Motorola Solutions’ corporate venturing unit has joined existing investors in backing SST, makers of gunshot locating software ShotSpotter, in its latest venture round worth $12m.
The round saw participation from venture firms Lauder Partners, Levensohn Venture Partners, Claremont Creek Ventures, as well as Motorola’s venture unit Motorola Solutions Venture Capital.
The latest invement brings the total venture funding in the US-based firm to $51.4m. Lauder and Claremont have participated in SST, then ShotSpotter, venture rounds since 2006. During that year, the two were joined by other venture firms RNR Ventures, Labrador Ventures, City Light Capital (CLC), and seed fund Band of Angels in a round worth $9.4m.
In 2007, Calif.-based SST held a series C round worth $12m. Labrador, Claremont, and Lauder joined business network Information City in participation in the round, which was led by Levensohn.
The following year, SST held a series D round that raised $7.4m. Venture firms The Westly Group and Norwest Venture Partners joined Broidy Capital Management and existing investors in the round.
In June 2011, the firm raised a further $7m and received a $3.5m credit facility in an additional venture round joined by existing backers.
Reese Schroeder, managing director of Motorola Solutions Venture Capital, said: “Technology such as SST’s ShotSpotter provides public safety agencies the crucial information they need to efficiently respond to incidents, investigate more effectively and use the data analysis to create improved strategies and deployments. For a technology company dedicated to helping people be their best in the moments that matter, this investment is a natural fit that has the potential to benefit public safety agencies around the world.”
“The negative impact of gun violence continues to challenge far too many communities throughout the world, and law enforcement agencies and city hall leadership are compelled to respond to better protect their communities,” said Ralph A. Clark, president and CEO of SST.
He added: “The gunfire data and analysis provided by SST provides unique and valuable situational intelligence and is a crucial component in helping police and law enforcement be more proactive in addressing gun violence incidents. We’re excited to partner with Motorola Solutions in bringing this technology innovation to more law enforcement agencies and integrating that valuable information into their public safety and NG911 initiatives.”