Road traffic crashes kill about 1.35 million people worldwide each year. Despite more advanced collision warning systems now built into cars, crashes in the U.S. have risen more than 12% since 2011.
Now a Portland startup wants to curb those numbers with new crash-sensing technology.
PreAct raised $1.6 million in a round led by Alpha Bridge that included participation from elev8.vc and Sony’s venture capital arm, Sony Innovation Fund.
Founded in 2018 after spinning out of a defense contractor company called Artis, PreAct’s software uses near-field sensors to help sense a vehicle’s surroundings. The technology was originally developed to protect military vehicles from missiles. It allows cars to adjust suspension and seating positions to better prepare for impact. This video shows the software in action.
The 9-person company sells to automotive safety suppliers; auto manufacturers; auto insurance companies; and more. It also works with self-driving firms. PreAct’s tech will be featured in 2024 and 2025 vehicles.
Total funding is $3.8 million to date. PreAct is led by CEO Paul Drysch, who previously worked at Aeris, Cisco, RideCell, and Civil Maps.
