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§ Public · Mountain View, CA, USA
Robotics company developing and deploying autonomous security robots (ASRs) with Robotics as a Service for public safety.
Knightscope develops and deploys autonomous security robots (ASRs) equipped with AI and advanced sensors to enhance public safety by reducing crime and providing surveillance, based in Mountain View, California. The company offers its solutions, such as the K5 model, via a subscription-based Robotics as a Service (RaaS) model, supporting remote management through platforms like Knightscope+. Knightscope has raised over $100 million in total funding and became publicly traded on NASDAQ under the ticker KSCP on January 27, 2022. Key figures include co-founders William Santana Li (Chairman, CEO), Stacy Dean Stephens, Mercedes Soria (EVP and CISO), and Apoorv Dwivedi (EVP and CFO). The company was founded on April 4, 2013, by William Santana Li, Stacy Dean Stephens, and Mercedes Soria. Its business model centers on primarily through subscription-based Robotics as a Service for recurring revenue, supplemented by equity funding and public market access after NASDAQ listing.
Knightscope has raised $32.5M across 5 funding rounds.
Knightscope has raised $32.5M in total across 5 funding rounds.
Knightscope has raised $32.5M in total across 5 funding rounds.
Knightscope's investors include Matt Trotter, Bright Success Capital, Konica Minolta, Lior Susan, Ekta Sahasi, NTT DOCOMO Ventures, Coral (Coral Defi).
Knightscope, Inc. (NASDAQ: KSCP) is a Silicon Valley-based technology company that designs, builds, and deploys Autonomous Security Robots (ASRs) combining self-driving technology, robotics, artificial intelligence, and electric vehicles to provide 24/7 security monitoring.[1][3] These robots serve public institutions, commercial businesses including Fortune 1000 companies, hospitals, logistics facilities, manufacturing plants, schools, airports, casinos, and more, solving the problem of costly, inconsistent human-led security by offering a cost-effective, force-multiplying alternative that deters crime, collects real-time data, and aids law enforcement.[1][2][3] The company's subscription-based "Machine-as-a-Service" model delivers recurring revenue through bundled hardware, software, remote monitoring via the Knightscope Security Operations Center (KSOC), and human support, with over $30 million in lifetime revenue and 3 million+ hours of deployment across 13+ verticals.[3]
Knightscope's growth momentum includes proven real-world impact—ASRs have assisted in arrests for crimes like armed robbery and hit-and-runs, prevented fires via thermal scanning, and secured contracts with the US Air Force, Veterans Affairs, Verizon, and law enforcement agencies—positioning it to disrupt the $500 billion security industry.[1][6]
Knightscope was founded on April 4, 2013, in direct response to high-profile tragedies including the Sandy Hook shootings, Boston bombings, and 9/11 attacks, with founders including former executives from GE, Honeywell, and Dell driven by a patriotic mission to enhance public safety and make the US the safest country in the world.[4][6][8] The idea emerged from recognizing gaps in traditional security, leading to a pivotal pivot toward developing ASRs as advanced, autonomous alternatives to human guards.[2] Early traction came from in-house robot development, adoption of a subscription model (Knightscope+), and deployments proving efficacy, such as integrating with existing security systems and generating actionable intelligence for officers.[2][3]
Knightscope stands out in the security tech space through these key strengths:
Knightscope rides the wave of AI, robotics, and IoT convergence in public safety, addressing a $40+ billion recurring US opportunity amid rising crime, labor shortages for security personnel (2+ million professionals), and demand for proactive, data-driven solutions over reactive measures.[1][3] Timing aligns with post-pandemic security needs in high-risk venues and federal interest, evidenced by US government contracts and partnerships.[6] Market forces like advancements in autonomous tech (self-driving, thermal/LiDAR sensors) and subscription economics favor Knightscope, enabling scalability across verticals while complementing—not replacing—human guards.[2][3] It influences the ecosystem by pioneering "Physical AI," setting standards for integrated human-machine security and inspiring similar innovations in a $230–500 billion industry.[1][5][6]
Knightscope is poised to scale its Autonomous Security Force vision, fully integrating K5/K7 robots, next-gen K1 Signals, enhanced RTX monitoring, and potential acquisitions for a one-provider architecture emphasizing recurring, multi-year deals.[5] Trends like AI proliferation, federal security investments, and urban crime pressures will propel growth, with buy ratings from analysts underscoring momentum.[3][6] Its influence may evolve from niche deployments to ecosystem leader, redefining public safety as hardware-software-human synergy—ultimately advancing the bold mission to make America safest, one patrol at a time.[1][4]
Knightscope has raised $32.5M across 5 funding rounds. Most recently, it raised $3.5M Debt in June 2018.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 6, 2018 | $3.5M Debt Financing | Matt Trotter | — | Announced |
| Jan 23, 2018 | $20M Series A | — | Bright Success Capital, Konica Minolta | Announced |
| Jun 10, 2017 | $3M Series J | Konica Minolta | — | Announced |
| Dec 1, 2014 | $4M Series A | — | Lior Susan, Ekta Sahasi, NTT DOCOMO Ventures | Announced |
| Apr 1, 2014 | $2M Seed | NTT DOCOMO Ventures | Coral (coral Defi) | Announced |