Sonic Fire Tech, a startup developing a sound-powered fire protection system, has announced it has raised $15 million in a funding round. The investment was led by The O.H.I.O. Fund, with Khosla Ventures also participating. This follows a previous $3.5 million seed round in October.
The Ohio-based company's system uses a sound generator to pump inaudible sound, around 20 Hz infrasonic waves, through PVC pipes. When sensors detect a fire, the system activates, aiming to extinguish flames within seconds without the need for water or chemicals, which can cause significant property damage and cleanup costs.
The newly secured funding will be used to hire additional employees and conduct the necessary tests to gain approval from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Co-founder and CEO Geoff Bruder anticipates that Sonic Fire Tech's approval process could be significantly shorter than the typical three years, partly due to the system not leaving a mess after suppression events.
The technology is being developed for use in commercial buildings, kitchens, and homes, for both new construction and retrofits. Sonic Fire Tech is also exploring applications for lithium-ion battery fires, where it has shown promise in containing them, and for safeguarding the exterior of homes in wildfire-prone areas.