The public safety startup’s AI-powered platform is currently being used in several cities and has received significant growth funding to expand its service nationwide.
Emergency Communication Centers across the country struggle to handle inbound emergency calls, often saddled with non-emergency calls such as parking disputes, noise complaints, or routine questions.
Aurelian, an AI company specializing in public safety technology, addresses this problem with its AI-powered assistant, which automates the management of the majority of non-emergency calls. This system gives dispatchers more time to focus on their priority of urgent situations.
The company has just announced the closing of a $14 million Series A round to expand its AI voice assistant for emergency communications centers (ECCs) nationwide. The round was led by New Enterprise Associates (NEA), with participation from Y Combinator, FUSE, Liquid 2, and Palm Drive Capital.
NEA Partner Mustafa Neemuchwala highlights the problem’s scale and the Aurelian team’s drive:
“911 is in crisis, and Aurelian has stepped in with a solution that works,” said Neemuchwala. “Max, James, and their team have earned the trust of dispatchers and agencies across the U.S. in just one year. We’re proud to support their mission to empower ECCs and keep communities safe.”
This funding round builds on earlier seed investment and accelerates the company’s trajectory as a leading AI startup in public safety technology.
Addressing the 911 Dispatcher Staffing Shortage
Emergency Communication Centers nationwide are under pressure, in large part, due to trained dispatchers often handling non-emergency calls, such as parking disputes, noise complaints, and general inquiries. This strain causes burnout, staffing shortages, and longer wait times for real emergencies.
Aurelian’s AI voice assistant for 911 centers directly addresses this problem. Since its launch in the spring of 2024 the service has been used in several U.S. cities, serving nearly 5 million residents.
Early performance showed that the AI-system is handling approximately 74% of non-emergency calls without dispatcher involvement. Staff are now able to focus on critical tasks. On average, each dispatcher saves three hours daily, reducing stress and turnover.
“Aurelian exists to give 911 operators room to breathe,” said CEO and cofounder Max Keenan. “Our sole mission is to help emergency communications centers serve their communities better. Dispatchers should be handling critical emergencies, not fielding routine parking violations. With AI handling the routine, telecommunicators can stay focused where they’re needed most.”
Aurelian’s AI platform also meets the needs of diverse communities in emergency communications, supporting over 35 languages via voice, SMS, and web chat. Language barriers in both emergency and non-emergency services are more frequently avoided.
This multilingual capacity not only reduces call abandonment and miscommunication but also builds trust with residents who may have felt excluded from vital services.
AI in Public Safety is a Growing Market
Aurelian’s funding comes at a time when cities and counties are increasingly open to adopting AI-driven tools that reduce workloads, streamline communication, and improve outcomes for first responders.
By focusing on automating non-emergency calls, Aurelian has carved out a unique niche in emergency response. Its success highlights the trend of venture capital supporting mission-critical AI beyond consumer applications.
