Flock Safety, the Atlanta-based surveillance tech startup, has just secured a massive $275 million in funding, pushing its valuation to $7.5 billion. This latest round, led by long-time backer Bedrock Capital, comes as Flock continues to expand its suite of AI-powered security products, from automatic license plate recognition (ALPR) systems to gunshot detection technology and even public safety drones.
Founded in 2017 and nurtured through Y Combinator, Flock has seen explosive growth, now boasting over $300 million in annual recurring revenue, a staggering 70% increase year over year. Its impressive financial trajectory has drawn repeat investments from major players like Andreessen Horowitz, Greenoaks, Meritech Capital, Matrix Partners, and Y Combinator. In total, Flock has raised more than $950 million, according to PitchBook data.
A VC Darling with a Side of Controversy
Flock’s rapid rise hasn’t come without scrutiny. As a company specializing in surveillance technology, it has faced ongoing criticism from privacy advocates. The ACLU has voiced concerns over the potential for mass surveillance, urging Flock to allow independent audits of its technology. Meanwhile, residents in Norfolk, Virginia, are actively challenging the company’s deployment in their city, filing lawsuits to halt its implementation.
Adding to the drama, Flock is currently battling a wrongful termination lawsuit filed by a sitting mayor in California, yet another legal headache for the growing company. Despite these issues, Flock has remained a favorite among venture capitalists, with Bedrock’s Geoff Lewis recalling how he once flew to Atlanta in 2018 to convince co-founder Garrett Langley to take a $10 million investment. At the time, Flock had just completed its Series A round, but Lewis saw the potential and insisted on getting in. That gamble has paid off, as Bedrock has since poured over $164 million into the company.
Investors Keep Betting Big on AI-Powered Surveillance
Flock’s ability to secure continuous funding highlights investors’ confidence in AI-driven security solutions. Andreessen Horowitz’s American Dynamism fund, led by David Ulevitch, has been one of Flock’s most vocal supporters, previously stating that the company’s technology isn’t just about property protection; it’s actively saving lives. Similarly, Y Combinator’s Garry Tan has publicly applauded Flock’s reported success in crime reduction.
Despite the ethical and legal challenges, investors continue to double down on Flock, drawn by its soaring revenue and expanding footprint in public safety technology.
