American Access Control Systems, *just to name a few!***

Why American Security Today?

The traditional security marketplace has long been covered by a host of publications putting forward the old-school basics to what is Today – a fast-changing security landscape.

American Security Today is uniquely focused on the broader Homeland Security & Public Safety marketplace with over 75,000 readers at the Federal, State, and local levels of government as well as firms allied to the government.

American Security Today brings forward a fresh compelling look and read with our customized digital publications that hold readers’ eyes throughout the story with cutting-edge editorial that provides solutions to their challenges.

Harness the Power of the Web – with our 100% Mobile Friendly Publications

AST puts forward the Largest and Most Qualified Circulation in Government with Over 75,000 readers on the Federal, State and Local levels.

AST Digital Publications are distributed to over 75,000 qualified government and homeland security professionals, in federal, state, local, and private security sectors.

‘PROTECTING OUR NATION, ONE CITY AT A TIME’

AST Reaches both Private & Public Experts, essential to meeting these new challenges.

Today’s new generation of public safety and security experts need real-time knowledge to deal with domestic and international terrorism, lone wolf attacks, unprecedented urban violence, shifts in society, culture, and media bias – making it increasingly difficult for Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, First Responders, Military and Private Security Professionals to implement coordinated security measures to ensure national security and improve public safety.

These experts are from Government at the federal, state, and local levels as well as from private firms allied to the government.

AST provides a full plate of topics in our AST Monthly Magazine Editions, AST Website, and AST Daily News Alerts, covering 23 Vital Sectors such as Access Control, Perimeter Protection, Video Surveillance/Analytics, Airport Security, Border Security, CBRNE Detection, Border Security, Ports, Cybersecurity, Networking Security, Encryption, Law Enforcement, First Responders, Campus Security, Security Services, Corporate Facilities, and Emergency Response among others.

AST has Expanded readership into integral Critical Infrastructure audiences such as Protection of Nuclear Facilities, Water Plants & Dams, Bridges & Tunnels, and other potential targets of terrorism.

Other areas of concern include Transportation Hubs, Public Assemblies, Government Facilities, Sporting & Concert Stadiums, our Nation’s Schools & Universities, and Commercial Business Destinations – all enticing targets due to the large number of persons and resources clustered together.

To learn more, please see the 2022 ‘ASTORS’ CHAMPIONS Edition Fully Interactive Magazine – the Best Products of 2022 ‘A Year in Review.’

The Annual CHAMPIONS edition reviews ‘ASTORS’ Award Winning products and programs, highlighting key details on many of the winning firm’s products and services, including video interviews and more.

The 2022 CHAMPIONS serves as your Go-To Source through the year for ‘The Best of 2022 Products and Services‘ endorsed by American Security Today – and can satisfy your agency’s and/or organization’s most pressing Homeland Security and Public Safety needs.

From Physical Security (Access Control, Critical Infrastructure, Perimeter Protection, and Video Surveillance Cameras and Video Management Systems), to IT Security (Cybersecurity, Encryption, Data Storage, Anti-Malware, and Networking Security – to name a few), the 2022 ‘ASTORS’ CHAMPIONS EDITION has what you need to Detect, Delay, Respond to, and Mitigate today’s real-time threats in our constantly evolving security landscape.

It also features guest editorial pieces from some of the security industry’s most respected leaders and recognized firms in the 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program.

For more information on All Things American Security Today, as well as the 2023 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program, please contact Michael Madsen, AST Publisher at mmadsen@americansecuritytoday.com.

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ZeroEyes AI Gun Detect & Situational Awareness Coming to Utah Schools