We are delighted to share that RapidDeploy - a HAVAÍC Fund 2 and Fund 3 portfolio company - has been acquired by US-listed tech giant Motorola Solutions (NYSE: MSI) in a landmark transaction.
A HAVAÍC portfolio company since 2022, RapidDeploy's African-born technology powers Next Generation 911 response centres and first responders across the United States.
“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, 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.”
In partnership with Founder and CEO Steve Raucher, we have been privileged to support the company's incredible growth journey from a Cape Town-born startup to a globally recognised leader in emergency response technology. We are particularly proud that a significant portion of the company’s technical team will continue operating from Cape Town, ensuring that skilled jobs and economic growth remain on home soil.
While the terms of the deal remain undisclosed, this marks one of the largest tech exits in South Africa's history, and as an investor, we have achieved returns well in excess of our 30% targeted IRR.
The deal is symptomatic of the exhilarating progress across Africa’s fast-maturing and impactful VC industry and is in line with the tremendous successes being achieved by our portfolio companies. In the past two years alone, hearX Group, FairMoney, and AURA were listed among the FT’s fastest-growing companies in Africa, RapidDeploy was named a Most Innovative Company by Fast Company, and the hearX Group won SA Startup of the Year and emerged as one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential Companies globally.
“This landmark transaction reinforces HAVAÍC’s mission to find and support high-growth, impact-driven African tech companies. RapidDeploy’s success is a shining example of our mission and investment strategy in action. It is only a matter of time before many other companies in our high-performing portfolio follow in their footsteps.” said Ian Lessem, Managing Partner, HAVAÍC.
With this acquisition, Motorola Solutions and RapidDeploy will help ensure public safety agencies have better access to data and increased situational awareness during emergency response so they can better serve their communities. RapidDeploy currently supports over 1,600 PSAPs/emergency communications centres in 24 states across the United States.
“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, 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.”
Read the full announcement released by Motorola Solutions on 23 February 2025.
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