Welcome back to Found, where we get the stories behind the startups.
This week, Darrell and Becca are joined by Michael Chime, the co-founder and CEO of Prepared, a startup that allows 911 callers to stream video to emergency dispatchers.
A Tragic Inspiration
Michael shared how a nearby tragedy in high school helped inspire the company. "I was in high school when I witnessed a friend’s sibling being hurt in an accident," he explained. "The response time of the first responders was slow, and it took them a while to arrive on the scene. This experience stuck with me, and I realized that there must be a way to improve emergency response times."
From Schools to Emergency Response
Initially, Prepared focused on improving emergency response at schools. However, Michael soon realized that the technology had broader applications. "We saw that our solution could be used in any setting where emergency responders are needed," he said. "So, we expanded our focus to include hospitals, businesses, and even individual homes."
Growing Demand
Since its inception, Prepared has experienced significant growth. "Our user base has increased by 50% every quarter for the past year," Michael stated proudly. "We’ve seen a huge demand from emergency responders who want to leverage video streaming technology to improve response times and accuracy."
Potential Ethics Issues
However, as with any new technology, there are potential ethics issues that Prepared may face down the line. "One of our biggest concerns is data privacy," Michael acknowledged. "We’re working closely with regulatory bodies to ensure that we comply with all relevant laws and regulations regarding data collection and storage."
The Future of Emergency Response
Darrell asked Michael about his vision for the future of emergency response. "Our goal is to make video streaming a standard component of emergency response," he replied. "We envision a world where 911 callers can instantly stream live footage to dispatchers, allowing for faster and more accurate responses."
Challenges Ahead
Despite its progress, Prepared still faces significant challenges. "One of our biggest hurdles is convincing emergency responders that this technology is necessary," Michael explained. "There’s often a lack of trust in new technologies, especially when it comes to something as critical as emergency response."
Lessons Learned
Becca asked Michael about the lessons he’s learned throughout his entrepreneurial journey. "One thing I’ve realized is the importance of perseverance," he said. "Starting a company is never easy, and there will always be setbacks. But if you’re passionate about your vision, you can overcome any obstacle."
Conclusion
In conclusion, Prepared is revolutionizing emergency response with its innovative video streaming technology. As Michael Chime continues to lead the company forward, we can expect to see even more exciting developments in the future.
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About the Hosts
Rebecca Szkutak
Senior Reporter, Venture
Becca is a senior writer at TechCrunch that covers venture capital trends and startups. She previously covered the same beat for Forbes and the Venture Capital Journal.
Darrell Etherington
Editor at Large
Writer covering space, science, and health tech. Formerly covering automotive and mobility tech, and previously an employee of Apple and also of Shopify.
