Motorola Solutions has acquired RapidDeploy, a South African-founded cloud-native Next Generation 911 (NG911) solution provider, in a major deal announced on February 23, 2025.
This acquisition marks a notable tech exit for South Africa and highlights the global impact of African innovation.
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Acquisition details and impact
RapidDeploy, based in Austin, Texas, offers advanced NG911 solutions that enhance emergency response and decision-making.
Its product suite includes Radius Mapping, which precisely maps real-time call locations, the Lightning mobile application for first responders, and Eclipse Analytics, which evaluates response times and staffing needs.
“In a crisis of any magnitude – a vehicle accident, medical emergency or active shooter – every second counts during the emergency response,” said Mahesh Saptharishi, Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at Motorola Solutions.
“RapidDeploy’s technology connects first responders with critical information so they can reach those in need faster and be more prepared, saving valuable time in emergencies”.
Motorola Solutions plans to integrate RapidDeploy’s technology into its VESTA 911 and AI-powered VESTA NXT platforms to enhance emergency response speed and efficiency. RapidDeploy currently supports over 1,600 emergency communication centers across 24 U.S. states.
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Public safety: Motorola Solutions + RapidDeploy
The acquisition will enable Motorola Solutions and RapidDeploy to improve public safety agencies’ access to data and situational awareness during emergencies. RapidDeploy’s technology allows 911 telecommunicators to access real-time data, including GPS locations, indoor floor plans, and live video streams, which can be shared directly with first responders.
“We are honoured to join Motorola Solutions, a company that shares our commitment to public safety and our mission of saving lives by reducing response times,” said Steve Raucher, Co-founder and CEO of RapidDeploy.
“Together, we will continue to accelerate innovation in 911 technology, helping to make NG911 smarter, more unified and seamlessly integrated to empower first responders and help save more lives”.
RapidDeploy’s integration with Motorola Solutions’ Rave suite already enhances public safety data management and notification processes, supporting telecommunicators and first responders during critical emergencies. The acquisition reinforces the value of venture capital-backed innovation in Africa and its ability to solve real-world challenges globally.