AI firm One Concern predicts natural disasters, secures $20m
Predictive AI firm One Concern has just closed a $20m funding round, backed by New Enterprise Associates (NEA), Geodesic Capital and individuals including former CIA director David Petraeus. Following the announcement, a spokesperson for the company stated this will help "future proof the world". The company uses AI and machine learning to predict a variety of natural disaster impacts. For example, its Seismic Concern team examines earthquake preparedness and response, helping with the efficient dispatch of emergency workers. For now, the company looks at the United States with a focus on LA and San Francisco. 

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One Concern today announced that it has closed a $20 million funding round to “future proof the world,” according to a company spokesperson. The funding will be used for research and development as One Concern expands its use of machine learning to predict and mitigate the impact of natural disasters like fires, floods, and hurricanes after they happen.

Predictive AI from One Concern, called Seismic Concern, currently focuses on earthquake preparedness and response. For example, AI models trained with information about building structural integrity and seismic activity are deployed to help cities know where to dispatch emergency workers after an earthquake. Demographics of people impacted, such as age and economic status, are also provided.

One Concern currently partners with cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco, the company said.

“Our AI-based technology will assign a unique, verified ‘digital fingerprint’ to every natural or manmade element, from the smallest rock to complete structures to mega cities and eventually, the entire planet,” cofounder Ahmad Wani said in a Medium post today. “One Concern will provide insights across the entire time horizon — whether it’s days before a flood, minutes after an earthquake, or forward-looking policy and planning.”

Image Credit: One Concern

The $20 million round was led by New Enterprise Associates (NEA), with participation from Geodesic Capital and individuals like former CIA director David Petraeus and SV Angel founder Ron Conway.

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Advisors contributing to One Concern’s human intelligence to complement AI include Petraeus, OpenGov cofounder Nate Levine, and former Rockefeller Foundation director Judith Rodin. Former FEMA administrator Craig Fugate joined the One Concern team earlier this year.

One Concern was established in 2015. The company has 35 employees and is based in Palo Alto, California.

Clarification: The original version of this story called former FEMA administrator Craig Fugate an advisor to One Concern, however Fugate is a One Concern employee.