UpStart Weekly Rundown - September 30, 2024

Prepared to Save the Day: AI-Enhanced 911 Dispatch Tech Secures $27M

"Prepared" is calling in the big guns! With $27M fresh from a Series B led by Andreessen Horowitz, this NYC-based startup is revolutionizing how emergency calls are handled. Their AI-driven 911 platform, Prepared Assist, allows dispatchers to text, video chat, and share live media with callers—basically turning frantic 911 calls into a multimedia hub of helpful information. Now partnered with nearly 1,000 agencies and covering one-third of the U.S., Prepared is dialing up innovation by integrating real-time video streaming with iPhones, making it easier for dispatchers to guide first responders. With this new funding, expect more tech-assisted 911 calls, and hopefully fewer reasons to dial.

Bot Auto Grabs $20M to Keep the Driverless Revolution Rolling

Bot Auto just fueled up with $20M in Pre-A funding to turbocharge its autonomous trucking fleet. Backed by global investors like Brightway and Cherubic Ventures, the Houston-based startup is steering middle-mile logistics into a driverless future. With AI-powered trucks that aim to deliver both safety and efficiency, Bot Auto is driving past the competition. Led by Dr. Xiaodi Hou, the company is using this fresh capital to fast-track its tech development—because why settle for drivers when robots can take the wheel?

HungryPanda Gobbles Up $55M to Feed the Global Appetite for Asian Cuisine

HungryPanda, a food delivery platform tailored for the Asian diaspora, just snagged a tasty $55M in funding to fuel its expansion. Known for delivering authentic Asian food and groceries with payment options like Alipay and WeChat, HungryPanda is conquering global markets with speedy service. Whether it's boba tea or Beijing-style braised chicken, they're serving up everything with lightning-fast delivery times and a focus on overseas Chinese communities who crave a taste of home. Bon appétit!

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