By Solving Urban Safety Challenges
In 2019, Erick Coser and Otávio Costa Miranda returned to Brazil with a mission to tackle a significant yet unresolved issue prevalent across Latin America. Drawing on their backgrounds in developing companies to address urban problems, they recognized a pressing concern regarding safety and the dissemination of information. Costa Miranda highlighted the discrepancy between the high adoption of private CCTV systems by Brazilian citizens and the low density of surveillance cameras in urban areas, particularly in cities like São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. While major cities in other regions boast a higher number of cameras per capita, Latin American cities lag behind, resulting in decentralized surveillance networks compromised by outdated equipment inaccessible to law enforcement agencies.
The Birth of Gabriel
Inspired by the European model of urban surveillance, Coser and Costa Miranda founded Gabriel in 2020 to revolutionize public safety initiatives across Latin America. The company’s vision revolves around integrating smart cameras and computer vision technology into routine police operations to address security challenges effectively. Central to Gabriel’s approach is the deployment of proprietary smart cameras, known as “Chameleons,” strategically positioned in homes and businesses of subscribers to monitor public spaces. By extracting data from images captured by these cameras, Gabriel provides law enforcement authorities with valuable insights to enhance crime prevention and resolution efforts.
Establishing Urban Intelligence Infrastructure
Gabriel aims to establish itself as the leading provider of urban intelligence infrastructure in Latin America. With an extensive network of smart cameras deployed in key urban centers like Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, the company has significantly bolstered surveillance capabilities. The deployment of thousands of smart cameras has led to tangible results, with law enforcement agencies reporting a five-fold increase in crime detection rates over the past year. Moreover, Gabriel has transitioned from a negative gross margin business to one with margins resembling Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) models, indicating sustainable growth and financial stability.
Fueling Growth with New Funding
To fuel its expansion and technological advancements, Gabriel announced a $7 million funding round co-led by Qualcomm Ventures and Astella, with participation from existing investors such as SoftBank, Canary, LTS, Globo Ventures, Norte, and Endeavor. The infusion of capital will enable Gabriel to further develop its technology infrastructure, allowing security stakeholders and government agencies to leverage the platform independently. Coser emphasized the company’s commitment to enhancing safety across Latin America, outlining plans to fortify its presence in São Paulo while laying the groundwork for expansion into new cities by 2025.
Pioneering Safety Initiatives
Gabriel’s innovative approach to urban safety represents a pivotal step towards creating safer neighborhoods and cities across Latin America. By harnessing the power of technology and collaboration with law enforcement agencies, the company is poised to make significant strides in crime prevention and detection. As Gabriel continues to evolve its solutions and expand its reach, it reinforces its commitment to building resilient communities and fostering a safer future for all residents.
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