AI system for 911 dispatcher support secures $14m funding
Iain Hoey
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Aurelian raises Series A investment
Aurelian has announced a $14 million Series A funding round led by NEA, with additional backing from Y Combinator, FUSE, Liquid 2, and Palm Drive Capital.
According to Aurelian, the funds will be used to expand its services to emergency communication centres (ECCs) across the United States.
The company said its system is designed to reduce pressure on ECCs by automating non-emergency calls such as noise complaints, parking violations and information requests.
It added that the platform aims to address rising call volumes and staffing shortages that affect public safety communications.
Aurelian confirmed the investment marks the next stage of growth following its launch in 2024.
Addressing dispatcher workload and staffing shortages
Aurelian reported that ECCs across the country are facing workforce gaps alongside increasing demand.
Its AI tool is designed to handle a wide range of non-emergency calls, freeing trained telecommunicators to focus on urgent situations.
The company explained that by automating routine calls, ECCs can reduce operator burnout and maintain focus on emergencies.
Aurelian stated that the technology is already integrated into centres serving millions of residents across the US.
It added that dispatcher time savings have been recorded as an average of three hours per operator per day.
CEO commentary on ECC support
Aurelian CEO and cofounder Max Keenan said: “911 is in a crisis: severe understaffing and ever-expanding responsibilities have made ECCs overextended and overworked. At Aurelian, our sole purpose is to help them best serve their communities.
“911 call-takers are trained to handle emergencies, not parking complaints.
“Aurelian reduces burnout and helps telecommunicators stay focused on the most critical situations.”
Expansion since launch in 2024
The company confirmed its system was first launched in May 2024 and has since been rolled out across multiple US communication centres.
It said the platform currently supports nearly 5 million Americans.
According to Aurelian, customer data shows that its system automates an average of 74% of non-emergency calls.
It added that results from early deployments have demonstrated measurable efficiency gains.
The company indicated that adoption is expanding steadily across different jurisdictions.
Investor perspective on AI for emergency communications
NEA partner Mustafa Neemuchwala said: “We’re proud to support Aurelian’s mission to empower Emergency Communication Centers and their dispatchers to keep our communities safe.
“What excites us most is the passion that Max, James, and the Aurelian team bring to public safety.
“In a year, they’ve earned the trust and respect of ECCs across the United States and are already serving millions of people.”
Multilingual capability and access for underserved groups
Aurelian stated that its AI system supports more than 35 languages across voice, SMS and web chat.
It said this multilingual functionality allows ECCs to improve communication with groups who are often underserved in emergency services.
The company explained that this capability enables broader reach and inclusivity in local safety communications.
It added that the platform is intended to make ECC services more accessible across diverse communities.
Relevance for fire and safety professionals
The use of AI systems in ECCs is relevant to fire and safety professionals as it directly affects dispatcher availability and workload.
Automating non-emergency calls means emergency responders may receive more focused attention when urgent calls are made.
The wider adoption of such systems may also influence operational planning and response times across fire services.
Professionals will need to track how integration of AI in ECCs shapes communication channels and impacts field coordination.
AI system for 911 dispatcher support secures $14m funding: Summary
Aurelian has announced a $14 million Series A funding round led by NEA.
Investors Y Combinator, FUSE, Liquid 2 and Palm Drive Capital also participated.
The company said the funding will expand its service to US emergency communication centres.
Aurelian’s system automates non-emergency calls such as noise complaints, parking violations and general queries.
CEO Max Keenan said the platform helps address dispatcher shortages and burnout.
The company launched in May 2024.
It reported that the system now supports nearly 5 million Americans.
Aurelian said its AI tool automates an average of 74% of non-emergency calls.
It said this saves dispatchers around three hours per day.
NEA partner Mustafa Neemuchwala said the company had gained trust from ECCs in one year.
Aurelian stated that its system supports over 35 languages.
The company said this helps ECCs communicate with underserved communities.