New investment supports Sonic Fire Tech’s mission to modernise fire defense

Sonic Fire Tech secures $3.5 million for acoustic fire defense

Funding round supports waterless suppression rollout

Sonic Fire Tech has raised $3.5 million in seed funding to expand its infrasound-based fire suppression systems.

The Cleveland-based startup said the investment will help certify, manufacture and deploy its patented acoustic fire defense technologies across homes, infrastructure and emergency response applications.

The funding round was co-led by Khosla Ventures, Third Sphere and AirAngels, with additional participation from angel investors.

Certification, production and pilot deployment plans

According to the company, the seed funding closed in late Q2 2025 and will be used to advance certification through FM Global, UL and relevant public safety authorities.

Sonic Fire Tech plans to build domestic manufacturing capacity and installation networks, with a target of producing 500 units by Q2 2026.

It also aims to begin 50 pilot installations by Q1 2026 across homeowners, utilities and fire agencies, and to expand access to public-sector grant funding and insurance partnerships.

Geoff Bruder, CEO and co-founder of Sonic Fire Tech, said: “Climate conditions have changed, but fire defense has not.

“We aim to advance fire protection with efficient, environmentally responsible solutions for homes and communities, developed with NASA-inspired technologies.

“This funding accelerates our mission.”

Infrasound systems target ignition before flames start

The company’s technology uses low-frequency sound waves, known as infrasound, to prevent ignition and suppress early-stage fire conditions without water, chemicals or physical damage.

According to Sonic Fire Tech, its systems provide silent, instantaneous protection that is safe for people and animals, leaving no toxic residue or PFAS contamination.

Rajesh Swaminathan, partner at Khosla Ventures, said: “Traditional fire suppression tools weren’t built for the wildfire reality we face today.

“Sonic Fire Tech is taking a bold new approach, using sound waves that aim to fight fires more safely and effectively, and may even stop ignition before flames ever start.”

Product range spans residential, portable and industrial use

Sonic Fire Tech said it will offer three core product lines tailored to different users.

The Home Defense System is designed to protect high-risk residential properties.

The Sonic Backpack provides a portable suppression option for wildland firefighters.

The High-Value Asset Protection system will secure critical infrastructure such as data centres, utilities and communication towers through automated ambient fire control.

Bruder added: “There is an urgent need for resilient fire suppression solutions, and we are dedicated to meeting that need.

“Every second is critical, whether protecting residences, critical infrastructure, or first responders in the field.”

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

The development of waterless, chemical-free fire suppression systems has direct relevance for professionals managing wildfire risk, residential protection and critical infrastructure resilience.

Fire protection engineers, utilities, insurers and public safety agencies could use infrasound systems as a supplement or alternative to conventional suppression tools, particularly in high-risk or water-limited areas.

The potential for FM Global and UL certification will also be important for compliance officers and procurement specialists evaluating non-traditional suppression technologies.

For firefighting organisations, the portable Sonic Backpack concept could represent a new tactical option for rapid deployment in the field.